Today marks the 100th birthday of environmentalist, broadcaster, natural historian, writer and national treasure, Sir David Attenborough.
Sir David has strong ties with Stroud, including a lifelong friendship with the founder of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in Slimbridge, the late Sir Peter Scott.
Gary Haseley-Nejrup, General Manager at WWT Slimbridge, explains how the two met: “Sir Peter Scott and Sir David Attenborough first met around 1955. They became friends due to their shared love for the natural world and conservation efforts — Attenborough once called Peter Scott the patron saint of conservation. Both were involved in the early days of BBC natural history programming, and their paths crossed many times with Attenborough often filming at WWT Slimbridge.
“Sir David last visited Slimbridge in 2017. I recall sharing lunch with him in Sir Peter Scott’s former dining room, where we spoke at length about our education programme and the importance of introducing children from all backgrounds to wetland nature.
“Slimbridge now welcomes over 9,000 primary and secondary school students each year through our award-winning education programmes, and Sir David thoroughly enjoyed meeting and spending time with the students on site during his visit.”
Sir David is also President of the Butterfly Conservation and supported the introduction of The Large Blue butterfly at Daneway Banks near Sapperton, which also featured in the series Wild Isles. Tricia Atkinson is on the Gloucestershire Branch of The Butterfly Conservation.
“Sir David Attenborough has been an inspiration to millions across the globe with his passion for wildlife and for his unique ability to bring the awesome wonders of wildlife straight into our living rooms. Amongst his many other commitments, he is a passionate supporter of Butterfly Conservation and has been President of the charity since 1999.
“For many years, Sir David launched the national annual Big Butterfly Count on television encouraging the British public to get out and record butterflies in 15 minutes during a three-week period in July and August. His passion and enthusiasm inspired many people by doing the Count to appreciate and engage with butterflies. This also provided many useful butterfly records.”
Born in Middlesex on May 8th,1926, Sir David has been a constant presence on our TV screens for eight decades. He’s best known for the ground-breaking and award-winning documentaries The Blue Planet, Blue Planet II, The Life Collection, Natural World, Wildlife on One and Planet Earth.
He has received two knighthoods, which recognises his lifetime contributions to broadcasting, environmental awareness, and conservation.
