David Attenborough at 100

The voice of the natural world. The man who made the BBC what it is today. Basically every adult alive in the UK today has grown up with Sir David Attenborough as a permanent fixture. The phrase National Treasure is sometimes overused, but in this case, Sir David is really THE National Treasure.

His 100^th birthday is on the 8 May and the city where he spent his childhood and discovered his love of the natural world is preparing to celebrate one of its favourite sons. Born in Middlesex, his father Frederick became Chancellor of the University of Leicester in 1931 when David was only 5 years old. The family moved into College House, which is still part of the University campus and it was in Leicester and Leicestershire that David gained his passion for conservation and the natural world.

In 1936, David and his brother Richard attended a lecture by the Canadian naturalist Grey Owl at De Montfort Hall which sparked young David’s passion for conservation and the delicate balance between mankind and the natural world. David’s curiosity led him to the woods and open spaces of Charnwood, where he could often be found hunting for fossils in the half a billion year old rocks. He recently gave his backing to the work of the bid for Charnwood UNESCO Global Geopark, which recognises the internationally significant geology of the region which includes some of the oldest animal fossils ever found!

Studying at the city’s Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys (now WQE College) he could often be found in Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, where he also volunteered as a teenager. A portrait of Sir David was unveiled in honour of his 90^th birthday and can still be found in the dinosaur gallery.

Picture credited to Reuters

On his birthday, Friday 8 May, BBC One will be honouring Sir David with a special live broadcast from the Royal Albert Hall in London. Hosted by Kirsty Young, the evening will feature iconic scenes from his documentaries over the years and appearances from luminaries of the screen who have been inspired by his work including broadcasters Liz Bonnin, Steve Backshall, Chris Packham, and Michael Palin. No doubt Leicester will get a mention or two in there!

The Attenborough Arts Centre, named for his brother Lord Richard Attenborough, will be hosting three FREE screenings of his new film Ocean on Friday 1 May and Saturday 2 May. Tickets will no doubt go quickly, so book yours as soon as possible.

The Phoenix cinema will be holding a mini celebration of Sir David’s birthday with two screenings. Firstly on Sunday 10 May, they will be showing the documentary Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, in which he reflects upon both the defining moments of his lifetime as a naturalist and the devastating changes he has seen. It will be followed by a pre-recorded Q&A with Michael Palin, from the original premiere at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Then on Sunday 17 May they will be screening the new film Ocean, which Sir David has described as ‘the most important film I have ever made’. This breathtaking journey shows that there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean.

Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre are offering 100 spaces on a special half day of nature-based learning and exploration. This will take place on Saturday 9 May and is aimed at honouring Sir David’s legacy of making environmental education accessible to everyone. Each participant will take part in three guided activities across the site including canoe, canal boat and bankside litter picks, a site walk to explore the nature and species at LOPC or river habitat viewing. The Canal and Rivers Trust will also be leading a group for a walk along the banks cleaning up any discarded waste along the way. Book a place here

BBC Radio Leicester are encouraging schools across Leicestershire to join them in marking Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday with a county‑wide ‘Day of Environmental Action’, with every participating school receiving a free tree from The Woodland Trust to plant in a spot special to their school.