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Join the BNA the national body for naturalists, founded in 1905, and extend your interest in the British countryside by taking part in a wide range of activities together with fellow enthusiasts of all ages. With the help of our experts, you will be able to learn more about our native flora and fauna and develop an in-depth understanding of how our natural world develops and changes increasingly important in view of the changes in our climate.
At national level, the BNA organises lectures and exhibitions, publishes Country-Side, British Naturalist, the BNA website and the BNA holds occasional conferences and Field Trips at a different location each year.
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Obituary Tony Soper HonFBNA
By Roger Tabor HonFBNA BNA President
Tony was an outstanding naturalist, renown as a birder. A pioneer of natural history TV, consummate presenter of many wildlife series and author of bird books, he died on 18th September 2024 aged 95 years.
He was a recipient of the British Naturalists’ Association’s Peter Scott Memorial Award, the highest award of the Association. He was an Honorary Fellow of the BNA, long term BNA Vice President. From when I asked him if he would take on the role of President of the BNA’s Young Naturalists in 1995, remarkably he held the role until his death, 29 years later. He kindly gave a memorable talk to the BNA’s national meeting after receiving the Peter Scott Award, saying he was honoured to accept the award especially as it was in Peter’s name, and reminisced about working with Sir Peter on the BBC’s “Look” TV series.
Tony was born in 1929, he gained a love of the sea from his shipwright and ship’s agent father where he was brought up at Plymouth. He joined the BBC on a youth training scheme in 1947. By 1950 he was working in radio at Bristol with wildlife programming pioneer Producer, Desmond Hawkins, with series “The Naturalist” and Birds in Britain”. Peter Scott was one of the main contributors as was Maxwell Knight (Peter later became a BNA Vice President & Max Knight became a BNA President). Although I was young at the time, I remember the sensational impact in 1955 that the woodpecker’s programme had with remarkable footage by Heinz Sealmann, who was interviewed by Peter Scott, produced by Desmond Hawkins on which Tony assisted. That one- off programme immediately led to the “Look” series fronted by Peter Scott, and by 1956 Tony was the series producer. He suggested to Desmond Hawkins, who had become Head of Programming for the West Region, that a wildlife unit should be established, which became the BBC’s Natural History Unit in 1957.
Tony produced the first TV series with Gerald Durrell, then the first wildlife diving series with Hans and Lottie Hass. His first role on screen as a presenter was in 1960, “Out of Doors” for children, and two years later he was naturalist presenter with Johnny Morris on the newly formed “Animal Magic” BBC TV series (a decade ahead of me).
His first book, “The Bird Table Book” was published in 1965, which to his surprise became an international best-seller. Numerous wildlife books were to follow including his monographs on “Owls” and “Penguins”.
He began leading boat trips to see avocets wintering on the Tamar.
He presented many TV series through the 1970s and 1980s, including “Soper at Large”, “Wildtrack”, “Beside the Sea”, “Birdwatch”, “Nature”, “Discovering Birds”, “Discovering Animals”, Reefwatch” and “Go Birding”. I had the great pleasure of being featured by Tony in “Wildtrack” in the late 1970s and “Discovering Animals” in 1985. His friendly, laidback, but knowledgeable way made him not only enjoyable to work with, but also for viewers to watch.
From the beginning of the 1990s onwards Tony developed a second career, pioneering leading polar wildlife cruises in the Arctic and Antarctic. This gave rise to his best-selling field guides to both regions.
I remember while visiting Tony at his home that had a marvellous vista over a Devon estuary, he walked me down to the edge, to show me the adjacent copse he had taken on to benefit wildlife. In asking for my view on this, despite his own huge wildlife knowledge plus his greater local experience, it showed his continuing passion for wildlife and his pleasure in talking about it.
Via television, radio, his books and leading wildlife cruises, he has encouraged so many to gain a greater love and interest of wildlife (including those in the BNA). He was a pioneer of natural history TV, helped the birth of the BBC’s NHU, pioneered polar wildlife cruising, he had an amazing life.
British Naturalists Association
National Encaenia
5th October 2024
Bookings for this have now closed
New book for sale in the BNA shop
In the “How to Begin the Study of Series” we now have the addition of ‘REPTILES’.
By David C. Wareham FBNA, for £9.95.
Covering all 6 British species, in full colour with lots of useful information, and is available to
buy on this link >>https://bna-naturalists.org/shop/clothing-books-accessories/
What to look for in September from the BNA
Photos: D. Farrar
Although summer is giving way to autumn, there is still a variety of insects which can be seen in September. Some are easier to find than others, butterflies and dragonflies are flying around looking for food, whilst bugs and crickets are well camouflaged in bushes, brambles and trees.
Noon Fly – Mesembrina meridiana. This jet black fly can be seen during the late summer and autumn months often sitting on plant leaves or fences enjoying the sun. The feet, face and base of the wings are brightly coloured with orange that really stands out against the black body. These flies are widespread in Britain around woodland edges and hedgerows.
Sweet Chestnut – Castanea sativa. This is the time of year when you will see clusters of sweet chestnuts on these huge trees. The nuts are covered with long spines which are sharp to the touch. (Not to be confused with Horse Chestnut ‘Conkers’ which are smoother and have shorter spines). They burst open when ripe and often contain three or four nuts.
Cinnamon Bug – Corizuz hyoscyami. New generations of this striking looking bug appear during August and September and can be found in a variety of habitats including dunes and woodlands, it is also known as Black and Red Squash Bug. These bugs have become more widespread in recent years and sometimes seen in gardens.
Ivy Flowers – Hedera helix. While lots of flowering plants are beginning to die off, ivy starts to produce its yellowish/green flowers which are highly scented. They are rich with pollen and nectar and attract many species of insects. It is always worth looking at these flowers to see how many species you can spot and may be lucky enough to see the spectacular Hornet Hoverfly – Volucella zonaria
