The BBC Natural History Unit is known worldwide for blockbuster television series such as Planet Earth. The original idea for a “wildlife unit” based in Bristol came from the naturalist and TV presenter Tony Soper, who has died aged 95. But he turned down the chance to run it, as he was “more interested in making programmes than overseeing them”.
He went on to have a distinguished career as a wildlife TV presenter: his easygoing personality, craggy features and distinctive Devon burr made him a firm favourite with viewers. On screen from the early 1960s to the late 80s, he was a major influence on several generations of young naturalists. Along with figures such as Peter Scott and Bill Oddie, he was instrumental in bringing British wildlife to a wider audience.
