Naturalist Honored for Role in Bog Protection

An expert in natural history, instrumental in blocking a housing project adjacent to an ancient peat bog, has been presented with a distinguished nature medal. This recognition comes 26 years after his father was bestowed with the identical award. Professor Alastair Fitter, an ecology specialist affiliated with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT), was a central figure in the successful initiative that prevented the construction of over 500 residences near Askham Bog in York during 2020. Sir David Attenborough lent his support to this campaign. Professor Fitter was presented with the Cadbury Medal by The Wildlife Trusts, acknowledging his 50 years of dedicated service. He stated: “It’s a great honour to get this but the real thing is celebrating an astonishing place, which is a jewel.” Professor Fitter characterized Askham Bog—a 120-acre location formed by a receding glacier 15,000 years ago—as “one of the richest places for wildlife in the country”. He noted, “It’s inside the ring road and just two miles from York Minster. But it nearly didn’t survive because of the proposed housing development.” He further commented, “We need houses, but where you put them matters. “I mean the clue’s in the name. It’s a bog, it likes to be wet and houses on the whole, well it’s better if they’re not.” Planning inspectors dismissed the proposal in 2020 after conducting an inquiry. Regarding the award, Professor Fitter remarked: “My name is on the medal but there are lots and lots of people behind it.”Anything I’ve ever done has been in a team. I’m not sure I have ever done anything particularly remarkable, but if we work together, remarkable things happen.” Richard Fitter, Professor Fitter’s father, received the Cadbury Medal in 1998 for his contributions to the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire wildlife trusts. Additionally, he was recognized for his five-decade-long research into plant flowering times. Professor Fitter stated, “My father’s pocket guides are one reason that so many people can access and understand nature.” He also mentioned that his father’s passion for the natural world significantly contributed to his own achievements. Rachael Bice, the chief executive of YWT, commended Professor Fitter’s “dedication to conservation”. She further elaborated, “He helped us discover and nurture long-lost species at Askham Bog and beyond, advised on our ambitions for nature’s recovery and has been a hardworking and deeply respected voice and advocate for nature.” The original text includes a prompt to listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North, or submit a story idea for coverage. The content is copyrighted by BBC in 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC states it is not responsible for the content of external sites and provides information on its approach to external linking.