Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)

Peter Scott was a conservation colossus. David Bellamy described him as "the father of conservation". David Attenborough said he was conservation's "patron saint". Peter was probably the most influential conservationist of the 20th century, and the first to be knighted (in 1973).

Peter Scott was the son of Robert Falcon Scott (the famous 'Scott of the Antarctic') and Kathleen Scott, the sculptor. Peter's dying father left a letter saying, "make the boy interested in natural history if you can. It is better than games...". Needless to say, Peter exceeded expectations.

"Bringing people and wildlife together for the benefit of both" was Peter's vision when he founded the Severn Wildfowl Trust (later Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust - WWT) in 1946. The nine UK WWT centres and associated wetland conservation work worldwide are a major part of his legacy which also includes saving the Hawaiian Goose from extinction.

In addition, Peter Scott was a founder and first chairman of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 1961, originator of the Red Data Books listing endangered species in 1962, and founder of many local and regional bodies from the Gloucestershire Trust for Nature Conservation to Falkland Conservation.

Peter was probably the most influential conservationist of the 20th century, and the first to be knighted (in 1973).

A true polymath, Peter Scott was a naturalist, painter, broadcaster, author (over 30 books written and illustrated), global traveller, war hero and champion sportsman (in skating, dinghy racing and gliding).

Peter was married to photographer Philippa Scott and had three children and eight grandchildren.