Sir David Attenborough needs no introduction. He is beloved around the world for bringing wildlife into people’s homes with his stunning, heartbreaking, breathtaking documentaries. Who can forget the devastating footage of bottom trawling in Ocean, the heart stopping moment marine iguanas sprinted away from racer snakes in Planet Earth II or his gentle interaction with a family of mountain gorillas in Life on Earth?  

Although Sir David has travelled to almost every corner of our wonderful world, his commitment to conservation here in the UK has been ever present. Behind the scenes and out of the spotlight he has turned up to applaud, champion and boost the day-to-day efforts of thousands of people making nature recovery happen for more than six decades. 

Across the UK, The Wildlife Trusts have greatly benefitted from his support, including Norfolk Wildlife Trust, which shares its centenary year with Sir David. The naturalist sent the Trust his ‘most sincere congratulations’ to mark the charity's own birthday earlier this year.

In June 2015, Sir David visited Cley and Salthouse Marshes visitor centre to officially open the new Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education Centre, a hub for learning, events and exhibitions. He hailed the opening of the ‘centre of knowledge and wisdom’ as ‘a great day’, and highlighted that a greater public interest in the natural world was ‘pioneered’ by Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

He has often spoken about his love for Cley Marshes, calling it ‘one of the great places in this country to see wildlife’ and ‘one of the jewels’ among Britain’s nature reserves. He now has a permanent presence at Cley and Salthouse in the form of a footpath called the Attenborough Walk, which he opened himself during his 2015 visit.

Our Policy and Campaigns Officer, Sarah, recalls an exciting encounter she had with Sir David back in 2005:

‘It was an absolute honour to meet Sir David Attenborough during my time at UEA while I was doing my PhD. Sir David was at the University as he’d been awarded an honorary Doctorate in Science and Professor Bill Sutherland, my PhD supervisor, was the professor who was showing him around for the day.

‘I had spent a long, hot morning surveying breeding waders in the Broads and had just arrived back on campus to find Bill and Sir David walking towards me. They stopped and Bill introduced us and suggested I tell Sir David a bit about my studies. I was struck by the genuine interest that he had, and the very relevant questions which he asked.

‘He has always been an inspiration to me, so as they left to continue to the Graduation Ceremony I was almost bursting with excitement to have met him and shared of my work with him.’

The entire Norfolk Wildlife Trust team would like to wish Sir David a very happy 100^th birthday – here are just a few of their messages of thanks to him for all he has achieved for nature:

• ‘You are a passionate advocate for wildlife and an all-round legend.’
• ‘A shining light for the natural world, when we have needed it most. Thank you for everything you have done for the planet.’
• ‘Thank you for your lifelong dedication to championing nature conservation and using your iconic voice to bring nature into our living rooms and our hearts.’
• ‘Thank you for the years of inspiration shared by myself and now also my four-year-old.’
• ‘You are an inspiration to so many and a true force of conservation.’
• ‘We are all hugely indebted for everything you continue to do for wildlife in Norfolk, the UK and beyond. So, a huge thank you for that.’

Happy 100^th birthday, Sir David Attenborough – thank you for everything you have done for nature, and we wish you a very happy birthday.

As we celebrate Sir David’s birthday today, why not think about ways you can help wildlife in your own life? Whether it’s planting for pollinators, taking action for nature in your community, or creating a mini pond for wildlife, you can be an every day nature hero.