A famous botanist is taking people on a safari through Nonsuch Park.

David Bellamy OBE is encouraging others to join him for a wildlife ramble where he grew up at 10.30am on July 14.

The conservationist who turns 80 next year will be joined by other wildlife experts for an exploration into nature’s heritage on the grounds of Henry VIII’s Nonsuch Palace.

Roger Tabor, from Brightlingsea, is the chairman of the British Naturalists’ Association who are organising the event. He is also a television presenter known for his BBC TV series Cats.

He said: "David will be a fantastic guide.

"For him it’s an ideal opportunity to come back to where he grew up.

"It was the area that inspired him and he has a deep abiding love for the area.

"His knowledge in terms of botany is fantastic.

"I think across the day people will really enjoy themselves."

Nonsuch Park offers a diverse range of wildlife from orchids to spiders.

The day will also feature Dr June Chatfield who is an expert in snails and a spider safari with Tom Thomas.

As a youngster, Mr Bellamy went to Chatsworth Road Primary School in Cheam where he would pick flowers and look at the butterflies as he walked home.

When he went to Cheam Road Junior School, Mr Bellamy preferred to look at the surrounding countryside and the tadpoles in the pond rather than focus on catching flying balls when fielding in the outfield in a cricket match.

At Sutton Grammar School an inspirational science teacher, Mr Hutchings, taught him that science could be fun.

Before going up to university, Mr Bellamy, worked as a lab technician at Ewell Technical College - now North East Surrey College of Technology - which increased his understanding of science.

To take part in the day with Mr Bellamy visit the British Naturalists’ Association at bna-naturalists.org.