Grouse-shooting Duke of Cambridge named as new BTO Patron
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) has announced that His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge has become Patron of the BTO, assuming the patronage from His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh who has held the role for over 30 years.
Given the Duke actively engages in grouse and pheasant shooting, the move has come as surprise to many. The Driven Grouse shooting industry has been shown to be responsible for widescale illegal persecution of raptors and other damaging environmental practices. An estimated 57 million pheasants and partridges are released in the British countryside each year, a practice which the RSPB recently said was causing environmental unacceptable damage and have called for new regulation of the industry.
On the new Royal Patronage the BTO said: “The patronage reflects the close alignment between two of The Duke of Cambridge’s long-standing areas of interest – supporting communities to protect their natural environment for future generations, and helping children and young people to build their skills, confidence and aspirations – and the growing body of work that the BTO is doing in these areas.”
“In a time of lockdown, much of society has become more aware that access to nature and greenspace offers solace and inspiration. BTO volunteers gather the all-important data that fuel our understanding of the natural world, providing a solid evidence base that supports informed decision-making and conservation action. Through active participation, BTO volunteers not only make an important contribution to society but they also receive mental health and well-being benefits.”
Although the BTO received messages of support on social media many have questioned the appointment (click Twitter thread below).
We are very excited to announce that His Royal Highness, Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge is taking on the patronage of @_BTO. He is taking over from The Duke of Edinburgh who has held the role for over 30 years. @KensingtonRoyal pic.twitter.com/6BoaAYSvsh
— BTO (@_BTO) October 19, 2020
Dr Andy Clements, BTO Chief Executive, said “I am delighted that The Duke of Cambridge has become our Patron, following on from his grandfather who worked so tirelessly on our behalf. We hope that we will be able to support The Duke’s strong interest in protecting the environment through our evidence-based work around environmental issues in the UK.”
19 October 2020
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