The Wildlife Trusts welcome Liz Bonnin as new president 

Broadcaster and biologist, Liz Bonnin was elected as president of The Wildlife Trusts today. The first woman to take the role, Liz joins the movement of 46 Wildlife Trusts at a critical time for nature’s recovery in the UK. Liz will be championing The Wildlife Trusts’ new 30 by 30 vision to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030 with projects ranging from land acquisition to peatland restoration and species reintroduction.  

Liz is known for her powerful and ground-breaking documentaries including the sensational Drowning in Plastic, Galapagos, Wild Alaska and Blue Planet Live. Liz’s career has taken her around the world, studying animal behaviours and shining a spotlight on important environmental issues. 

President of The Wildlife Trusts, Liz Bonnin says:“It’s a very exciting time to be joining The Wildlife Trusts, and I am incredibly honoured to have been invited to take on this role, following in the footsteps of highly esteemed past presidents who I have looked up to throughout my career. I have long admired The Wildlife Trusts’ work and I am looking forward to championing their expertise and vision to restore nature in the UK. It is a critical time for the natural world, and I hope that through lending my voice and support, and by working together, we can help to enforce the changes that must take place in order to secure a brighter future for our wild places.  

“I have been extremely fortunate to work on projects that have explored our planet's wildlife wonders and the many conservation challenges they face – from Nepal and the Galapagos, to the Arctic Circle. Now I want to apply what I have learned to help nature closer to home. The Wildlife Trusts inspire local action to create a national impact, all with a global perspective – I am keen to be a part of that, and passionate about finding novel ways to make a difference, where it matters most.”

The Wildlife Trusts are delighted to announce that BBC’s Springwatch presenter and life-long nature fan, Gillian Burke has become vice president.

Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts says: “I’m thrilled to welcome Liz Bonnin as the new president of The Wildlife Trusts. It’s a critical time for our natural world and we face a huge challenge in tackling the ecological and climate crises – so it’s vital that we have the best people working alongside us. Liz is keen to fight our corner and she leads an invigorated team of honorary roles – all passionate people who will help make nature matter to wider, more diverse audiences."