Award-winning Imelda Staunton has paid a visit to the University of Kent to celebrate the 20th anniversary of a wildlife institute.
The British star, who is famous for her many roles on stage and screen including Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter films, compered an evening of entertainment with her actor husband Jim Carter.
The pair are known for their love of wildlife and jumped at the chance of being involved with the celebrations for the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE).
DICE was founded in 1989 by Professor Ian Swingfield OBE at the University of Kent and named after naturalist and TV presenter Gerald Durrell.
It offers students courses in conservation and biodiversity and gives them the chance to carry out research internationally.
Durrell was a much-celebrated conservationist best remembered for his work with wildlife and his books about his findings.
Staunton played his mother in the 1995 BBC film My Family and Other Animals, based on the autobiography of Durrell.
This is where her interest in wildlife began.
Staunton, who also starred in The Singing Detective, Vera Drake, Chicken Run and Little Britain, said: “Playing Gerry’s mother, I couldn’t help but catch the bug, so to speak, for his passion for wildlife.
“Myself and Jim have spent years running wildlife safaris in our own back garden to introduce our daughter’s primary school class to the joys of bug hunting and pond dipping.”
Her husband, who is known for his roles in The Golden Compass and Shakespeare in Love, said the couple were keen to support DICE.
“It’s the ultimate version of the ‘Don’t give a man a loaf of bread, teach him to bake’ adage,” said Carter.
“These people get a world-class postgraduate education at DICE and then return to the four corners of the globe to save species and do good.
“It’s inspiring stuff.”
Around 250 people attended the celebrations on Tuesday night.
Dr Susanna Paisley, honorary research fellow and DICE director of development, said she was thrilled with the turnout.
“Imelda and Jim did a fantastic job,” she said.
“It really was a brilliant night which showed off what DICE is about.
“DICE is different from any institutions of its kind. It takes into account the human element of conservation.
“DICE is very unique in that it covers all areas – it aims to break down the boundaries between the natural and social sciences.
“Our students are living on the frontline of conservation.”
Douglas MacMillan, professor in conservation and applied resource economics at DICE, stressed this week that the UK needs to align itself with other European countries and develop a national strategy for managing wildlife.
He estimated that a policy to tackle the rising wildlife population would bring £100 million into remote rural areas, creating jobs in hard-pressed communities.
Dr MacMillan believes there should be a legislative reform to give legal responsibility for wildlife management to landowners.
He said: “We need legislation and policies that encourage the sustainable use of wild animals in order to control ever-increasing populations.”
POSTED: 29/11/2009 08:00:00
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