Englishman David Bellamy is a world famous botanist, author, broadcaster and conservationist. He came to prominence in New Zealand in the 1970s and 1980s with numerous natural history programmes.

His trademark beard, larger than life personality and ability to make science understandable made him a popular addition to family viewing time.

In 1990 he came to New Zealand to host Moa’s Ark, a landmark documentary series telling the history of our country’s unique evolutionary past. In recent years, Bellamy has become a more controversial figure with his claims that Global warming is just part of the earth’s natural climate cycle.

In this ScreenTalk interview, Bellamy discusses:

• The making of Moa’s Ark, and the pleasure of working with Kiwi producer/director Peter Hayden

• His involvement in the campaign to save the Whirinaki Forest from loggers

• What he thinks of nature shows on TV now

• His controversial views on global warming

• And his appearance in the famous Old Man’s Beard TV commercials

NZ On Screen:  Interview, Camera & Editing – Andrew Whiteside