If the news that Sir David Attenborough is celebrating his 100th birthday this year has passed you by, well, we’d hazard a guess that you’ve been habitating like a ground beetle. In other words, you’ve been living under a rock.
The legendary natural historian, who’s been making iconic documentaries for the best part of seven decades, marked his millennium on May 8 2026. And there’s been no shortage of events to celebrate, including screenings of his films and fans congregating in Trafalgar Square dressed as Sir David and some of his fave furry friends to sing him happy birthday.
Now one charity has said it’s honouring the beloved broadcaster by naming its nature trail after him.
The Holly Lodge Centre, which is an education charity based in Richmond Park, has unveiled The Attenborough Trail. A key part of the centre’s outdoor learning programme, the newly-named path is designed to bring young people closer to Richmond Park’s wildlife and heritage.
‘Sir David has inspired generations of children to learn to look closely, to ask questions and to value nature. Naming our nature trail in his honour feels entirely fitting. Every child who walks the Attenborough Trail is following in the footsteps of curiosity and care for the natural world that Sir David has championed throughout his life,’ said James Middlehurst, chair of the board of trustees at the Holly Lodge Centre.
Sir David Attenborough – who famously described Richmond as his favourite place in the world – is a patron of the Holly Lodge Centre, championing its aim to bring young people, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, closer to the natural world.
As well as renaming its trail, the centre has also created the Centenary Glade as a 100th birthday gift, a special new woodland space planted by volunteers.
Head to Richmond Park, TW10 5HS, to check out the Attenborough Trail and Centenary Glade.
Fancy getting better acquainted with Sir David’s iconic works? Here’s Time Out’s list of the 16 best David Attenborough documentaries to stream.
Did you see that the natural history London museum is officially one of the greatest in the world?
Plus: London’s first official open water swimming area in the River Thames is now open.
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