Wildscreen is an educational charity^[1] based in Bristol, England, working globally to promote the conservation of nature, and the public’s appreciation of biodiversity, through wildlife imagery.

The charity was founded in December 1987^[2] from a trust which had operated since 1982.^[2] The founders included Sir Peter Scott^[1] and Christopher Parsons OBE, former Head of the BBC Natural History Unit,^[1] with the initial aim of encouraging and applauding excellence in the production of natural history films and television. At first, it worked mainly by hosting the Wildscreen Festival, at which wildlife film-makers and broadcasters from different parts of the world met to view the latest productions, discuss issues of mutual interest, exchange ideas and compete for the Panda Awards.

Over the years since then the festival has significantly expanded its scale and content and the charity has also enlarged its remit, including by launching ARKive, a centralised collection of films and photographs of endangered species which can be accessed free of charge through an award-winning website.

Another initiative is WildFilmHistory, a wildlife film-making archive that was launched in 2007 with a mission to locate and conserve films, photographs, publications and memories related to the history and development of the wildlife film industry worldwide. Other activities include WildPhotos, a nature photography symposium^[1] and Wildscreen Outreach, a touring programme of film screenings and masterclasses to reach, engage and inspire new audiences. Programmes in developing countries, where pressure on the environment is most critical, are considered a key priority.^[1]

Wildscreen is a registered charity under English law,^[3] governed by a board of 17 independent trustees,^[1] chaired by Dick Emery OBE, former CEO of UKTV.^[1] As of 2010, it employed 40 staff in full- and part-time positions.^[1]

Wildscreen USA, based in Washington DC, exists to promote ARKive in the USA.^[1]

The chief executive is Richard Edwards, appointed in March 2011 to succeed Harriet Nimmo, who stepped down in January that year after 13 years with the charity, seven in the CEO role.^[4] Despite moving to South Africa, Nimmo retains a connection with the charity, in the advisory role of Wildscreen Strategic Director.^[4]

For the period April 2009 – March 2010 (which was a non-festival year for the biennial Wildscreen Festival), the charity's income was declared as £1,409,722, with expenditure of £1,417,362.^[1]

Wildscreen is a founder member of the Bristol Natural History Consortium, set up in 2004.^[2]

Patrons[link]

• HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh^[1]
• David Attenborough, Naturalist, Broadcaster^[1]
• Dr Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer^[1]
• Preofessor E. O. Wilson, Harvard University^[1]
• Dr George McGavin, Oxford University^[1]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official Wildscreen site
  • Wildscreen Outreach
• Official Wildscreen Festival site
• Official ARKive site
• Official WildFilmHistory site
• WildPhotos