Legendary BBC presenter dies as colleagues say it’s ‘a sad day for all’

An iconic BBC radio presenter has died as his heartbroken colleagues say ‘rest easy mate’ and share a touching tribute on X

Chris Tynan

The presenter’s devastated colleagues have paid tribute

Chris Tynan, a presenter on NatureWatch on Radio Merseyside, has died, his devastated colleagues have announced on X.

In a moving tribute to his late colleague, environmentalist and show presenter Anno Brandreth took to the social media platform to pay his respects.

He wrote, “RIP Chris Tynan. Chris was a well loved and important part of the Naturewatch team and did great work locally to promote the things we love and are important to the listeners.”

Chris tynan and team bbc merseyside
Chris’s colleague shared a sweet Christmas snap of the team
They added, alongside a picture of Chris with the Naturewatch team, “He will be sadly missed and we will hopefully do something in a future broadcast to honour him, it’s a sad day for us all. Chris is here on the left in his wonderful penguin jumper.”

Nature Watch, now discontinued, was a regular feature on the BBC Radio Merseyside breakfast and weekend shows until 2023.

It was often as a segment on the popular “Paul Beesley” show adored by nature lovers who would regularly involve calls from listeners, and involved local experts like Jeff Clarke of Anser Ecology and Richie the Ranger, discussing local wildlife and gardening advice.

Archived clips of the popular Merseyside show are available to BBC Sounds or the BBC Merseyside Facebook page.

Chris was also the long-standing leader of the RSPB Liverpool, but stepped down in April.

In a message on their website in May, the society said, “The impact Chris has had on both the group and the people of Merseyside more widely cannot be understated, and we will forever be in his debt. Chris has played a huge part in shaping many people’s love for birds and wildlife, inspiring us all to appreciate nature in every aspect.”

They added in a now poignant message, “The entire group would like to thank Chris for his dedication over many years. Chris will continue to lead the outdoor meetings until December, so there is still time to thank him in person! You will be sorely missed, but you are more than welcome back at any time!”