Bill Oddie, the British television personality renowned for his work as a comedian, naturalist, and wildlife presenter, has died at the age of 85, his agent confirmed on Monday. Oddie was widely recognized for his role in the comedy series The Goodies as well as for his commitment to environmental conservation and wildlife awareness.

Born in Birmingham, Oddie first gained fame as a member of The Goodies, a comedy trio alongside Graeme Garden and Tim Brooke-Taylor. The show, which aired from 1970 to 1982, became a mainstay of British television humor. The trio met at the University of Cambridge, where they participated in the prestigious Footlights Club, a breeding ground for several notable British comedians, including John Cleese and Eric Idle.

In addition to his comedic achievements, Oddie was a successful songwriter, with several tracks from The Goodies charting in the UK during the 1970s, notably “The Funky Gibbon” in 1975.

Oddie’s passion for wildlife extended into his broadcasting career, where he became one of Britain’s most familiar natural history presenters. He hosted a variety of programmes for the BBC and Channel 4, including the popular series Springwatch. His work aimed to foster public appreciation and respect for the environment, frequently highlighting issues related to conservation.

A committed campaigner, Oddie was vocal in his opposition to the government-supported cull of badgers intended to control bovine tuberculosis. In 2013, while participating in a patrol to protect badgers, he described the policy as “one of the most controversial, unreasonable, damaging, unnecessary conflicts” he had encountered.

Oddie was also open about his personal struggles with mental health. After stepping down from Springwatch in 2008, he spoke publicly about his battle with depression and was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He used his platform to advocate for greater awareness and understanding of mental health issues.

Through his multifaceted career, Oddie encouraged audiences to engage deeply with the natural world. He once urged people to immerse themselves in their surroundings by listening to the sounds of nature, emphasizing the value of experiences such as birdsong.

Oddie is remembered not only for his humor and warmth but also for his dedication to conservation and environmental education. His influence endures in the generations inspired to appreciate and protect the natural environment.