Great Lives Emily Williamson, co-founder of the RSPB
Jun 23, 2025
Tessa Boase, an author who uncovered Emily Williamson's vital role in founding the RSPB, shares insights into Williamson's fierce opposition to the feather trade. Hannah Bourne-Taylor, who campaigns for swift conservation, illuminates the modern relevance of Williamson's legacy. They discuss bold protests for bird protection, the emotional ties humans have with nature, and the importance of acknowledging women's contributions to conservation history. The conversation is a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight to safeguard vulnerable bird species.
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Bird Nest in Hair Anecdote
- Hannah had a wild bronze-winged mannequin finch nest in her hair for 84 days after rescuing it.
- She learned to live like a wild finch in Ghana, showing deep personal connection with birds.
Feather Trade's Lethal Impact
- The feather trade was extremely lucrative, with feathers more valuable than gold at the peak.
- Wearing feathers was known as 'murderous millinery' and was the main target of early bird protection campaigns.
RSPB's Female Founding
- For the first two years, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was an all-women organization.
- They started female-only because men barred them from scientific societies, highlighting early gender barriers.