Sir David Attenborough, who turns 100 on May 8, 2026
Sir David Attenborough turns 100 years old today (May 8) and in that time he has inspired millions by bringing the natural world into homes and classrooms.
The writer, broadcaster and naturalist was educated at Clare College, Cambridge, and after working at an educational publishing house, started working as a trainee at the BBC in 1952.
As controller of BBC Two, he oversaw the first ever colour broadcasts in Europe.
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Recognised as the voice of natural history programmes for the past 70 years, he has worked on award-winning shows such as Life on Earth, The Private Life of Plants and The Blue Planet.
With over 40 animals and plant species named after him, and a constellation, he has explored uncharted land and met some of the most remote people on earth.
Sustainable farming
Through his work, he has promoted sustainable farming and nature-friendly agriculture.
The ‘Saving Our Wild Isles' documentary, produced by Silverback Films for WWF, the RSPB and the National Trust, encourages action through ‘bringing a buzz back to farmland', ‘restoring sea grass below the waves' and ‘protecting carbon-storing peatland'.
"Every one of us, no matter where we live, can and must play a part in restoring nature to our isles," said Sir David.
"Never has it been more important to do this for ourselves and our wildlife."
Most recently, Sir David stepped forward to champion the £30 million Rothbury Appeal on its first anniversary in a bid to create a major step-change for nature recovery in the UK.
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This vast upland, at 9,500 acres, is the largest area of land to be put on sale in England in decades.
Sir David said: "The Wildlife Trusts have launched an appeal to buy this very special place. They will work with local farmers to care for the area and breathe new life into its precious wildlife habitats.
"With the communities who live and work at Rothbury, the Wildlife Trusts will create a place where people and nature can thrive side by side. Please help us make this vision a reality. Thank you."
In celebration of Sir David's centenary, the Natural History Museum has named a new species of wasp, native to the Patagonian lakes of Chile, after the broadcaster.
Collected in 1984 in the Valdivia province of Chile, the small wasp had gone unnoticed by most until a researcher at the museum realised it looked different to the others.
After showing it to Dr Gavin Broad, principal curator for insects at the Natural History Museum, they found this was not just a new species but an entirely new genus.
They called the wasp Attenboroughnculus tau in recognition not only of the incredible work that Sir David has done to show us the wonder and beauty of nature, but also to inspire generations of scientists to pursue careers in natural history.
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