Miranda takes the reins at the RSPB
She is the third female president since the organisation was founded in 1889, and takes over from fellow TV presenter, and former Rural Life columnist, Kate Humble.
The charity has now had a female president for more years than a male president, and a spokesman said they hope Miranda’s enthusiasm and expertise will inspire more people to become interested in wildlife and do their bit to give nature a home.
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Hide AdMiranda is best known as a wildlife expert on The One Show on BBC1 and as one of the original Coast team members.
She has also recently presented Britain’s Big Wildlife Revival, appeared on Celebrity Masterchef and become a regular on BBC Radio 4’s Costing the Earth, Living World and Tweet of the Day.
Her interest in nature stems from a childhood spent outdoors in her family garden in Buckinghamshire and roaming around nearby Burnham Beeches, which led her to study a Zoology degree at Bristol University and volunteer with various wildlife organisations.
A trained diver, Miranda is interested in wildlife both above and below the waves.
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Hide AdShe says: “Being asked to be president of the RSPB is a huge honour and a massive responsibility, but I’m very much looking forward to the challenge. When I was first asked if I’d consider putting myself up for election, I felt very flattered.
“The charity’s aims and beliefs fit perfectly with my own; we can all play our part in giving nature a home and the only way our future generations will want to play their part is if they feel connected to nature from an early age.
“I am a genuine nature lover, and enjoy nothing more than showing my children what’s out there, be it a glamorous, majestic bird of prey or a quirkier creature like a slow worm.”
In her new role, Miranda says she aims to increase support for the RSPB and build wider awareness of its work.
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Hide AdIn particular, she wants to enthuse children about nature, and help adults learn how to enthuse their children.
Mike Clarke, RSPB chief executive says: “Miranda brings a natural ability to enthuse others about nature and we are pleased to welcome her as our new president.
“We’re sure she can help encourage more people to enjoy wildlife – be that feeding their garden birds, visiting nature reserves or getting involved with some of our campaigning work.”