
Celebrating Sir David Attenborough's Rothschild medal. Image by Broni-Lloyd Edwards.
Celebrating Sir David Attenborough's Rothschild medal. Image by Broni-Lloyd Edwards.
Sir David Attenborough has been awarded the Rothschild medal in recognition of the extraordinary inspiration, leadership and support he has given to The Wildlife Trusts federation of charities over the past 60 years.
The medal was awarded at a small celebration at London Wildlife Trust’s Crane Park Island Nature Reserve this morning. It was given to Sir David by Charlotte Lane, grand-daughter of the Honourable Charles Rothschild and daughter of Dame Miriam Rothschild, pioneering conservationists in whose name the medal was created.
Charles Rothschild founded the Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves which would later become The Wildlife Trusts. He was ahead of his time in recognising the need to protect natural habitats in order to save the wildlife that lived there. His daughter, Miriam, was a visionary scientist who dedicated her life to the natural world.
Sir David Attenborough credits Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust’s Tilton Cutting Nature Reserve with giving him his love of the natural world and since then, Sir David has gone on to form a long association with The Wildlife Trusts, visiting and championing their work across the UK for six decades.
In 1976, he travelled northwards to open Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s first office behind the Great North Museum: Hancock, affectionately known as ‘Hancock’s Hut’
As well as taking on the role of President of The Wildlife Trusts and later, President Emeritus, David has played a major role in leading campaigns and helping The Wildlife Trusts to mark a huge number of significant moments.
From his opening of London Wildlife Trust’s Woodberry Wetlands to Essex Wildlife Trust’s Thameside Nature Discovery Park, thousands of people have flocked to celebrate nature’s recovery with Sir David along the way.
Sir David Attenborough, President Emeritus of The Wildlife Trusts, says:
“The name ‘Rothschild’ is famous in many contexts. High finance, of course, is one. But nowhere does it bring greater respect than in the world of natural history.
"Charles Rothschild was effectively the founder of the county Wildlife Trusts and his daughter Miriam was a great biologist. I knew her only slightly, but everyone interested in natural history is also indebted to her – whether it is because of her work on fleas and the diseases they carry, or the ecological importance of the verges on motorways.
“So it is a huge honour to be given a medal carrying the Rothschild name and I shall treasure it greatly.”
Mike Pratt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Chief Executive says:
“Sir David is beloved by millions for his knowledge and passion when presenting us with the majesty of nature from all around the world. What's perhaps less well known is his extraordinary breadth of work here in the British Isles to protect wildlife and support those who strive to recover nature.
"Today's award shines a light on his remarkable dedication to The Wildlife Trusts federation over the years – we are all deeply grateful for his enduring and tireless commitment to the cause.”
Craig Bennett, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts, says:
“Sir David has been a guiding light and an inspiration to The Wildlife Trusts for sixty years. He has given an astonishing level of support to us and to UK nature conservation - it’s humbling to reflect on just how much he’s championed our work for so long. Awarding Sir David the Rothschild medal is recognition of our profound debt and huge gratitude owed to him by successive generations of Wildlife Trust staff, volunteers and supporters.”