“The money that is given to the World Land Trust, in my estimation, has more effect on the wild world than almost anything I can think of.” 

Sir David Attenborough

 
 

Sir David has supported World Land Trust (WLT) since it was founded in 1989; one of the founders being John Burton (WLT’s CEO). John’s creative and innovative approach to raising funds to save rainforests and other important wildlife habitats was one of the main reasons that Sir David became WLT’s official Patron in 2003 and he has been supportive of the aims and objectives of the Trust ever since.

“The sensible attitude to conservation is to conserve animal and plant communities and that means land… World Land Trust recognised that a long time before others and it became their first objective”.

 
 

Sir David recommends that others support the charity because of its mission, ethos and principles. He said: “The support that is given to the World Land Trust is support that goes directly to the place where it’s needed.”

As the world’s greatest natural historian, Sir David is much more than just our Patron – he is our inspiration and we thank him for his continued support.

 
 

 Conservation has been transformed

Patron’s message 2014
“Conservation has been transformed, and WLT is at one of the cutting edges of that transformation.”

Ecosystems need saving

Patron’s message 2012
“WLT recognise that ecosystems need saving. If you want to save Jaguars and hummingbirds the only way to do so is to save the places where they live.”

The Cost of Life on Earth

Biodiversity and Business: The Cost of Life on Earth (Lecture 2012)
“Without the natural world, mankind is doomed. We are dependent on the natural world for the very air we breathe and every particle of food we eat.”

Rainforest at Chelsea Flower Show

Patron’s message 2010
“I was delighted to give the project my support […] The result was a Gold Medal and Best in Section for their ‘Saving the Atlantic Rainforest’ exhibit”

Four reasons to support World Land Trust

Celebrating 20 Years of WLT in the South-west (Lecture 2009)
“Because WLT manages to keep its overheads low, it means that most of your donation reaches the people it was intended for”

Conservation network breeds success

Patron’s message 2008
“In a world where wildlife is struggling to survive I take heart in the fact that WLT and their local partners […] are going to save as much of the planet as they can.”

Wildlife webcams: rainforest life online

Webcam launch event, January 2008
“As human beings we are more urbanised than ever before, and we are out of touch with the natural world. Yet we are 100% dependent on its resources.”

Discovering species new to science

Patron’s message 2007
“Buying land for conservation is the most direct and certain road to conservation and in doing so WLT is ensuring that at least some of our wilderness, and its biodiversity, survives.”

Climate change and habitat loss

Patron’s message 2006
“Let us all rise to the challenge: reduce our impact on the environment and vest any extra cash we have in saving what is left of the world’s wild spaces.”

Extinction rates and halting destruction

Patron’s Message 2005
“Join with us to save even more critically threatened habitats, for the future of their wildlife great and small, and for the future of mankind.”

Carbon Balanced: offset your emissions

Patron’s Message 2004
“I would urge everyone to think deeply about what is important in life and to consider the consequences of daily activities.”

Attenborough’s history with WLT

Patron’s Message 2003
“When John Burton contacted me in 1989 to ask whether I would support a brand new rainforest initiative in Belize I was pleased to give it my backing.”
 
 
Support for World Land Trust

“I realised that John was someone who got things done”, said Attenborough. “When he and his trustees launched the World Land Trust in 1989, I believed that John would get funds to where they were most needed in the race to save habitats and their wildlife.“

 
Orchids of Baños

“I realised that John was someone who got things done”, said Attenborough. “When he and his trustees launched the World Land Trust in 1989, I believed that John would get funds to where they were most needed in the race to save habitats and their wildlife.“