Drawing attention to the ‘green side of life’

The notion of plant-blindness, the inability of humans to notice plants in their environment, has been much examined. Similarly, plant scientists have criticised the seemingly zoocentric focus of a biological education, which appears to neglect plants. Furthermore, there are stark contrasts between the active plant behaviours evidenced in current research journals and their seemingly lacklustre counterparts in school curricula. By utilising a body of relevant literature and drawing on empirical data sets, the authors consider the ways in which affective experiences, through personal encounters, observations and guided explorations, can enhance students’ attention to the ‘green side of life’.