Naturalist and broadcaster David Bellamy has died at the age of 86, the Conservation Foundation has said.
David Bellamy died on Wednesday, according to the foundation, of which he was president and co-founder.
In a statement, David Shreeve, director of the Conservation Foundation, said: “Sadly, I have to report that David Bellamy died this morning.
“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 was a larger-than-life character who became a very special friend and teacher.“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.”
He inspired Sir Lenny Henry’s “grapple me grapenuts” catchphrase and was a regular presence on TV.
Bellamy, who lived in County Durham, later attracted criticism for dismissing global warming.
In 2004 he described climate change as “poppycock” and later said the stance cost him his TV career.
Bellamy worked in a factory and as a plumber before meeting his future wife Rosemary, to whom he was still married when he died.
Tributes has been pouring in since the news of his death broke late Wednesday night.