I have spent countless  evenings in front of the fire in the pleasurable activity of perusing the Ordnance Survey's Landranger maps- reminiscing on past travels, and planning future ones.

And yet, after some time, their incredible density of detail can become a little overwhelming and even tiring. Therefore it is comforting to know that amongst this overload of information, there are occasional areas of calm and reflection: Britain's Boring Grid Squares.

But unfortunately, like so much that enriches and nourishes, these squares are in danger. Developments on the land, relabeling by the Ordnance Survey and countless other pressures are reducing their number at an alarming rate.  In fact, it is shocking to learn that by 2050, in the opinion of experts, the only Boring Grid Squares will be those gathering dust on antiquarian maps.

The RSPBGS is actively campaigning for Boring Grid Squares. Members are working hard both on the ground, and with landowners and the Ordnance Survey to preserve, or even create, squares free of the clutter of symbols, contours or text. There is some way to go before numbers are restored to their historic post-war levels, but the RSPBGS has ensured that palpable progress has already been made.

I think that, in this increasingly crowded and confusing world, it is of the utmost importance to create oases of calm and tranquillity for peace of mind and inner reflection- on maps, as well as in real life. I am therefore proud to be the Patron of this energetic and crucial organisation.