Prof. David Bellamy


1933 - 2019

Broadcaster, conservationist and environmental campaigner. Born in London, Bellamy studied botany at Chelsea College of Science and Technology and completed his doctorate at Bedford College (University of London). He was appointed a lecturer in the botany at the University of Durham in 1960 and rose to become Professor Adult and Continuing Education there and Special Professor at University of Nottingham.

Bellamy came to prominence following a paper in the journal Nature, and numerous television appearances, following the grounding of the SS Torrey Canyon in 1967 and the subsequent disastrous oil spill. He published a large number of papers and books but is perhaps best known as campaigner and a key player in the conservation movement. He campaigned around the world, notably being jailed in 1983 following his involvement in a protest against a proposed dam on the Franklin River in Australia.

In Scotland, he was perhaps best known for jumping into the North Sea to open the St. Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve in 1984, Britain's first voluntary marine reserve, and also for his involvement in the Battle of Duich Moss (1985), which eventually saw the protection of an important area of bogland on Islay. He also campaigned against windfarms in areas of scenic or scientific importance, such as Fallago Rig Wind Farm in the Lammermuir Hills.

Bellamy was honoured with BAFTA's Richard Dimbleby Award for Outstanding Personal Contribution to Factual Television in 1978 and an OBE in 1994. He was in demand as the patron, chairman or president for a large number of environmental charities, while his enthusiastic demeanour and distinctive voice was often parodied by impersonators. However, his reputation was damaged following an attempt to stand for the Referendum Party against Prime Minister John Major and his inconsistent views on climate change.

Bellamy died at his home in County Durham and will be remembered as an inspirational and enthusiastic campaigner and broadcaster.


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