Why is Nature worth appreciating?

I've always believed that every single person on Planet Earth must have some kind of interest in the Natural World. Whether its a love of the cute and cuddly, or a fascination with the barbarity of predator-prey relationships, some form of excitement in this subject must be present in every human being. I sincerely hope my personal belief is true, as an appreciation of nature by people is one of the main forces that allow it to be protected.

If a person walks through a nature reserve everyday to get to work, and during the journey admires the birds and insect life, enjoys the colours and smells of the wild flowers, and really notices the thriving wildlife within the area, she/he will likely be horrified if talk of tarmacking over it is discussed by the local council. Whereas, if someone else walks through this same nature reserve to get to work with his/her headphones on, while paying very little attention to the surroundings, talk of tarmacking over the reserve will likely not faze this person at all.

 Greater appreciation of nature by the public is a necessary conservation tactic, as the more people learn to love wildlife, the more likely they are to make a fuss if it is not treated with respect, whether in terms of protecting wildlife reserves, or if a politician decides the Natural World is not a high priority. 

For example in London not long ago, Mayor Boris Johnson (left) proposed a plan to build an airport on a large nature reserve (Isle of Grain-Thames Estuary) that supports thousands of migrating birds, as well as a range of other wildlife. Luckily due to many rejections of the idea, the majority of which coming from wildlife activists and conservation organisation such as the RSPB, this idea has so far been scrapped, and the nature reserve remains today vibrant and biodiverse.

Although an appreciation of nature is vital to its ultimate protection, it is also important for the health and happiness of human beings. The natural World is undeniably beautiful and exciting, and provides million with incredible spectacles (the exuberant starling murmuration springs to my mind). It allows city folk to escape their urban environments and to catch a glimpse of the real world, it educates the young and old on the strange behaviours of other life forms,  and it generallymakes life more interesting.

A true passion for the Natural World is not found in everyone however, and many prefer to sit in front of their laptop than in front of a badger sett. 

But an effective way to create a future world where more people love and enjoy nature is to introduce it to young children. So if you have children, please give them books about birds and bugs and other life forms. Take them to the park to feed the ducks, and to the woods to look for fungi. And if you are a primary school teacher, create a nature table for the kids to look at, and teach them about ecology and the art of bird watching. This is important as if more children develop a love for the Natural World, future adults will be more inclined to protect and respect it.

-Thomas Glen

Facebook.com/goodnaturepage