Inspiration can be found anywhere, from all corners of our lives, and for me, much of it comes from the natural world.
Unsurprisingly, and like many, I am a lifelong admirer of the work of Sir David Attenborough. His passion for the natural world, the flora and fauna, and his activism in protecting its beauty.
So imagine my joy (understatement!) when it was announced that the guest of honour for the Landscape Institute Awards 2019, would be Sir David Attenborough. I wanted to run up and down the streets and broadcast it to all and sundry.
I was fortunate to be invited to the Awards by the LI’s current President, Adam White, whom I’ve come to consider a friend having met him through industry events. I had accepted the invitation before it was announced who the special guest would be. On hearing the news, I joked with friends about dressing as a penguin or practising my bread roll throwing skills, in the hope of maybe, just maybe, being spotted by this childhood idol of mine. It is rare that a childhood idol becomes one’s adult idol. Rare he is. I hope he realises just how special he is and to so many of us. I was just honoured to be in the same room as this mighty man.
A moment of sheer amazement, a ‘pinch me out of body experience’ when I was introduced and invited to chat with Sir David. Somehow I saw myself shaking his hand. It was a moment of sheer overload; my system could not compute. A huge adrenaline rush mixed with an overwhelming fear of not measuring up... to both of us not measuring up. He, because they say you should never meet your idol. Me, well, that’s easy… little me… how does one converse with such a being? I felt like a fraud. He, a demigod. A national, international treasure. I remember being introduced by Adam, who seemed to know my CV better than I did. I drew a blank. I managed to get the words ‘honoured’ out. Then Sir David smiled. That warmth. That charming, disarming manner that he has. Add ‘humbled’ to the word honoured. I somehow found myself being able to string words together and they somehow made sentences. We discussed the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Forest and other places in North East Queensland, Australia. A part of the world very close to my heart. It turns out they are to Sir David as well. I was at first thrown when Sir David commented on the style of the dress I was wearing,,, without saying too much, we talked fashion! The rest of the conversation and the memories of that twinkle in his eyes, the shared laughter, and embarrassment on my part will remain treasured memories… part of a private conversation among those present. A priceless moment in my life. A special thank you to those who took a photo of us all as I would not have dared.
I watched and listened as he delivered his speech - it was hard not to be moved - not through the television or recording but there in front of me. He spoke of the climate crisis and biodiversity. His speech was met with a standing ovation. He being on the stage is in itself a standing ovation. We salute you Sir David. Thank you for being you.
Here’s to you Sir David. Here’s to every single one of us learning from your lessons and experiences. Here’s to reducing waste. Here’s to us looking after the most important resource we have.
My gratitude.