Dame Judi Dench has been announced as the official patron of national charity, the Countryside Restoration Trust (CRT), cementing her support of the organisation’s mission to restore and protect the countryside and its wildlife.

The announcement coincides with the launch of the pioneering charity’s new brand, and follows Dame Judi’s advocacy as their silver jubilee patron in 2018.

Commenting on Dame Judi’s new role, CRT chairman, Robin Page, explains how delighted he is to welcome her to the CRT family.

“I’m thrilled that Dame Judi has accepted the role of patron for the CRT. She played a key role in our silver jubilee celebrations, and it’s fantastic to have her long-term support,” he says.

“She’s an inspiration to us all and on behalf of the charity, I’d like to thank her wholeheartedly for supporting the living countryside we all love.”

Mr Page adds that this announcement and the new branding marks a new sense of purpose for the charity.

“The skylark at the centre of our logo represents the sound of a healthy countryside, which has inspired us for over a quarter of a century,” Mr Page explains.

“As we move into this next exciting phase, we’ve combined our beloved lark with bright colours found in the natural world, to represent the vibrant future of the trust,” he says.

Dame Judi Dench also spoke about the charity at its 25-year celebratory event, held last year at the Royal Geographic Society.

“The CRT is the pioneering charity in wildlife friendly farming and the biggest tribute to its success is the fact that so many other organisations have followed in its footsteps.

“I have been privileged to visit several of the Trust’s farms and the work being done is tremendous. We look to the future as farming, the countryside and Britain’s wildlife needs the pioneering work of the CRT more than ever before,” she added.

Pictured: Robin Page and Dame Judi_Dench