Great crested grebe  (Podiceps cristatus)

This attractive species was persecuted in Britain during Victorian times to such an extent that it was reduced to just 42 pairs in 1860 (7), and was on the brink of extinction (8). The breast plumage, known as 'grebe fur', and the head plumes were highly prized in hat trimmings and other clothing (7).

In 1889 a group of women formed the 'Fur, Fin and Feather Folk' in order to protest against the massacre of birds purely for clothing (7). Within one year the group had more than 5000 members. From 1904 this group was known as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), and is today one of Europe's largest and most influential conservation charities, with over 1 million members (8). The great crested grebe has since expanded greatly in numbers and range, and is one of the most resounding conservation successes that Great Britain has known.