Life on Earth

8th May 2026

I hope that the four-day week (for most) has suited you. It has felt a little discombobulating. No doubt we’ve all been heading somewhere thinking it’s a Tuesday, when it’s really Wednesday.

Despite the shortened week we’ve been at it. Exams have started and are ratcheting up, day by day. The final preparations have been completed ready for next week’s SATs. It’s that very intense period, where some of our charges may wobble somewhat. We stay calm and remember that they are children and it’s incredibly stressful for them all in various ways. Whatever the situation we remain the adults and model the behaviours we want them to exhibit.

I wouldn’t usually want to discuss a public figure – it’s too fraught with difficulties. I might upset the subject or might polarise you all. Many of our public figures are divisive, especially in these more fractious times. This week, though, many of us will stand as one and reflect upon and mark the life of Sir David Attenborough. There are few public figures who garner so much respect, admiration and even love.  We doff our caps, raise glass and say happy 100th birthday to Sir David.

David Attenborough has been an ever present in many of our lives. I am an older chap yet I cannot remember a time when he wasn’t a significant public figure and broadcaster. I do remember my whole family sitting down, with some enthusiasm, to watch the iconic Life on Earth series, as it was first aired. It might just go down as one of the greatest British televisual experiences. It was expensive and expansive. It took the viewer to places we’d never seen before – remember that the world was so much smaller in the 1970’s. It remains the highwater mark of what the BBC does brilliantly well – public service broadcasting at its best. As Lord Reith said: Inform, Educate, Entertain.

Nb when it’s gone it’s gone, be careful they are after the BBC!

But Life on Earth and the innumerable other brilliant series and programmes made by Sir David are not the reason why he is revered. It’s my contention that it is the consistency of the messages that he delivers and the manner of that delivery.

He is clear that he will only deal in fact and evidence, often going to see for himself, to find a truth, rather than a conveniently popular message. He has discussed our global, regional, national and locally environmental and ecological challenges with a clarity and consistency over six decades. He hasn’t wavered or bent to the garner favour or popularity. Loud media and political voices come and go. In the face of that Sir David has spoken the truth unto power. He’s been an advocate for intelligence, sensitivity and preserving what we have for our children and the generations to come.

More than the content of the message, Sir David has understood that it is the manner of delivery and how one communicates, that makes for an impact. We all know he has a treacle laden voice, which can make for a very soporific watch. Importantly, though, it’s the tone. There are no raised voices or aggressive polemics. He has a calm, factual and thoughtful delivery. Each word is carefully chosen. Each sentiment is thought through. Each position is carefully researched. All public utterances, be those through his presenting or narration, or through his more personal pronouncements, are delivered with warmth, care and charm. He doesn’t find the need to fight or create rage.

In these more intemperate times, the quiet and thoughtful charm of Sir David is a tonic. It is understandable that he is so revered. There are other public figures who might want to learn something from the master.

‘If children grow up not knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it, and if they don’t understand it, they won’t protect it, and if they don’t protect it.’ Sir David Attenborough