I B l S 1 3 7 : 4 2 9 - 4 3 0

OBITUARIES

Ian Prestt

When Ian Prestt died on 24th January 1995. tragically only a few weeks after he retired, one could honestly say that, but for his enormous abilities, integrity and vision, Britain’s wildlife would have been much poorer.

A Lancastrian by birth, he went to Bootham School, York, where the foundation of his interest in natural history was laid and en- couraged. He won the Old York Scholars Award for his studies on Sparrowhawks and Herons-a clear sign of things to come. He progressed to Liverpool University, first to study architecture and then to his first love, zoology. On completing his degree, he joined the staff of the Nature Conservancy as a field surveyor. I t was whilst working in Dorset that the developed his scientific interest further by studying adders-or vipers as Ian always called them-which led to an MSc. His quiet scientific approach coupled with his charm was noticed by the then head of the Nature Conservancy, Max Nicholson, and Ian soon joined the HQ staff as “Ornithological Of- ficer”. After 2 years he returned briefly to regional work in the North of England before moving in 1963 to Monks Wood Experi- mental Station to become a member of the toxic chemical and wildlife research team. This was a happy time for Ian, working in the field and applying his experience and scientific skills to investigating the decline of Sparrowhawks, Kestrels, Barn Owls and other key species. He also appreciated how vitally important the work was for wildlife. The team was ultimately successful in establishing the close links between the use of persistent agricultural pesticides and the severe decline in birds, and this led to the subsequent banning of many chemicals. Ian’s work in this field was recognized and led to a se- condment as Deputy Director of the Central Unit on Pollution. re- porting directly to the Cabinet Office and later to the Department of the Environment. Here he was able to gain a valuable insight into the workings of Government, which he put to good use in later years. He returned to the now renamed Nature Conservancy Council as Deputy Director.

With this background of experience linked with his known integ- rity, quiet humour and burning zeal for nature conservation, he was “head-hunted” by the R.S.P.B. Council and, in 1975. took over from Peter Conder as Director. Ian already had a high appreciation of the R.S.P.B. through its involvement in toxic chemical work and it enabled him to guide, inspire and stimulate the organization to even greater heights.

Up to that time, Ian had only worked for “The Government”; now he headed a body with, then, 275.000 members. Others may have been daunted by the prospect of being “available” to all those in- volved people, but Ian liked his fellow human beings and to be with him at a member’s meeting. surrounded by enthusiastic amateurs, was to see him at his best. I t was this natural understanding of ordinary people which helped the Society to increase its membership to more than 800.000 by the time he stepped down as Director General in 1991. Under his leadership the R.S.P.B. expanded its work in a range of key areas. Staff were devolved from HQ, policy and planning work was tremendously expanded, a parliamentary

42

.929-1995)

unit was established and developed. reserve acquisition and man- agement greatly increased and the Young Ornithologists’ Club be- came one of the largest youth groups of its kind in the world. Im- portantly, the research base was broadened throughout the Society as Ian knew all its work had to be founded on a sound scientific base if it was to influence the decision-makers.

Another firm belief, which reflected his own personality, was that more could be achieved through cooperation and dialogue than by conflict and aggressive argument. However, he had a steely resolve and his ultimate concern was how wildlife and their habitats would benefit. This was something he would not compromise. It was this that made him deeply unhappy about the fragmentation of the Na- ture Conservancy Council into three separate national organizations as he knew nature conservation transcended national or interna- tional boundaries. He applied this philosophy to global matters and worked actively with BirdLife International-attending confer-

!9

4 3 0 O B I T U A R Y I B I S 137

ences, chairing meetings and drafting resolutions, always with the objective of helping bird communities under threat. He was chair- man of the executive committee from 1986 to 1990 and he got deep satisfaction from becoming its first Member of Honour in Germany in October 1994. Typically he considered his award of a CBE in 1986 as an appreciation of all the work of the staff and Council of the R.S.P.B. In June 1991 Ian retired as Director General because of declining health and became President of the Society until October 1994.

By nature, Ian was devoid of conceit and he had a natural warmth and friendliness that ensured colleagues, members and his friends enjoyed being with him. As the R.S.P.B. expanded and problems facing wildlife grew more complex, he yearned to be. out in the field watching a Sparrowhawk or showing children their first Avocet. He

guided the R.S.P.B. through many changes, pushing hard for con- servation but always in a gentlemanly manner. His courtesy and charm concealed a determination to make this planet a better place for birds.

Ian was a family man and was most ably supported by hs wife, Ann. They suffered greatly from the loss of their son in a tragic accident, but in his latter years, he had enormous pleasure playing with the children of their two daughters.

Ian will be remembered for what he achieved for nature conser- vation but to the many who knew him, it will be for himself he will be remembered and missed. Ian was truly a fine gentleman.

Frank Hamilton