Wildlife presenter Johnny Kingdom dies aged 79 after digger accident

Wildlife presenter Johnny Kingdom has been described as “one of the last true characters of rural Britain” following his death at the age of 79.

The film-maker, photographer and author – who specialised in his local area of Exmoor and north Devon – died on Thursday night.

Emergency services were called to reports that a digger had rolled over in a field on Mr Kingdom’s land at about 9pm.

Mr Kingdom was pronounced dead at the scene near Wadham Cross in Knowstone, Devon.

His television agent Hilary Knight paid tribute, saying: “Today we have lost one of the last true characters of rural Britain.

“Born and bred an Exmoor man through-and-through he loved his Devon patch and all the flora and fauna within.

“He lit up our TV screens with his enthusiasm and passion. He became a very proficient photographer and cameraman and his work became very sought after.

“The various Devon shows and in particular South Molton market, will be a sadder place without his cheery presence. He will be sadly missed.”

Before becoming a film-maker, Mr Kingdom worked as a farmer, quarryman, forestry worker, grave digger and poacher.

He was lent a video camera following a tractor accident and developed a passion for recording wildlife. In 2006, the BBC screened a 10-part series about his life entitled Johnny Kingdom: A Year On Exmoor.

Mr Kingdom wrote an accompanying book, A Wild Life On Exmoor, followed by Bambi And Me and West Country Tales. He was well-known for taking pictures of red deer – particularly stags – and badgers.

In a statement, Mr Kingdom’s family asked his fans to continue his love for Exmoor. They said: “Johnny would want you all to continue with his love for Exmoor as you all meant so much to him.

“As the loving man himself would have said: ‘Farewell to all you lovely people’.”

Picture: PA. Johnny Kingdom died in an accident on his land in Devon.