From his youngest days, Sir David was a naturalist. He was an avid and dedicated collector of fossils, stones, and natural specimens. Jacquetta Hawkes, professor, was impressed with young David's collecting affinity. Attenborough, eleven at the time, heard the zoology department at Cambridge needed a large supply of newts. He offered his services through his father at a small cost per newt. The source, a pond next to the department. (Unbeknownst to all) Later that year his sister gifted him prehistoric amber displaying unknown creatures. Sixty years later he wrote and presented The Amber Time Machine. Showcasing his detective work identifying the creatures in his personal piece of amber. Attenborough studied geology and zoology obtaining a degree in natural sciences at Clare College, Cambridge.

His filmography as writer, presenter, and narrator runs eight decades to include the BBC Natural History Unit work creating the Life Collection. A comprehensive survey of animal and plant life on Earth. He is the only person to win BAFTAs in all content categories. His early work celebrated and showcased the natural world as a wonder. His later writing and works drive a strong vocal push and support for environmental causes. Planetary biodiversity, population controls, renewable energy, mitigating climate change, reducing meat consumption, and nature preservation of lands.

More than 20 species and genera have been named in Attenborough's honor. Sir David F. Attenborough is the definition of naturalist and humanist.

His latest book, Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and Vision for the Future, is a lyrical scientifically informed account of the changes occurring in the world over the last century. Sir Attenborough shares a lifetime of wisdom and a hopeful vision for the future. See the world. Then make it better.