Naturalist and broadcaster David Bellamy dies aged 86

11 December 2019, 19:36

David Bellamy has died aged 86
David Bellamy has died aged 86. Picture: PA

Naturalist and broadcaster David Bellamy has died aged 86, the Conservation Foundation has said.

The environmentalist died on Wednesday, according to the foundation, of which he was president and co-founder.

Thanks to his distinctive voice and screen presence, Mr Bellamy quickly became a popular presenter on programmes such as Don't Ask Me.

He also fronted his own shows, including Bellamy On Botany, Bellamy's Britain, Bellamy's Europe and Bellamy's Backyard Safari.

In a statement, David Shreeve, director of the Conservation Foundation, said: "Sadly, I have to report that David Bellamy died this morning.

The broadcaster with actress Emilia Fox in 2009
The broadcaster with actress Emilia Fox in 2009. Picture: PA

“David and I worked together on a variety of projects in a various places since launching The Conservation Foundation in 1982.

"He was a larger-than-life character who became a very special friend and teacher. He inspired a whole generation with his wide range of interests and enthusiasm which knew no bounds.

"The Conservation Foundation was very special to him and so today is very sad for all of us."

The Londoner was a household name as TV personality, scientist and conservationist.

He inspired Sir Lenny Henry's "grapple me grapenuts" catchphrase and was a regular presence on TV.

Mr Bellamy, who lived in County Durham, later attracted criticism for dismissing global warming.

Comedy writer and radio presenter Danny Baker paid tribute to Mr Bellamy, calling him a "truly brilliant and canny broadcaster".

Piers Morgan also paid tribute on Twitter, writing that Mr Bellamy was a "brilliant naturalist, broadcaster and character."

Mr Bellamy worked in a factory and as a plumber before meeting his future wife Rosemary, to whom he was still married when he died.

The couple had five children. Mr Bellamy studied and later taught botany at Durham University.

He achieved wider recognition following his work on the Torrey Canyon oil spill in 1967.

In 1979 he won Bafta's Richard Dimbleby Award.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Screen grab taken from PA video of Katie Wallis (left) leaving Cardiff Magistrates' Court after they pleaded guilty to the harassment of their ex-wife, Rebecca Wallis.

Former Conservative MP pleads guilty to harassing ex-wife

Man, 49, who 'went crazy' after taking crack cocaine jailed for 39 years following Christmas Day double murder

Man, 49, who 'went crazy' after taking crack cocaine jailed for 39 years following Christmas Day double murder

Disgraced music mogul R. Kelly taken to hospital after 'overdosing' in prison

Disgraced music mogul R. Kelly taken to hospital after 'overdosing' in prison - alleging prison staff are to blame

The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, Putney.

South London nurse struck off over 'sexually motivated' WhatsApps to colleague, claiming it was 'just banter'

Annabel Rook

Charity boss found stabbed to death in London home after police rushed to scene following 'gas explosion'

Exclusive
British Army soldiers gather outside the hospitality chalet of aerospace manufacturer Thales.

UK would ‘lose war with Russia’ in current setup, as Army chief calls for greater use of attack drones and missiles

Bethan James died on February 8, 2020, after alleged delays to treatment.

Ex-England cricketer’s daughter 'could have been saved' if medics didn't 'miss signs of sepsis', inquest hears

Woodburn's co-star Aggie Mackenzie has acknowledged the death by giving a statement.

Aggie MacKenzie breaks silence after death of 'tortured soul' Kim Woodburn following How Clean is Your House? feud

Easyjet flights to Spain are set to be grounded

Easyjet cabin crew announce three days of summer strike action grounding flights later this month

Chris Wilder

Sheffield United set to sack Chris Wilder after missing out on promotion to the Premier League

acegoers attending Day One of Royal Ascot 2025, Ascot Racecourse

Style takes the reins: Racegoers dazzle on day one at Ascot

.

When is the Tour de France 2025 and how to watch

Phoenix Spencer-Horn

Killer admits murdering girlfriend before decapitating and trying to dismember her in sick cover-up attempt

Police have cordoned off Millbank Lane, Thornaby, after kids found bullets in the ground.

Police launch probe after children find 'bag of bullets' and firearm magazine while playing in field

Teenage boy fixing an L plate to the back of a Renault Clio before a driving lesson.

Driving test backlog reaches eye-watering high of over 630,000

Poundland has announced plans to close 68 stores and two UK warehouses

Poundland announces plans to close 68 stores and two UK warehouses after being 'sold for £1'