Children set off on the Great Plant Hunt

Sir David Attenborough tells children from St Jude's CE primary school in south London about Charles Darwin and his discoveries Photograph: Tim Ireland/Press Association

Attenborough and the children at St Jude's spot early signs of spring in the school garden Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

One of the treasure chests being sent to all primary schools in the UK to encourage children to explore the natural world Photograph: A McRobb/PR

Children are asked to draw plants to help them focus on details Photograph: A McRobb/Guardian

They will learn to identify common flowers. A sunflower is always a popular choice Photograph: Murdo Macleod/Guardian

And they will learn about such natural wonders as how flowers are pollinated Photograph: Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images

Children will hunt for seeds, and send their specimens to scientists at Kew's Millennium Seed Bank project Photograph: PR

Attenborough told the children at St Jude's that they will be the 'Charles Darwins of the 21st century' Photograph: A McRobb/Guardian

If this Sharples painting is to be believed, Darwin was already a keen naturalist by primary-school age. He is pictured, aged six, at home with his sister Catherine at Down House in Kent Photograph: English Heritage/Other

And judging by her smile, the Great Plant Hunt may be the start of another enthusiast's botanical career Photograph: A McRobb/Guardian