We spoke to Emma Oldham, leading Conservation Biologist and Nature Campaigner, one of the ENDS Report top 50 Political Changemakers and author of the newly released children’s book, “The Whale Who Disappeared,” a captivating tale that empowers a new generation of young environmentalists to become champions for our oceans and planet.
What inspired you to write “The Whale Who Disappeared,” and what has been the response?
The inspiration for “The Whale Who Disappeared” came during the challenging early days of caring for my newborn twins. One night, a tweet struck me deeply: it depicted a solitary blue dot, symbolising a whale, surrounded by orange dots representing boat traffic. This image highlighted the whale’s struggle against noise pollution and vessel disruption, leading to its tragic demise. This vivid scene stayed with me, motivating me to write a story that would raise awareness about the threats to our natural world.
Years later, the memory of that tweet and a desire to change the fate of such whales inspired me to revisit the idea. The story flowed effortlessly, incorporating my eldest daughter Arry’s positive attitude and the impactful work of the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST). The response has been heartwarming, with children feeling empowered to help the planet and parents moved to tears by the story.
What lessons do you want parents and children to take from the book?
I want to instil a sense of hope and the belief that even the youngest among us can make a significant difference in preserving our natural world. The protagonist, Arry, demonstrates the power of individual action and shows how even a young child can lead a movement and drive change. I hope it inspires parents to encourage their children to believe in their ability to influence their surroundings and support their initiatives, no matter how small they may seem.
I also wanted to address eco-anxiety by helping children transform their negative emotions into positive actions. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by environmental issues, children can channel their concerns into powerful motivators for change. By introducing the concept of rewilding, I wanted to showcase the transformative power of nature restoration and encourage the next generation to become passionate advocates for our planet’s health.
Why is it important for young people and children to care about wildlife and nature conservation?
Children are naturally fascinated by the natural world, from making mud pies to blowing dandelions. The key is to keep this passion and awe alive. Filling children’s bookshelves, films, and headphones with positive and inspiring nature influences is crucial for nurturing healthy behaviours and connectedness. By instilling respect, responsibility, and a sense of wonder towards the natural world, we can ensure future generations are motivated to protect and preserve the environment and find solutions to the challenges they will face.
Nature and wildlife also inspire creativity. Stories, art, and other forms of creative expression often draw from the natural world. Encouraging children to explore and appreciate nature can fuel their imagination and creativity, enriching their lives and contributing to cultural heritage.
What are your top tips for parents to encourage a love of nature and wildlife conservation in children?
Children look to their parents and guardians to model behaviours. Be the change you want them to be. Pick up litter on the school run, open the windows early to let them wake to bird songs, and let them have outdoor playdates to climb trees and let their imaginations run wild. The more you immerse yourself in nature together as a family, the more it will become part of their future. Seeing your passion and enthusiasm and passing on your knowledge is one of the greatest ways to keep their love of nature alive.
You were recently included in the ENDS Report top 50 Political Changemakers. Can you explain more about this and your work in politics and conservation?
As the Portfolio Holder for Biodiversity and Environmental Services at Newark and Sherwood District Council, I focus on protecting and enhancing our district’s biodiversity and deepening community engagement with our green spaces and wildlife. One of my proudest accomplishments was passing a ‘Motion for the Ocean’ policy at full council, aiming to protect our waterways. I’ve also established a biodiversity focus group and have supported projects like community orchards, river restoration, and mass tree planting. My passion for connecting youth with wildlife has also led to donating bird boxes to primary schools in the district and partnering with Newark College to engage students in designing and creating bat boxes.
