Bill Oddie, the comedian-turned-naturalist whose television career ranged from the 1970s comedy trio The Goodies to long-running BBC wildlife series, has died at the age of 85, his agent has said.
From comedy to conservation
Oddie first came to public attention as a member of The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, before establishing himself as a familiar face on nature programmes including Birding With Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild, Springwatch and Autumnwatch. Across those roles he became widely regarded as one of the country's best-known birdwatchers and a prominent voice in British conservation.
Tributes and roles
In a statement, his friend and agent David Foster described the loss and highlighted Oddie's contribution to environmental campaigning. He said:
"It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country’s best-loved birder."
The BBC expressed sorrow at his death, noting his long association with the corporation and describing him as a "much-loved comedian, naturalist and broadcaster". The statement added that his career spanned generations, from comedy through to his later wildlife presenting.
Campaigning and conservation work
Oddie was a career-long birdwatcher and was involved with several conservation bodies. The source lists his formal associations as including roles with:
- RSPB – council member
- Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust – council member
- WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature) – council member
- The Northumberland Wildlife Trust – president
His agent emphasised that Oddie's work extended beyond broadcasting to active protest, lobbying and campaigning on behalf of the natural world.
Family and privacy
Foster asked for privacy for Oddie's family at this time, requesting that the public respect the wishes of his wife, Laura, and his daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie, who have "asked not to be contacted at this sad time."
| Role | Examples |
|---|---|
| Comedy | The Goodies (1970s) |
| Wildlife broadcasting | Birding With Bill Oddie; Bill Oddie Goes Wild; Springwatch; Autumnwatch |
| Conservation positions | RSPB, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, WWF, Northumberland Wildlife Trust |
Locally, readers who followed Oddie's appearances on national television will recognise the influence he had in bringing birdwatching and wildlife issues into the mainstream. His public campaigning helped raise awareness of habitats and species protection across the UK.
Further tributes and details about commemorations or memorials are likely to follow as families and organisations respond; for now his agent's request for privacy should be observed.
