Oldest bird-conservation charity

The origins of the UK-based Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) date back to 1889 when British philanthropists Emily Williamson and Eliza Phillips set up protest groups to advocate against the widespread killing of wild birds around the world for the purposes of decorating hats and other clothing with exotic feathers. In 1891, they joined forces to found the Society for the Protection of Birds (SPB). In 1904, this society was awarded Royal Charter status by the British government. Today, the RSPB is supported by more than 1 million members.

Emily Williamson founded the "Plumage League" while Eliza Phillips founded the "Fur, Fin and Feather Folk", both in 1889. At the time it was formed, all the members of the SPB were women.