The RSPB is the largest wildlife conservation charity in the UK. It has over one million members and together they speak out for nature. Although it says “Birds” in the title, the organisation is actually about other wildlife too because it’s all interconnected - by helping one thing you’re also helping others too.
It began back in 1889 as a campaigning organisation successfully stopping the slaughter of birds whose feathers were used as fashion accessories. The RSPB has continued this passion for protecting wildlife and wild places. It’s an organisation that takes action, gets things done, trying to change things for the better – for wildlife and for people.
The RSPB works all around the world, from back gardens in the UK to the southern oceans and even the rainforest of Sumatra. It helps threatened birds and wildlife survive, from the white-tailed eagle to the great yellow bumblebee. Right now, its major projects include fighting for the survival of the albatross.
19 out of 22 species of albatross are threatened with extinction so the RSPB is working with fishermen in the violent southern oceans to try and prevent the loss of this majestic bird. With the help of Birdlife International Partner organisations around the world, the RSPB has also secured the management rights to an area of lowland rainforest in Sumatra about two-thirds the size of Greater London. Logging will be prevented and the precious rainforest will be allowed to provide a natural home for a vast range of wildlife from the rhinocerous hornbill bird to the critically endangered Sumatran tiger. Saving wildlife means saving the places where they live so the RSPB protects precious habitats like this and even recreates them where they have been lost. 
In the UK, the RSPB has turned carrot fields back into reedbeds, forestry plantations into peatland and grown heathlands from seed.
The RSPB’s conservation work also helps save the environment by lessening the effects of climate change and helping wildlife adapt. And its campaigning efforts play a big part too – influencing policies on energy, agriculture, transport, planning, fisheries, climate and water use – all to try and protect the environment.
Saving birds and wildlife, saving special places and helping to save the environment sit alongside another passion for the RSPB – connecting people with nature. It believes that bringing people closer to nature enriches their lives so it creates opportunities for people to experience wildlife first hand such as Aren’t Birds Brilliant! events around the country and throughout the year. Amazing wildlife spectacles that give unforgettable experiences.
