A clutch of people stand out from our herd of humanity, in every era in history, raised up by their talents. Our world is a little brighter because of them, even if we don't know their names.

John Donne once described the elephant as "nature's great masterpiece" and who would deny it is an inspired feature of our natural landscape. Rising a giant head and shoulders above other species, the Asian elephant makes life a little happier for the smaller wildlife around it. Just leaving one of its enormous footprints in the forest mud provides an invaluable water pool for many of these other animals.

The world seems a little hushed today and many people are in the park plugged in to their ipods - how many of you are listening to Pavarotti's voice? 

As you listen, in the glorious sunshine, perhaps you will see our willow herd and also give a thought to the silent hero in the forests of India, another masterpiece in nature.

Today my song is an aria: "Nessun Dorma" ("none shall sleep"), as sung by the maestro himself.