Tributes have been paid to film-maker and wildlife conservationist Éamon de Buitléar (83) of Delgany, Co Wicklow, who has died.

Mr de Buitléar was one of Ireland’s first independent film-makers, and was passionate about the natural world. He was also deeply involved in Irish traditional music and enjoyed a long association with Seán Ó Riada.

Former Green Party TD John Gormley paid tribute to Mr de Buitléar “ I worked with him when I was minister. A decent, committed man,” he wrote on Twitter.

Wicklow TD Simon Harris said he was saddened by the death of the "national treasure" whom he had the "pleasure of many conversations with".

Biologist and broadcaster Éanna Ni Lamhna said he was a “hero” of hers. He "inspired people like me" to be interested in wildlife, she said.

Fiddler Paddty Glackin told RTÉ that he was a “very special” and “very inspirational man” and a “source of great strength and encouragement” for other musicians.

Age Action has said the country woke to the news of his death “with great sadness”. “He leaves a remarkable legacy”, the organisation said.

He co-produced and originated the Amuigh Faoin Spéir series (Out Under the Sky) with Dutch artist Gerrit Van Gelderen, and the programme was credited with creating a much needed appreciation of the Irish environment. Throughout a distinguished career his programme credits included The Natural World and The Living Isles ( BBC) and television series Exploring the Landscape, Irelands Wild Countryside, A Life in the Wild (RTÉ) Wild Islands (RTÉ, STV and S4C) Nature Watch (ITV). He was also involved in the establishment of traditional music group Ceoltóirí Chualann (1960-1969).

In 1986, his television programme, Cois Farraige leis an Madra Uisce, won a Jacob’s Award and in 1987 he was appointed by the government to the Seanad.

In 1991 Mr de Buitléar was awarded an honorary degree in Science by the National University of Ireland and in 1992 he was granted the UCD (University College Dublin) Lifetime Environmental Achievement Award.