Simon King OBE to take over role from Professor Aubrey Manning OBE
Simon King OBE – renowned wildlife programme-maker, cameraman, photographer and presenter – will today be appointed President of The Wildlife Trusts. And, at 47, King will be the youngest President in the organisation’s 98 year history.
On accepting the role, King said: “I am honoured to be the next President of The Wildlife Trusts. I am particularly excited by the opportunity to encourage the millions of people in the UK who are already inspired by nature into taking action for it. Many of us have become disconnected from the natural world. Children and adults alike have developed a nature deficit.
“However The Wildlife Trusts’ vision for A Living Landscape and Living Seas embraces communities as a whole, for wildlife and people. Local Wildlife Trusts work to include everyone who has an interest in our natural world. The UK has some of the most magnificent, sensual and fulfilling natural phenomena in the world. However prickly the gorse and forceful the blackbird’s song, it’s vulnerable. The Wildlife Trusts have achieved a tremendous amount over the years with their local knowledge which, together, creates a powerful UK movement. And I am proud to be part of it.”
Professor Aubrey Manning OBE, outgoing President, said: “I am delighted to hand over this very special role to Simon and welcome him as the new President for The Wildlife Trusts. Simon is already an extraordinary asset to the movement in his role as vice president and a great ambassador for the natural world, on land and at sea. He represents and promotes our interests to great effect. Simon’s input over the next five years will be invaluable.”
King follows in the illustrious paths of Sir David Attenborough and David Bellamy as well as Aubrey Manning. Simon was appointed as a vice president of The Wildlife Trusts in 2008. He is also president of Avon Wildlife Trust and patron of Somerset Wildlife Trust.
The Wildlife Trusts’ other vice presidents are Sir David Attenborough OM CH CVO CBE FRS, Professor J Chris Baines, Chris Packham, Nick Baker, Professor David MacDonald CBE DSc FRSE, Bill Oddie OBE, Julian Pettifer OBE, Professor Sir Robert Worcester KBE DL.
Friday, 26 November 2010
Thursday, 28 October 2010
The Wildlife Trusts’ response to the Spending Review
Major impacts on vital natural environment work are likely - through the loss of a third of Defra’s budget1 – so The Wildlife Trusts urge the Government to ensure the remaining investment achieves the greatest benefits for the environment.
Today’s review could provide the opportunity to identify where Government investment could achieve greatest value for money. The Wildlife Trusts believe a healthy natural environment is the cornerstone of a healthy economy and a healthy society. Government, private and voluntary sectors and wider society all have a role in helping to create a healthy natural environment.
Paul Wilkinson, head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “We are pleased to hear the environmental stewardship schemes will remain open to all farmers in England and the proportion of the programme spent through the Higher Level Scheme (HLS) is to be increased.
“What funding is available needs to be targeted effectively. For example, Local Wildlife Sites could have a real role to play in the establishment of an ecologically coherent network. Across England, there are at least 40,000 Local Wildlife Sites. Often they cover 8-10percent of a county’s land area. Collectively they play a critical role by providing wildlife refuges and by acting as stepping stones to link and protect the suite of nationally and internationally designated sites.
“We must find ways to support the recovery of the natural environment in the long term, which are cost effective, sustainable and which recognise its true value. Investing in the recovery of the natural environment and the natural services it provides is a sound investment for the future.”
Today’s review could provide the opportunity to identify where Government investment could achieve greatest value for money. The Wildlife Trusts believe a healthy natural environment is the cornerstone of a healthy economy and a healthy society. Government, private and voluntary sectors and wider society all have a role in helping to create a healthy natural environment.
Paul Wilkinson, head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “We are pleased to hear the environmental stewardship schemes will remain open to all farmers in England and the proportion of the programme spent through the Higher Level Scheme (HLS) is to be increased.
“What funding is available needs to be targeted effectively. For example, Local Wildlife Sites could have a real role to play in the establishment of an ecologically coherent network. Across England, there are at least 40,000 Local Wildlife Sites. Often they cover 8-10percent of a county’s land area. Collectively they play a critical role by providing wildlife refuges and by acting as stepping stones to link and protect the suite of nationally and internationally designated sites.
“We must find ways to support the recovery of the natural environment in the long term, which are cost effective, sustainable and which recognise its true value. Investing in the recovery of the natural environment and the natural services it provides is a sound investment for the future.”
Save our forests
Stephanie Hilborne OBE, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “The Forestry Commission owns a substantial amount of land which is of high value for wildlife. This represents a tremendous national asset. Transfer of such land should not be rushed and should not take place before a clear policy has been established. This policy should ensure that those areas of high wildlife value – including Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Local Wildlife Sites – are secured in the long term. If such sites are to be transferred, the best way to guarantee their future would be to give priority to nature conservation bodies and to ensure that sites are considered as part of a local ecological network. We have a strong partnership with the Forestry Commission which we hope will continue, so we can make the most of our strong local presence.”
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Wanted - your views on nature | Natural Environment White Paper
Wanted - your views on nature Natural Environment White Paper
The Government has launched a Natural Environment White Paper discussion document to ask for your views on nature. Anyone can take part. Whether you enjoy a walk in the woods, wildlife photography, gardening, birdwatching, visiting nature reserves or enjoying nature with your children or grandchildren – the Government wants to hear your views on how nature in the UK should be protected and enhanced – for us all to enjoy.
The Government's online survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete. The deadline is Saturday 30th October. Please complete the survey and play your part in nature's recovery
The Government has launched a Natural Environment White Paper discussion document to ask for your views on nature. Anyone can take part. Whether you enjoy a walk in the woods, wildlife photography, gardening, birdwatching, visiting nature reserves or enjoying nature with your children or grandchildren – the Government wants to hear your views on how nature in the UK should be protected and enhanced – for us all to enjoy.
The Government's online survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete. The deadline is Saturday 30th October. Please complete the survey and play your part in nature's recovery
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Alum, Alchemy and Ammonites - Natural Dyes Course
Saturday 4th September 10:00am – 4:00pm
‐ A one day course introducing you to the history of natural dyes and local dye plants.
‐ Try your hand at dying some wool to take home and use in your own dyed, woollen creations!
The course will be run at Margrove Heritage Centre, Margrove Park, near Guisborough, by local expert Tricia Hutchinson. Theay costs £10 per person, and booking is essential (places are limited).
This course is being run as part of the Alum, Alchemy and Ammonites project supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
For information and bookings contact Beth Andrews. Phone: 01287 636382 E‐mail: beth.geo@gmail.com
‐ A one day course introducing you to the history of natural dyes and local dye plants.
‐ Try your hand at dying some wool to take home and use in your own dyed, woollen creations!
The course will be run at Margrove Heritage Centre, Margrove Park, near Guisborough, by local expert Tricia Hutchinson. Theay costs £10 per person, and booking is essential (places are limited).
This course is being run as part of the Alum, Alchemy and Ammonites project supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
For information and bookings contact Beth Andrews. Phone: 01287 636382 E‐mail: beth.geo@gmail.com
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