David Bellamy, the naturalist and television broadcaster known for his passion for the natural world, has died aged 86, the Conservation Foundation has said.

Bellamy was credited with inspiring people to care for nature through his programmes in the Seventies, but in later years became controversial for denying climate change.

In a statement, David Shreeve, director of the Conservation Foundation, of which Bellamy was president and co-founder, said: “Sadly, I have to report that David Bellamy died this morning.

“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.

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“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.”

Bellamy, who was born in London but lived in County Durham, was a household name, famous as a bearded television personality, scientist and conservationist.

He inspired Sir Lenny Henry’s “grapple me grapenuts” catchphrase.

In 2004 he described climate change as “poppycock” and later said the stance cost him his television career.

Speaking to The Independent in 2013, he said: “All of the work dried up after that. I was due to start another series with the BBC but that didn’t go anywhere, and the other side (ITV) didn’t want to know. I was shunned. They didn’t want to hear the other side.”

Asked whether he stood by his statement, Bellamy said: “Absolutely. It is not happening at all, but if you get the idea that people’s children will die because of CO2, they fall for it.”

Stan Collymore, the England and Liverpool footballer, tweeted: “Another childhood icon passes. Learnt about botany and shrubs and trees as a kid because of this man’s love and infectious enthusiasm.”

Danny Baker, the comedy writer and radio presenter, paid tribute, calling Bellamy a “truly brilliant and canny broadcaster”.

People who remembered him fondly tweeted that parts of their childhoods had gone.

Bellamy worked in a factory and as a plumber before meeting his future wife, Rosemary, to whom he remained married all his life. The couple had five children.

He studied and later taught botany at Durham University before achieving wider recognition following his work on the Torrey Canyon oil spill in 1967. Offers for TV work followed.

Thanks to his distinctive voice and screen presence, he quickly became a popular presenter on programmes such as Don’t Ask Me.

He also fronted his own shows, including Bellamy On Botany, Bellamy’s Britain, Bellamy’s Europe and Bellamy’s Backyard Safari.