Scott’s forgotten legacy that goes on inspiring generations
The grandchildren of Polar explorer Captain Falcon Scott today marked the 100th anniversary of his death with an appeal for today’s heroes to inspire future generations.
On 29 March 1912, Captain Scott wrote to his wife as he lay dying in a tent in Antarctica: “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.”
That letter inspired his son Sir Peter Scott, founder of WWT, to spearhead the modern conservation movement, pioneer natural history broadcasting and to inspire a generation, including Sir David Attenborough, with a passion for the natural world.
To amplify the effect of that one letter, the Scott family and WWT are launching Scott 100 Letters, part of the ‘Inspiring Generations’ initiative.
We’re inviting the public to visit the Scott 100 Letters website to suggest someone they would like to write a letter to, and to say what they would ask them to do that will help inspire future generations with an interest in wildlife, wetlands and the natural world.
There’ll be a competition to find the most inspiring letter, with the chance to win a luxury family holiday at Sani Resort in Greece.
These letters can be to anyone, a mother, father, grandchild, politician, or public figure, each one asking them to use their strengths to inspire others in natural history. The 100 chosen recipients of the most inspiring letter suggestions will receive that letter from Captain Scott’s grandchildren posted from Antarctica.
Captain Scott’s granddaughter Dafila said:
“As history shows, my grandmother certainly did manage to interest my father in nature. He inspired thousands during his lifetime and the legacy he left continues his work.
“He was early to realise that the world around us isn’t robust and that we could lose the wildlife that he loved so much simply through our own ignorance. He was determined to do something about it but he knew that alone he could not achieve very much.”
WWT Chief Executive Martin Spray said:
“As a child both Scotts, father and son, were heroes of mine. It is incredible to consider the power wielded by those few words – make the boy interested in natural history.
“In our world of non-stop tweets and emails, letter writing remains a very persuasive medium. Now, more than ever, we need to follow Scott’s example to inspire the next generation.”
Captain Scott’s grandson Falcon said:
“My grandfather’s visit to Antarctica a hundred years ago was pretty inspirational. But one of his most influential deeds took place inside a tent – although it was minus seventy degrees outside. That simple letter he wrote to my grandmother in his dying moments inspired my father to found WWT.
"Today, I want history to repeat itself, which is why we are launching the Inspiring Generations Scott 100 Letters and fundraising appeal. It would be great if everyone could do their bit to inspire others to share their love of the natural world.”
Supporters can also donate to Inspiring Generations via the website.
All money raised will help children that otherwise wouldn’t have the chance, to spend a day with nature. 2.2 million school children have spent a day at a WWT Wetland Centre since Peter Scott established the first.
Inspiring Generations hopes to ensure that privilege is extended to all.
