Finding a fitting tribute to the founder of the RSPB

Click above to watch a video report by ITV News Anglia's Claire McGlasson


A campaign to remember the founder of the RSPB has reached the charity's headquarters in Sandy in Bedfordshire.

Emily Williamson started the society at a tea party 100 years ago - and now four mini statues have been created to raise awareness of the rather forgotten conservationist.

People are being asked to vote for their favourite which will be turned into a life size bronze statue.

Emily Williamson started the society at a tea party a century ago

In 1889, Emily invited her friends to her home and asked them to sign a pledge to Wear No Feathers- to stop birds being killed in the name of fashion. That is how the society for the protection of birds - now the RSPB - was born.

Emily was horrified that birds were being killed in the name of fashion- as seen on this hat

100 years ago, Emily's Wear No Feathers pledge became law. The Plumage Act ended the trade in exotic feathers and saved an estimated one million birds.

Now a statue is being commissioned which will stand in the grounds of her home in Didsbury

Clare Abbatts from Wellingborough is one of four sculptors shortlisted. Credit: ITV News Anglia

Now it's up to the public to decide which of the four designs will be chosen to represent her.

Credit: ITV News Anglia

With 15% of UK birds now at risk of extinction - the campaign is a fitting reminder that her legacy is more crucial than ever.