The RSPB’s licensing portfolio is gaining serious altitude this year as the UK conservation charity kicks off 2023 with a flock of new licensing partners and purpose-led campaigns.
Building on a strong 2022, the RSPB licensing programme expands with the addition of Metalbird UK, book publishers Laurence King, and a bone china and kitchen textiles collection courtesy of Roy Kirkham.
Leading the charge, Metalbird UK is delivering a collection of bird silhouettes produced with recycled steel. Each product is made and shipped locally, while the Corten Steel used in their construction uses over 70% recycled content. In addition to this, all scrap steel from the manufacturing process is itself recycled.
As well as a serving of new licensing partners, the RSPB is kicking the year off with the return of its Big Garden Watch wildlife survey, encouraging people across the UK – for the 44th year running, no less – to spend an hour recording the birds they see in their garden, park, or local patch.
Running from 27th to 29th of `January this year, the survey has been valuable in providing the RSPB insight into how birds across the UK are doing.
It’s also lent itself to licensing opportunities the likes of which Pawprint Family has been quick to renew to deliver a Birdwatch activity challenge pack and a collectable sew-on badge for the second year running.
If this wasn’t enough, 2023 marks a significant year for RSPB as it readies for the launch of a new BBC natural history series – presented by Sir David Attenborough. Produced in collaboration between the RSPB and WWF, the series – called Wild Isles – will showcase the beauty and diversity of the UK’s landscapes while celebrating their global importance for wildlife.
“The RSPB has some fantastic campaigns lined up to kick start 2023: The Big Garden Birdwatch is always a positive and valuable way to start the year and we are excited for Wild Isles to launch, sharing the wonders of the UK’s wildlife and wild places,” Louisa Skevington, product licensing manager at the RSPB, told Products of Change.
“It’s also great to welcome new partners to the programme, with Metalbird and Laurence King Publishing signed for metal silhouette ornaments and published gifting and games respectively.
“Spring/summer 2023 will also see new gifting ranges launched from Roy Kirkham and Half Moon Bay, as well as an exciting children’s clothing launch from Muddy Puddles – we’re expecting a strong start to the year.”
