On 22 August 2024, Sir David Attenborough was 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. 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.

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust congratulated Sir David Attenborough on being awarded The Charles Rothschild and Miriam Rothschild Medal and sent him the following message:

“This year, we are celebrating our 60th Anniversary and are extremely proud that you have played an important part in the Trust’s history. You have been a steadfast advocate for safeguarding important habitats and the wildlife that inhabits them, as well as a trusted, educated and unfailing voice speaking out for nature in crisis.

“Back in 1985, you may recall visiting our Lemsford Springs Nature Reserve, with its spring-fed lagoons, Watercress beds, and chalk river – the River Lea, enjoyed by Kingfishers, Green Sandpipers, Barbel, Snipe and a host of other species. Along with children from Millwards Junior School in Hatfield, you raked the Watercress beds – something volunteer work parties still do today. On that day, you also planted an Oak tree, which was donated by the local council – I understand they also gave us the loan of a very shiny civic spade to plant it with! That Oak tree stands tall and is affectionately known as the ‘Attenborough Oak’.

“You revisited Lemsford Springs in 1988 following a talk at Hatfield House, where you spoke for the Trust and of the need to raise £750,000 to safeguard Hertfordshire’s flora and fauna.

Today, we have 23,500 members and over 1,100 volunteers and we are sure you have inspired every one of those. Thank you for being a shining light in our natural world and for all your service to wildlife - may you continue to inspire future generations to protect this wonderful world of ours and all of its inhabitants.”

As well as taking on the role of President of The Wildlife Trusts and later, President Emeritus, Sir David has played a major role in leading campaigns and helping The Wildlife Trusts to mark a huge number of significant moments. 

Among those present at the 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 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.”