Attenborough Wins Golden Eagle

The Outdoor Writers' Guild cemented its position as the organisation for thrusting young outdoor writers and, erm, leading communicators working in the outdoors' with the presentation of a 'Golden Eagle Award' to dynamic young naturalist Sir David Attenborough.

Attenborough, who at 79, is still travelling the world producing nature documentaries was presented with a a specially commissioned watercolour of Chopicalqui in the Peruvian Andes by landscape artist and Guild member, David Bellamy, at London's historic Alpine Club.

Presenting the award, Outdoor Writers' Guild President, Roly Smith, commented: "Sir David's distinguished career in broadcasting covers half a century, and no one has done more to introduce the wonders of the natural world to a greater number of people. He has been our guide to some of the world's wildest and most spectacularly beautiful landscapes, and has shown us in intimate detail the astounding and never-ending variety of the wild creatures which live in them."

Attenborough apparently was a keen rock climber in the 1940s, but gave up climbing 'because he found its risks incompatible with family life'. He accepted the award saying: '"I just make films about wildlife and I am especially delighted to receive this award, and in such august surroundings."

An invited audience of 50 including mountaineer Stephen Venables were present at the Golden Eagle award ceremony.

It's nice to see the old warhorse getting recognition for his achievements, but where the hell are the bright, dynamic young outdoors writers in this country?

You can find out more about the OWG from their web site.