Naturalist and broadcaster David Bellamy has died at the age of 86, the Conservation Foundation has said.
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 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."
London-born Bellamy inspired Lenny Henry's "grapple me grapenuts" catchphrase and was a regular presence on TV.
He 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.
Comedy writer and fellow broadcaster Danny Baker called him a "truly brilliant and canny broadcaster".
David Bellamy has gone. A truly brilliant and canny broadcaster.
— Danny Baker (@prodnose) December 11, 2019
Thoughts with @LennyHenry at this time.
Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan said Bellamy was a "brilliant naturalist, broadcaster and character" in a tribute posted on Twitter.
RIP David Bellamy, 86.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 11, 2019
A brilliant naturalist, broadcaster & character. pic.twitter.com/dKgxHVE3Ew
