Scott’s forgotten legacy?
WWT Inspiring Generations appeal video
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre - Inspiring generations to come.
Captain Scott is remembered for his incredible bravery, fortitude and self-belief, and his Antarctic expeditions and research findings inspired people across the world. But possibly Scott’s most influential deed took place inside a tent, in minus seventy degrees. On March 29th 1912, Scott wrote his last words from Antarctica. In a simple letter to his wife in his dying moments, he wrote “I am anxious for you and the boy’s future – make the boy interested in natural history if you can, it is better than games, they encourage at some schools – I know you will keep him out in the open air…”
The ‘boy’ he refers to was 2 years old at the time, but went on to become Sir Peter Scott. Those simple words inspired Peter to found WWT, set up ground-breaking conservation projects, and launch natural history broadcasting, and bring his vision of WWT Castle Espie to reality - a wetland wildlife centre that would inspire people across Northern Ireland with a passion for nature. Through this work, he has inspired millions of people, including Sir David Attenborough with a passion for the natural world.
Today WWT Castle Espie wants history to repeat itself, again. So, with the help of the Scott grandchildren – Falcon, Dafila and Nicola – WWT are launching the Inspiring Generations initiative.
The inspiring generations initiative consists of 2 things:
1) The Scott 100 Letters Campaign - we want to ensure we can continue the Scott legacy into the next 100 years.
2) The Inspiring Generations Appeal- creating opportunities for all children to get outdoors, particularly those disadvantaged children least likely to get the chance.
100 Letters Campaign
- We’re inviting the public to suggest someone they would like to write a letter to, with a request to do something specific that will help inspire future generations with an interest in wildlife, wetlands, and to explore the natural world. These letters can be to anyone, a mother, father, grandchild, politician, someone famous perhaps?
- It’s a competition, and a panel of esteemed judges will choose 100 of the most inspired letters in the Autumn, when modern day journeys to Antarctica begin for the year.
- Then we’ll send the real letters to the chosen recipients - posted from Antarctica, bearing the signature of the Scott grandchildren.
- The letter voted the most inspirational by our judging panel, will win a luxury family holiday at Sani Resort in Greece, plus other prizes.
- Visit www.scott100letters.org where you can post your letter suggestion and who you would choose to send it to. Or see and comment on other suggestions.
Inspiring Generations Fundraising Appeal
- WWT, in addition to its inspiring work conserving wetlands for wildlife and people, is also rising to the challenge in the spirit of its founder, Peter Scott and his father, Captain Robert Falcon Scott.
- We are launching a new appeal to raise funds so that underprivileged school children throughout Northern Ireland can visit WWT Castle Espie, and be inspired by the natural world. Teachers, parents, and the children that visit our centres, and spend a day with wardens and other experts out in the field, continually tell us that eve
