Royal Society for Nature Conservation
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| Predecessor | Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves |
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| Founded | 1957 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
The Wildlife Trusts, the trading name of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, is an organisation made up of 47 local Wildlife Trusts in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man and Alderney. The Wildlife Trusts, between them, look after around 2,300 nature reserves covering more than 90,000 hectares. As of 2011[update] they have a combined membership of over 800,000 members.
The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT) is an independent charity, with a membership formed of the 47 local trusts. It acts as an umbrella group for the local Wildlife Trusts, as well as operating a separate grants unit which administers a number of funds.
Charles, Prince of Wales serves as the patron of the Wildlife Trusts. The current president is Tony Juniper, and the vice presidents are David Attenborough, Chris Baines, David MacDonald, Julian Pettifer, Robert Worcester, Chris Packham, Nick Baker, Bill Oddie and Bill Bolsover.
Wildlife Trusts are local organisations of differing size, history and origins, and can vary greatly in their constitution, activities and membership. However, all wildlife trusts share a common interest in wildlife and biodiversity, rooted in a practical tradition of land management and conservation. Almost all county Wildlife Trusts are significant landowners, with many nature reserves. Collectively they are the third largest voluntary sector landowners in the UK. They often have extensive educational activities, and programmes of public events and education. The Wildlife Trusts centrally and locally also lobby for better protection of the UK's natural heritage, by becoming involved in planning matters and by national campaigning through the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts. The trusts rely heavily upon volunteer labour for many of their activities, but nevertheless employ significant numbers of staff in countryside management and education. Thanks to their work promoting the personal and social development of young people, The Wildlife Trusts is a member of The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS).
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