Tony Soper: Pioneer of BBC’s Natural History Programming Passes Away at 95

Tony Soper, a renowned television presenter, writer, and the co-founder of the BBC‘s Natural History Unit, has passed away at the age of 95. Soper’s groundbreaking idea for a wildlife unit in Bristol led to the creation of world-famous television series like Planet Earth. Despite his pivotal role, Soper chose not to manage the unit, preferring to focus on creating programmes rather than supervising their production.

Born in Southampton in 1929, Tony Soper was the son of Ella and Bert Soper. The family moved to Plymouth, where Tony attended Hyde Park Elementary and Devonport High Schools. Initially expected to follow his father into the shipping business, he instead pursued a career in broadcasting after joining the BBC as a trainee engineer in 1947. His passion soon shifted from engineering to radio production, eventually leading to his involvement with wildlife programming in Bristol.

Tony Soper played a significant role in the early days of wildlife television. He worked closely with producer Peter Scott, and in 1954, contributed to the first live wildlife TV outside broadcast, “Wild Geese in Winter.” His contributions were instrumental in the establishment of the Natural History Unit in 1957, where he acquired its first camera and began producing the series Look.

Throughout his career, Soper became a beloved TV presenter, known for his easygoing personality and distinct Devon accent. He appeared in numerous programmes, such as “Animal Magic,” “Soper at Large,” and “Wildtrack.” His approachable style earned him the nickname “One-take Tony.” Despite leaving the BBC to pursue a freelance career in 1963, Soper’s contributions to wildlife broadcasting continued to impact audiences and peers.

In addition to his television work, Tony Soper led wildlife cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica, a role he found deeply rewarding. He authored several books on wildlife, including a guide to garden birds that remained in print until 2000. Though his television presence diminished in the 1980s, his legacy continued through his writing and cruise leadership.

Tony Soper is survived by his wife Hilary, two sons, Tim and Jack, and five grandchildren. His pioneering work in wildlife broadcasting is remembered as a lasting contribution to the understanding and appreciation of natural history on television.