Our very own John Wilson has received an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Cumbria in recognition of his ‘lifelong and outstanding contribution to nature conservation’.
John was presented with his award by the Chancellor of the University - the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, at a ceremony at Carlisle Cathedral on November 27.
Since starting his career as the first warden of Leighton Moss in May 1964, John has played a vital role in creating and maintaining the important reedbed here, making it the best possible home for the rare and unusual wildlife that lives here, including bitterns, marsh harriers and otters, as well as a whole host of other nature. He has also carried out an incredible 40 year study into another of the reserve’s special birds – the bearded tits, which breed nowhere else in the north west. During his time as warden here, we added an area of Morecambe Bay, 2,500 football pitches in size (saltmarsh and mudflats) and a section of Warton Crag (limestone grassland) to the reserve's network.
John’s passion for wildlife hasn’t ended there either – following his retirement in 2000, John has continued as a key volunteer at here, surveying and recording wildlife, and continuing with his important bearded reedling study.
On receiving his award, John Wilson said: “Thank you so much for the Fellowship, it is indeed a great honour to have ones life’s work recognised by your local university.”
John also encouraged everyone present at the ceremony to “please make time in your busy lives to look at wildlife” and added: “in my experience you will find it enthralling and inspiring and breathtakingly beautiful.”
Couldn't agree more John. This fellowship is so well deserved and we are very proud of John Wilson and all that he has achieved and continues to achieve here.
John Wilson (centre) receiving his fellowship from the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu (left) and Vice Chancellor of the University of Cumbria, Professor Peter Strike (right)