Bitterns’ wings beating over still water, Bearded Tits whispering through the reeds, and long walks through woodland, wetland and coastal scenery. For Rosemary and Michael, this corner of Suffolk was special. Every year, they holidayed in Aldeburgh and visited RSPB Minsmere, whose wild beauty shaped their life with birds and the RSPB. They joined about 50 years ago and later became life members.
From supporting Capercaillie work in Scotland to island restorations on Henderson and Gough, their generosity touched many RSPB projects. When Michael passed away in 2020, their commitment continued through a legacy gift, and Rosemary remained closely involved, determined to keep making a difference.
In 2023, Coquet Island, home to the UK’s rare Roseate Terns, needed support. The reserve team required a safer, more reliable way to reach the island and remove their boat each day. Traditional moorings and cranes were dangerous or damaging to the fragile shore, but an amphibious craft offered the perfect solution. At the time, Rosemary had been discussing with the RSPB’s Philanthropy team where to direct a significant gift. When she heard about the project, she knew she wanted to help. Her donation completed the funding for Sealegs, the amphibious boat now in use at Coquet. It’s already transforming the team’s work, allowing safer access, faster monitoring and better protection for the terns.
In honour of her generosity, the RSPB named the boat after Rosemary, who is known as Rosie to her friends. With Roseate Terns affectionately known as ‘rosies’, it felt meant to be. Rosemary visited Coquet this spring, and seeing the terns up close brought back lovely memories of those days with Michael: the wonder, the love of nature, and a gift now helping seabirds thrive.
Make an impact
Inspired by Rosemary’s story? Take a look at the vital RSPB projects you can support with a generous donation. Your gift helps restore habitats, protect threatened species and fund on-the-ground teams who make change happen.
Supporting the Orkney Native Wildlife Project helps species such as Hen Harrier. Photo: Pete Morris (rspb-images.com)
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