Purple and orange Common starfish on coral underwater

Starfish story

Read or watch this short story and use our 10-minute reflective activity to explore how you can make a difference to the environment.

    Before you begin

    You will need:

    You don't need anything specific for this activity, but you may want to record your ideas. In which case, grab a pencil and paper, a laptop or your phone.

    Time taken:

    You'll need five to 15 minutes to read the story and complete the activity, depending on how long you want to spend reflecting and constructing your ideas.

    A purple bloody henry starfish in a kelp forest at Lamorna, Cornwall

    A bloody henry starfish in a kelp forest at Lamorna, Cornwall  |  Image credit: Heather Hamilton

    The activity

    Starfish story

    A great storm had caused thousands of starfish to become stranded along a beach. The tide was going out and they didn’t have long before being baked by the sun. A little boy was picking them up, one at a time, and throwing them back to the sea, when he was approached by a man.

    The man said to the boy “why are you doing this? There are thousands of starfish – you’re never going to be able to save them all. There’s no point, you won’t make a difference.”.

    So the little boy paused for a moment in thought, before picking up another starfish and hurling it into the sea.

    The little boy looked up at the old man and said, “I made a difference for that one.”

    Once you've read or watched the starfish story, complete the activity below:

    Starfish story activity
    2 children engaging in an educational coastal activity known as rock pooling. The gil has a yellow bucket next to her.

    A boy and a girl checking out a rock pool  |  Image credit: Air Images

    This project is funded by the Government's Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission.

    Green Recovery Challenge Fund

    Co-funded by the European Union.

    Other mindfulness resources

    Eco-anxiety resources

    Do you feel worry or concern for the environment? These tools are designed to support you through experiences of eco-anxiety.
    A silhouette of a lone fisherman under a pier.

    Get support

    Ffind links to organisations that may be able to offer further support to those affected by eco-anxiety, and opportunities to connect with like-minded people.

    Watch our mindful ocean playlist

    If you’re in need of a few minutes of calm, watch our soothing ocean playlist and let the relaxing sounds and imagery ease your mind and quiet your mind.