David Attenborough surprises pupils at Swanmore primary school with a hand written note

Children from Swanmore Church of England Primary School are overjoyed at a welcome letter from Sir David Attenborough, who sent them a letter detailing what his favourite nocturnal animal is.

Year 1 pupils wrote to several naturalists as part of last term's project on night animals. One of those to be sent a letter was Sir David, and the children were delighted that a few weeks later a handwritten note came back to them.

They had been learning about nocturnal animals in their English classes and as part of the project, the children were encouraged to write letters to different naturalists in order to apply their studies to real life.

The famous broadcaster revealed his favourite nocturnal animal is a bat.

Swanmore Primary School’s headteacher, John Paterson, said: ‘At the end of their project, they all wrote to three famous naturalists and they were interested in what their favourite nocturnal animals are. Then David Attenborough sent that note back and they are obviously really excited.

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‘I think for young children, it also shows that the people who they see on the television can still be communicated with in an appropriate way, so it is a really nice thing.

‘It is that personal touch that has meant a lot to the staff and I am sure he has personal assistants who could write anything down so to actually know that he has taken the time to respond in that way makes it all the more special.’

Sir David is one of the most famous naturalists in the world, and he is known for his programmes on the natural environment which include Our Planet, Frozen Planet and a Planet Earth.

His full letter said: ‘Dear children of Year 1, thank you for your letter – my favourite nocturnal animal is a bat. Best wishes, David Attenborough.’

Mr Paterson added: ‘One of the things we try and do is to teach the children things that can be put into context and can be seen in real life. It means more for the children and it reminds them of the work they’ve been doing.’