SandWorld wanted to ‘celebrate a man whose passion for the natural world has inspired generations across the globe’ on his 100th birthday – and did just that with a phenomenal sand sculpture.
David Hicks and Mark Anderson, co-founders of SandWorld, said: “As co-founders of SandWorld, we were proud to create our tribute sculpture to Sir David Attenborough several years ago, celebrating a man whose passion for the natural world has inspired generations across the globe.
“Reaching 100 years old is an extraordinary milestone, and we hope the sculpture continues to remind visitors of the importance of protecting our planet, its wildlife and oceans – a message Sir David has dedicated his life to sharing.”
Sir David, one of Britain’s most inspiring broadcasters with an astonishing career spanning 70 years, celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday.
Events in honour of the beloved presenter were held across the country, and a star-studded concert took place at the Royal Albert Hall.
In Dorset, The Prince of Wales School celebrated ‘David Attenborough Day’, with children dressed as animals, explorers, and habitats; free entry was given to anyone named David at Abbotbury Swannery on Saturday and Sunday; and cocktail bar Dark Bear in Bridport even held a birthday party for Sir David, with themed cocktails including Life on Earth, Blue Planet and Private Life of Plants.
Sir David has frequented Dorset a number of times, and, as patron of Lyme Regis Museum, opened the Mary Anning wing at the Bridge Street museum in 2017.
He returned to the county a year later when he was filming the BBC Documentary, Attenborough and the Sea Dragon.
The documentary brought the history of the 200-million-year old ichthyosaur fossil to life, that was discovered on the Jurassic Coast, with his passion for nature and instantly recognisable narration.
He also backs Lyme Regis fossil festival and helped the town campaign for its beloved statue of Mary Anning, which was erected in 2022.
He officially opened Dorset Museum’s long-awaited Jurassic Coast Gallery in 2008, and has returned many times over the years, including July 2011 to unveil one of the museum’s most extraordinary exhibits: the skull of a pliosaur, dating back around 155 million years.