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 – he would explore it and search for fossils there as a young boy. 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 1985 he took on the role of Chair of British Wildlife Appeal and commenced a gruelling 14-day nationwide tour of 12 Wildlife Trusts raising £50,000 with his talk, Travels of a Naturalist. Five years later, with support from the future King, HRH The Prince of Wales, Michael Palin, and many others, the appeal raised over £16 million – nearly £40m in today’s money.

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. See a timeline of Sir David’s support in the Editor’s Notes further below.

Among those present at this morning’s ceremony were Susan Attenborough (Sir David’s daughter), Liz Bonnin (current President of The Wildlife Trusts), Duncan Ingram (Chair of The Wildlife Trusts), Craig Bennett (Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts), Bobbi Benjamin-Wand, (Youth Programmes Delivery Officer, London Wildlife Trust) and Najwa Favaro, (Keeping it Wild Trainee, London Wildlife Trust). After awarding Sir David the medal, a wildlife-themed cake was cut and Sir David scattered some wildflower seeds at the nature reserve.

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.” 

Liz Bonnin, President of The Wildlife Trusts, 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.”

Please see the timeline chronicling Sir David Attenborough’s support to The Wildlife Trusts over 60 years further below