RSPB elects new Chairman and presents annual medal

The RSPB has elected a new Chairman and also announced the winner of its 2017 Medal for contributions to bird conservation. 

Kevin Cox, a former magazine publisher, was elected as the successor to Professor Steve Ormerod at the charity’s Annual General Meeting this weekend and will take up his post with immediate effect. 

A former RSPB Council member, Kevin has also served on the council and as a trustee of World Land Trust for the past 12 years. He was joint managing director of Future Publishing before going onto launch Origin Publishing, a successful specialist magazine publishing company. Following the sale of the company to BBC Worldwide, Kevin became Origin’s non-executive Chairman and subsequently attended the Bristol Board of Immediate Media (formerly BBC Magazines), publisher of all the BBC-branded titles.

Kevin’s lifelong interest in wildlife has led to his involvement in nature conservation and land management. In 2008, he helped BirdLife Bolivia set up a protected area for the critically endangered Blue-throated Macaw, and he remains a Friend of the Barba Azul Reserve. Since 2011, he has served on the council of Devon Birds, most recently as Chair. Kevin lives on Dartmoor, where he takes a keen interest in the conservation of the moor, especially for upland and woodland birds.

Commenting on the task ahead of him, Kevin Cox said: “It’s an enormous privilege to take up the role of Chair of RSPB Council. I am a passionate advocate for all aspects of nature conservation and I will do my utmost to support the RSPB and spread the word about our vital work. During my lifetime we have seen significant declines in the diversity and abundance of much of our wildlife. The RSPB is key to reversing that trend and delivering a healthy, thriving environment for people and nature.”

Mike Clarke, the RSPB’s Chief Executive, added: “I would like to express enormous and sincere gratitude to Professor Steve Ormerod, who has led us through the last five years with passion and enthusiasm, as well as sharing with us his huge knowledge and understanding of science and nature conservation.

“As Steve departs we welcome Kevin Cox to the Chair and I’m delighted to have him on board.  With his background in magazines, Kevin understands how to engage and communicate with a range of audiences, and we know he will help the RSPB to inspire more people to care about nature.”

RSPB Medal 2017
Earlier this year the RSPB took the unusual decision to award the RSPB Medal well ahead of its AGM. Eminent wildlife scientist Dick Potts was awarded the Medal by the RSPB Council shortly before he died in March. 
 
Dick made a sustained contribution to conservation and science from the1970s onwards, particularly through ground-breaking studies into the effects of chemicals on farmland birds, especially Grey Partridge.

The RSPB Medal is the most prestigious award the wildlife charity gives out, and recognises outstanding contribution to nature conservation. The winner is usually decided in June, and presented at the RSPB AGM in October, but Dick had been seriously unwell for some time and so an early decision was made. Dick sadly died on Thursday 30th March, but his wife Olga was able to tell him of the accolade shortly before he passed away.

At the time, Professor Steve Ormerod, said: “We have lost a remarkable and visionary figure in Dick Potts, whose foresight inspired crucial scientific work and conservation action. His contribution to farmland wildlife science has created a legacy for birds like Grey Partridge, whose very presence in the UK might have been threatened if he hadn't stepped in early, recognised they were in trouble, and identified why.

“The RSPB would like to offer our deepest sympathy to Dick’s wife Olga, and thank her for allowing us to give this award to mark his outstanding work and passion for farmland wildlife.”

Olga Potts commented: “Dick would have felt truly honoured to have received this award. In true Dick Potts fashion, he would have seen this as not just an award for himself but for all those who, over the years, have worked for the issues he cared so deeply about. We will ensure his legacy lives on.”

The RSPB Members’ Day and AGM took place at the QE11 in London on Saturday 7 October 2017.