We looked at each other, gobsmacked by what we were hearing. We’d finished a walk along Dartmoor’s coast and were admiring the view (see photo). A young woman with a Dartmoor Park questionnaire approached us, to ask about our experience. Wonderful, we replied, repeatedly. Then we asked her about herself. She’d studied environmental science, focusing on a rare Dartmoor butterfly. This was a summer job, while she prepared her venture. Which was to bring the wonders of Dartmoor’s flora and fauna to more people, more deeply. Company set up. Website built. She’d started leading small parties for day trips. Next: 3-day camping trips. School visits. Foraging classes. Bird watching. Rare plants. The light was in her eyes. We would’ve signed up right then if we weren’t on a schedule.

She had a vision. And had identified – and was executing – the steps to make it happen. Talked about her for days.