Local storyteller Kate Claxton and comedian and writer Ivo Graham have spent time in classrooms to inspire children through the life and legacy of one of Britain's most beloved figures.
Running across last week, the visits are part of a wider community initiative called Attenborough Week.
The visits to The Croft, Rodbourne Cheney, Gorse Hill and Drove Primary Schools, gave children the chance to explore their love of animals and the natural world, share their favourite creatures, and reflect on what the natural environment means to them locally.
Each session culminated in the children making birthday cards for Sir David using seeded paper, and the seeds will be planted at TWIGS community gardens in Cheney Manor, with a commemorative planter being unveiled at their Summer Open Day on 21st June.
This in turn will give the children's work a life beyond the classroom as the paper grows into flowers to attract pollinators and minibeasts.
Kate Claxton children's books including Searching For A Roarer and My Mum's A Tiger, which weave themes of animals and wildness throughout, and Ivo Graham is a nationally touring stand-up comedian with strong Swindon roots.
They both have longstanding connections to The White Horse Federation schools and were welcomed back for this special occasion.
Kate Claxton said: "Sir David Attenborough is surely our greatest storyteller, and to be able to share his legacy and our own experiences of storytelling with the children was such a gift! The classrooms were buzzing with poetry, art, humour and heart and we hope that the children left those sessions ready to speak up about the things they care about too. The fact that their creativity will continue to bloom and benefit our planet is really special. I feel so proud that we can give our communities experiences like this and hope there's much more to come.”
Simon Cowley, Director of Education at The White Horse Federation, said: "We're really pleased that our pupils have had the chance to take part in these celebrations and be inspired by such talented local artists.
“David Attenborough has spent a lifetime encouraging all of us to look more closely at the natural world around us, and it's been wonderful to see our children engage with that message and to express it so creatively.
“The fact the children’s cards will go back into supporting wildlife in our local area is a perfect reflection of what Sir David stands for."
Kate and Ivo conceived Attenborough Week through a shared passion for the naturalist and broadcaster, and a desire to create events in Swindon that celebrate inspiring figures and spark meaningful conversations with young people.
Both parents of seven-year-olds, they brought enthusiasm and warmth to the sessions, encouraging children to think not just about Attenborough's legacy, but about how they too can play a part in protecting the natural world.
