David Attenborough

b. 1926

David Attenborough’s interest in nature developed during his childhood. In 1945, he matriculated at Clare College to study Natural Sciences, and has since recalled a ‘wonderful feeling of opening new windows’ as he fostered his deep love of geology and zoology at Cambridge. 

After graduating, Attenborough joined the BBC where he proved a skilled producer. Promoted to Controller of BBC2 in 1965, he commissioned pioneering programmes like Monty Python’s Flying Circus, before stepping down in 1972 to develop his own series, Life on Earth. This groundbreaking television marked the beginning of the peerless Life series, showcasing the natural world in all its intricacy, variety and splendour.  

By the 2000s, Attenborough’s passion for nature and consummate skill as a communicator allowed him to raise public awareness of biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and climate change. His unparalleled contribution to conservation has been recognised globally. Over 40 species have been named after him, including a dinosaur, the Attenborosaurus. A host of honours include two knighthoods, 32 honorary degrees, and an Honorary Fellowship of his College. Now approaching his one hundredth birthday, Attenborough continues to advocate for action to protect the natural world for future generations.