It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Bill Oddie.
To millions, Bill was a comedian, actor, presenter, musician and one of Britain’s best-loved naturalists. Whether making audiences cry with laughter as a member of The Goodies or inspiring generations to pick up a pair of binoculars and discover the wonders of the natural world, Bill brought joy, passion and enthusiasm to everything he did.
To World Land Trust, Bill was much more than a household name. He was a long-standing supporter, Trustee, Council member and passionate advocate for conservation. He understood our work intimately and was a tireless champion for protecting wildlife and the habitats it depends upon.
Over the years, Bill visited many of World Land Trust’s projects, travelling alongside our founder John Burton and other members of the WLT team to destinations including Borneo, Zambia, Brazil, Armenia and Argentina. Wherever he went, his curiosity, knowledge and deep love of nature shone through. He cared profoundly about wildlife and conservation and had an extraordinary ability to communicate that passion to others.
Of course, Bill was also extremely funny.
His wit was legendary. Quick, sharp and often delightfully mischievous, he could turn even the most ordinary situation into a comedy routine. He had the rare gift of making people laugh when they least expected it and making every gathering feel a little lighter.
I was lucky enough to spend a great deal of time with Bill during my years at World Land Trust. In fact, within my first month of joining the organisation, I was sent to his house to film him before escorting him to a Trustee meeting.
I’ll admit I was slightly intimidated. Like so many people, I’d grown up watching Bill on television. But within minutes he had put me completely at ease. Filming commenced, and what should have been a straightforward job took twice as long as planned. Not because of Bill, who was the consummate professional, but because I spent most of the recording trying and failing not to laugh. More than once, tears of laughter ruined a perfectly good take.
Over the years we attended many events together, and Bill was always the same: warm, friendly, funny, wonderfully honest and when he felt it necessary straight-talking. There were occasions when he would look at me and ask why on earth I, and indeed World Land Trust, had convinced him to take part in whatever adventure lay ahead.
Driving to one event together, I wondered how the day would go as Bill didn’t seem that keen to be there. We agreed a discreet code that I would use if I thought he might need rescuing, meaning he could leave without causing any embarrassment. Later, seeing him surrounded by people, I decided I better use the code as instructed, but Bill looked at me as though I had completely lost my mind. He was having far too much fun to go anywhere, it was simple Bill loved to be loved.
There are countless other stories. Battling through the mud at Birdfair. Trying to explain why he was standing in a field surrounded by bloggers, Trustee meetings, conservation events and the occasional frantic search when Bill had somehow missed his train stop and ended up somewhere entirely different to where he was supposed to be.
The truth is that there are simply too many stories to tell.
Behind the public figure Bill was always willing to share his advice and encouragement with me, and I know he was an invaluable source of support to our founder, John Burton, whom he counted among his friends. He gave his time, energy and influence generously, helping World Land Trust and the wider conservation movement in ways that are impossible to measure. His contribution was immense.
I will miss him greatly, as will everyone at World Land Trust.
Our thoughts are with his wife Laura, his daughters, and everyone who knew and loved him.
Thank you, Bill. For the laughter, the wisdom, the friendship and your unwavering commitment to protecting the natural world.
You made a difference, and you will never be forgotten.
