Tributes paid to ‘true countryman’ as wildlife presenter Kingdom dies
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 exploring 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.
“Johnny Kingdom embodied all the attributes that are associated with true countrymen.
“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 filmmaker, Mr Kingdom worked as a farmer, quarryman, forestry worker, gravedigger and poacher.