Celebrity face of Jersey reservoir protests dies

Thursday 12 December 2019

The TV botanist who fronted a campaign in Jersey to fight against flooding Queen’s Valley for a reservoir in the 1980s has died at the age of 86.

Broadcaster and naturalist David Bellamy passed away this week after an illustrious career in conservation and campaigning for the environment.

One of his major campaigns took place on Jersey soil when he made his way to the island to support protests against flooding Queen’s Valley for a reservoir out of concern for the wildlife living there. 

Pictured: David Bellamy fronted the campaign for protests against the Queen's Valley reservoir. (Google Maps)

The fight to save the valley in the 1980s was prompted by the States’ decision to create a reservoir there and – according to reports at the time – it’s  estimated that at the height of the protests, 8,000 people marched through the valley.

Mr Bellamy joined forces with campaign groups ‘Save the Valley’ and ‘Concern’ to help protect the area from flooding, but ultimately the States took the decision that a new reservoir was necessary.

As reported by the Press Association, his death was announced by the Conservation Foundation, of which he was the President and Co-Founder.

In a statement about Mr Bellamy’s passing, the foundation’s Director David Shreeve said: “Sadly, I have to report that David Bellamy died this morning.

Pictured: Mr Bellamy was well-regarded for his work in conservation and broadcasting. (PA/Geoff Caddick)

“David and I worked together on a variety of projects in a various places since launching The Conservation Foundation in 1982.

“He was a larger-than-life character who became a very special friend and teacher. 

“He inspired a whole generation with his wide range of interests and enthusiasm which knew no bounds. 

“The Conservation Foundation was very special to him and so today is very sad for all of us.”

Other tributes have poured in for the university lecturer and TV presenter as news of his death spread.

Pictured top: David Bellamy, who passed away aged 86. (PA)