Forgotten Beauty

On a visit to England in the summer of 2017, I was given the opportunity to visit the home of Clive Staples Lewis, one of my favorite authors. Surrounding his home, there is a substantial section of forest that was part of his property when he was alive. I was told that an organization is currently attempting to acquire this land with the goal of building a large apartment complex there. The historical significance of the land is certainly one thing, but in addition, I was concerned for the wildlife upon hearing this. Many say that those woods, with their muddy forest floor, unkempt pond, and fungi growing everywhere, are not beautiful. But I would disagree, for I think that all nature is beautiful. And, it acts as a home to many creatures. I find it saddening that the animals and plant life of that land may very well end up driven out to make way for something that could easily be placed in a more barren area. I remember being struck in that moment by just how many people have forgotten nature. Its muddy, dirty, and overall wild essence are what make it beautiful. It was our home before anything else was, and it is a great gift and a great responsibility. We must take great care to not completely bury it under something of our own making.