Broadcaster and naturalist. Born in Isleworth, West London. He joined the B.B.C. in 1952. His first major natural history series was 'Zoo Quest' in 1954. Appointed controller of BB2 television in 1965, he commissioned programmes as diverse as 'Call My Bluff', 'The Old Grey Whistle Test' and 'Monty Python's Flying Circus'. Returning to broadcasting he produced and presented many major series including. 'Life on Earth' and 'The Living Planet'. Knighted in 1985.
He is best known for writing and presenting, in conjunction with the BBC Natural History Unit, many natural history documentary series forming a comprehensive survey of animal and plant life on Earth. He understands the current threat to the environment and has advocated for restoring planetary biodiversity, limiting population growth, switching to renewable energy, mitigating climate change, reducing meat consumption, and setting aside more areas for natural preservation. Despite his popularity, not enough people, or not the right, powerful, people are listening.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
