ON THE LAST OF THE GREATEST

Well, just minutes ago from the time of writing saw the conclusion of Life in Cold Blood, and with it the retirement of perhaps the greatest living Briton: Sir David Attenborough.

There’s little I can say that hasn’t already been said about this truly exceptional man. His hand in shaping the BBC into an international powerhouse of program making cannot be overstated, despite the tarnishing brought about by his latter day contemporaries. Above all, Sir David and the Natural History Unit’s unceasing professionalism has led to the absolute zenith of wildlife filmmaking, with an unparalleled and untouchable track record of sustained excellence.

And for at least three generations of biologists, filmmakers and wildlife enthusiasts, his verve and uncompromising passion for brining the wild into our homes has served as so massively inspiring, that many would cite him as the reason they got into the fields they now find themselves. I know I do.

So here’s to David. We’re heartbroken to see you go, but if anyone deserved their retirement, it’s you.