Britain’s ‘best-loved birder’ Bill Oddie has died aged 85.

The wildlife presenter, conservationist and comedian first found fame as a member of comedy trio The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, and wrote for a succession of hit shows including That Was The Week That Was.

But he became even more famous while pursuing his passion for wildlife on television, as well as campaigning on green issues and raising awareness of mental health due to his own battles with depression and bipolar disorder.

Oddie was beloved by generations of viewers, particularly for his work on Springwatch and Autumnwatch, Birding with Bill Oddie and Bill Oddie Goes Wild.

His agent today paid tribute to his ‘intelligence and wit’ following his death.

Oddie is survived by his wife Laura and their three daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie.

Bill Oddie – Britain’s best loved birder – has died at the age of 85

Bill, pictured right in 1973, first found fame with Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden as part of The Goodies

Bill Oddie and his wife, Laura in the garden of their Hampstead home. They have three daughters

In a statement, David Foster said: ‘It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country’s best-loved birder.

‘Bill was a multi-talented celebrity – wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist. Yet it was never fame that he valued.

‘Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment.

‘He taught us the wonder of it. He protested, lobbied and campaigned for it.

‘He led the way and people of all ages and backgrounds responded to his call. And such a massive contribution to conservation will never be forgotten.

‘As Bill’s agent I witnessed close hand his intelligence and wit. He was my friend and it was an honour and a privilege to represent him for so many years. I will miss him terribly.

‘My thoughts and love are with Bill’s wife, Laura, and his daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie.’

A birdwatcher since his childhood in Birmingham, Oddie was a respected ornithologist.

He was a council member of the RSPB, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and The Worldwide Fund for Nature. He was also president of The Northumberland Wildlife Trust and represented many other nature organisations.

In addition, he wrote a number of books on birds and other wildlife topics.

His comic career began in Cambridge Footlights, when he started writing for shows including That Was The Week That Was.

He went on to write and appear on numerous programmes including I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again, which featured many of his comic songs.

He first found fame as a member of The Goodies and the trio earned household name status in Australia and New Zealand, as the television comedy show attracted millions of viewers in its heyday.

His songs led the Goodies to several major chart hits, most notably The Funky Gibbon.

He continued to work with his fellow Goodies on programmes including Bananaman, before turning his attention to nature shows.