We are delighted and honoured to announce Tim Appleton MBE as Patron of the Andalucía Bird Society.
“I am delighted and honoured to become Patron of the Andalucía Bird Society.
I first visited Andalucía in 1984 and that first visit laid a foundation for some of the most memorable birding experiences in that region. Since those early days, I have made repeated visits and fallen in love with Andalucía, it’s birds, it’s culture, its people, it’s gastronomy and the amazing range of wildlife habitats.
So, to be asked to become the Society’s Patron is a dream come true!
I will ensure that, in my role as Patron, I will endeavour to help the Society grow and become an organisation recognised throughout the Country and beyond as a shining example of friendship, active in conservation and promoting the birds of Andalucía”. Tim Appleton MBE
A Brief Bio:
Tim Appleton MBE was deputy curator at Slimbridge before becoming the Reserve Manager at Rutland Water Nature Reserve. For 35 years, he had been responsible for the creation and development of this outstanding inland reserve. It is now a SSSI, Ramsar site and SPA.
Tim has had a lifelong interest in birds, especially wetland species. This interest has taken him to almost all corners of the globe, to both watch and study birds.
Founder of the British Birdwatching Fair, held annually at Rutland Water. Tim ran the Birdfair for 31 years until May 2020, during which time he helped raise almost £40 million for Birdlife International Conservation Projects.
Tim created Rutland Water Nature Reserve where he was the Reserve Manager for over 40 years. He was also responsible for the successful reintroduction of Ospreys at Rutland Water, 150 years after they last bred in England.
Tim was the originator of the translocation project of Osprey to England from Scotland.
Vice-president of the BOU (British Ornithological Union).
Received the Christopher Cadbury medal for Nature Conservation in 1999.
Awarded an honorary degree – Master of Science – by University of Leicester in recognition of his contribution to wildlife conservation.
In 2004 Tim was awarded the MBE.
Footnote.
More details regarding Tim’s appointment and personal details will be appearing in the next (autumn) edition Birds of Andalucía. We look forward to a full and fruitful relationship, working together with Tim to promote the aims and appeal of the Society. ABS Team