Hello, I'm Kirstie Young, and this is a podcast from the Desert Island Discs archive

for rights reasons we've had to shorten the music. The program was originally broadcast

in 1989, and the presenter was Sue Lawley.

My calls to weigh this week is a lover of the natural world. As a biologist, her studies of butterflies, the flea, and the worm, have brought her an international scientific reputation.

As a conservationist, she cultivates one of the wildest gardens in Britain. Her love of animals allows her to wear no leather.

She sits here today in her usual footwear, the Wellington Boot.

She's campaigned for homosexual law reform. She's also credited with the invention of the seat belt.

Now, in her 80s, her enthusiasm's remain undiminished. She is Miriam Rothschild.

Tell me about the Wellington Boot first of all, Miriam Rothschild. How long have they been your constant footwear?

Well, I suppose I've worn them for about 10 years, because I started, because I, when I'm again looking at the way farm animals were treated, I was so horrified by the state of our slaughterhouses, that I decided never to wear leather again.

And you wear them even out to dinner?

Yes, I've been to Buckingham Palace in my Wellington to the evening.

Has he? Oh, yes. Did anyone there remark?

Oh, no. It take granted.

Any particular colour?

I like white ones.

Will you wear them on the desert island?

Oh, no, not on the desert island. I have no axe to grind there. I like to feel the sand between my toes.

But now, presumably, the island will be blessed to you, because there will be all this unknown flora and fauna about you.

I think I would be very happy on the desert island that I'd never have a dull moment.

Day or night, because if there are animals there and plant unknown flora, unknown fauna, be stirrithic.

And wonderful smells, because you're quite proud of your nose, aren't you?

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