WORLD renowned environmental campaigner and television presenter David Bellamy has died, it has been confirmed.

The professor, who studied biological sciences before reading botany and lecturing in the subject at Durham University, spent many years living in Hamsterley Forest in County Durham.

He died aged 86 earlier on today, according to the Conservation Foundation, of which he was president and co-founder.

In a statement, David Shreeve, director of the Conservation Foundation, 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. 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."

Professor Bellamy was also the president of Durham Wildlife Trust.