Ralfe Ashton Whistler (9 August 1930 – 29 April 2023) was a British naturalist.
Biography
Early life and education
Ralfe Ashton Whistler was born in Hastings on August 9, 1930. His father, Hugh Whistler, served with the Indian police in Punjab and was known for his ornithological contributions. Ralfe's mother was Margaret, daughter of Thomas Ashton, 1st Baron Ashton of Hyde. The family returned to England from India due to social complications arising from Margaret's peerage. His upbringing involved exposure to an extensive collection of stuffed birds, which were later donated to the Natural History Museum.
Whistler attended Eton College and later Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he met Jane McCarthy.
Career
Throughout his career, Whistler held various positions, including a colonial officer role in Northern Rhodesia and a stint with the Hudson's Bay Company in Winnipeg. He also developed a universal litter-picker and contributed to the "Keep Britain Tidy" campaign.
In the 1960s, he undertook a two-year service in Northern Rhodesia. Later, a property acquisition in Vermont in 1978 faced residency complications, resulting in its lease to Richard Ford.
In the 1980s, Whistler was involved in the restoration of historical buildings in England, notably the Brightling Observatory.
Whistler owned several properties, including one in Vermont and another in British Columbia.