Went walking with Reiner Rehwinkle and some colleagues in protected parklands close to home. As Reiner poured water on this tiny fragment of crustiose lichen, we watched it soften, expand and enliven in his hand and the eyes of the artists lit up. It was like a parable for good questions. Good questions poured upon a dry subject bring it to life and quickly inspire the imagination. I have lately been deeply unsettled by meetings with so many elderly volunteers in scientific, artistic and conservation circles. After a lifetime acquiring expertise in their field, they are obliged to haul their knowledge about until death do them part. Where are all the apprentices? Where are the younger bodies to carry on the work? What is happening to imagination and inspiration and even that good old fashioned sense of duty?