“In three consecutive days we trapped well over 60. The main birds of interest that we trapped were Snipe, Sedge Warbler, Redstart, Yellow + White Wagtails. I went down at about 6:30 one morning + put up the Snipe which had evidently been feeding or nesting by our pond”

“The wagtails were definitely an achievement of the ponds as there were quite a number of them down by the ponds on the days in which they were passing through” UoY Borthwick Institute for Archives Skokholm Island

Back home in Yorkshire, Michael Rowntree was also keeping careful records of birds around York from 1934 up until the Second World War. UoY Borthwick Institute for Archives York Birding

Michael served in the FAU for 6 years, in Scandinavia, North Africa and Germany. The few records of this time left are a string of letters from Michael's devoted mother. The one here shows how his upbringing instilled an appreciation of natural beauty in the darkest times.

Michael still managed to keep up his passion for birdwatching whilst working in the FAU. He later maintained that this alone kept the horrors of war at bay. Here are some of his records whilst in North Africa in 1942 and 1943. UoY Borthwick Institute for Archives

On September 1st 1939, war broke out. Michael was a young student at Oxford. Unlike millions of his fellow countrymen, Michael a quaker and a pacifist, was a 'conscientious objector'. Rather than fight, Michael served for 6 years in the Friends’ Ambulance Unit (FAU).

Over the course of his life, Michael visited over 30 countries and saw over 1500 birds! From the Farne Islands, to the deserts of North Africa, to his quiet Yorkshire garden, wherever he went Michael always found time to appreciate nature. UoY Borthwick Institute for Archives RSPB Birders

Michael Rowntree’s passion for birdwatching remained strong for the rest of his remarkable life, during his time on the Executive Committee of Oxfam International and later when he retired. Below are records of those birds in his Yorkshire garden in the Autumn of 2000. UoY Borthwick Institute for Archives

Head over to Homestead Park for two wonderful events this August! Sat 12th Aug and Thurs 24th Aug, 10am to 3pm The events are very child friendly, with a storyteller, campfire sessions and wood whittling, there are tours of the park and much, much more! eventbrite.co.uk/e/homestead-vi…

Our friends at the JRF Joseph Rowntree Foundation are reimagining the future of Homestead Park and they want our help. Have your say or attend an event to help transform this cherished York landmark Joe Gardham social-vision.org.uk/homestead/

Half of the world's bird population is in decline, according to a State of the World's Birds Report from last year. Of the 628 different species of British birds, over 70 are now on the RSPB’s red list. UoY Borthwick Institute for Archives RSPB RSPB Birders

Over lockdown, 2/3 of people in Britain found solace in birdwatching and birdsong according to a study by the RSPB. Being around nature is hugely important for our mental health. An appreciation for the 'gifts of nature' was an ever-present source of comfort for Michael.

Michael Rowntree's passion for birdwatching demonstrates the care and consideration with which he lived his life. His deep appreciation of the beauty that the world possesses is a key part of the Rowntree family heritage. UoY Borthwick Institute for Archives Joseph Rowntree Foundation Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust JRRT RSPB

Just a few days until our 2 mile walk, which is part of the #yorkwalkingfestival @iTravelYork This is a great chance to trial our new app, giving you an informative audio tour about Rowntree history. Email [email protected] to book. 📍⏰️ Meeting point: Yearsley Baths @ 10am

⚠️ Unfortunately due to the weather circumstances this walk has been postponed. Follow us for further updates.

Interesting event from The Rowntree Society: 'From Kit Kats to Colonialism: A Rowntree Research Journey' with Emma Robertson. Links well to our own strand of work on colonialism, reparations, and racial justice. eventbrite.co.uk/e/from-kit-kat…

There is a few days left until our talk by Dr. Emma Robertson. Discover the history of empire and labour that shaped the global success of Rowntree Company's chocolate business over 150 years. Secure your spot now via Eventbrite: eventbrite.co.uk/e/from-kit-kat…

Looking forward to watching this online talk by the The Rowntree Society tonight! 😊 #genealogy #familyhistory #localhistory #colonialhistory #colonialism

Join us on 30th November for a special Heritage Walk at New Earswick Folk Hall. New Earswick Folk Hall Explore the beauty of the Nature Reserve and learn about Rowntree's legacy. Don't miss this chance to blend nature, history, and learning 📜🌳 Email [email protected] to register.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we must postpone our Rowntree's Carribean Plantations event. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Please keep an eye out on our social media to be the first to know the new date. We look forward to seeing you soon.