The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) was founded in 1889, in response to the growing trend of the use of plumes in women’s hats. It was this fashion trend which was responsible for the destruction of thousands of exotic species of birds.

It was during the 1970s when the RSPB made huge progress, becoming one of the world’s most well-known animal charities. In October 1972 their membership reached 100,000, and by 1980 the membership base had tripled in size to over 300,000.

In recent years the RSPB has campaigned successfully against an airport at Cliffe, launched an Albatross Task Force to show fishermen how to fish in a seabird-friendly way, and campaigned successfully to stop to import of wild birds into the UK.

Facts About The RSPB:

• Over 1 million members worldwide
• In 2007 £78.6 million was spent on RSPB projects
• Manage 200 nature reserves, housing 80% of the most threatened bird species
• Over 13,000 volunteers help to carry out the RSPB’s goals
• Over 9 volunteers for every paid member of staff

RSPB’s 5 Key Areas of Work:

• Reserves – the maintenance of their 200 nature reserves
• Conservation – offering advice and developing campaigns to help individual threatened species
• Laws & Legislation – taking an active role in encouraging policy makers to consider the plight of birds and nature in general
• Research – the RSPB funds and carries out extensive research into birds to identify threats and set priorities
• Farming – encouraging farmers to look after wild birds