The ashes of comedian and ornithologist Bill Oddie were scattered at his favorite spot in Hampstead Heath, London, fulfilling his lifelong wish to be laid to rest at a place where he enjoyed listening to birdsong. Family and friends gathered for a wildlife-themed celebration of his life, with his ashes carried into the park on a makeshift bird's nest adorned with dove decorations.
Taxidermist Simon Wilson, who attended the ceremony, described it as a "wonderful day surrounded by some amazing people, all coming together to celebrate Bill’s extraordinary life, his humour, his work and, of course, his lifelong love of wildlife and music." He added, "So many stories, memories and familiar faces a fitting celebration of a truly unique man."
Oddie, who died last month at the age of 85, had long planned his own funeral. In a 2012 interview, he expressed his desire for a humanist funeral, wishing to enter to Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U" and exit to Spike Jones' "Cocktails For Two." He specifically requested his ashes be scattered on Hampstead Heath, a place he cherished near his home, which he described as his most treasured possession due to the memories it held.
Oddie, born in Rochdale and raised in Birmingham, first gained fame as a member of the comedy trio The Goodies alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden. He also contributed jokes and music to hit shows like the satirical program "That Was The Week That Was." Later in his career, he became a beloved figure for his wildlife television work, including BBC's "Springwatch" and "Autumnwatch," and "Birding With Bill Oddie." He was also an active campaigner on environmental issues and spoke openly about his own experiences with depression and bipolar disorder.
His daughter, actress Kate Hardie, paid tribute to her father on Instagram, acknowledging his multifaceted talents in comedy, music, art, and wildlife advocacy. She highlighted his honesty about his mental health struggles and encouraged others to explore his extensive body of work. "There is much joy and awe to be found in a Bill Oddie rabbit hole and I'll miss him very very much," she wrote.
Fellow wildlife presenter Chris Packham remembered Oddie as a "renegade polymath with binoculars and a beard," noting his humor, passion for birds, and genuine love for nature. Packham recalled a moment where Oddie expressed pure joy at spotting a black woodpecker, stating, "That says all you need to know about Bill Oddie."
Oddie's agent, David Foster, described him as a "multi-talented celebrity" who valued conservation over fame. "He taught us the wonder of it. He protested, lobbied and campaigned for it. He led the way and people of all ages and backgrounds responded to his call," Foster said, emphasizing Oddie's significant contributions to conservation.
The BBC acknowledged Oddie's "long association" with the broadcaster and remembered him as a "much-loved comedian, naturalist and broadcaster" whose career spanned generations. Oddie's work extended to his role on the RSPB council and as president of The Northumberland Wildlife Trust, among other conservation organizations. He also authored several books on wildlife.
Oddie's journey with mental health was a significant part of his life. He spoke openly about his struggles with depression and bipolar disorder, which led to hospital admissions, including after he was replaced on "Springwatch" in 2008. Despite these challenges, he maintained his passion for nature, believing that being outdoors and engaging with the natural world was beneficial for mental well-being.
Bill Oddie is survived by his second wife, Laura Beaumont-Giles, their daughter Rosie, and his two daughters, Bonnie and Kate, from his first marriage to jazz singer Jean Hart. The last known photograph of Oddie was posted in September 2020, showing him with his wife Laura and daughter Rosie.