Jolly Green Giant

Forest and Bird, Issue 308, 1 May 2003, Page 44

Jolly Green Giant

by David Bellamy, 398pp hardbound, Century/Random House, Auckland 2002, RRP $54.95

Simply by appearing on television ‘Botanic Mar’ has become a familiar face to most New Zealanders. Indeed, he has lent his energy to many conservation campaigns in this country, appearing as the ‘overseas expert’ who helps us realise just how special our environment is — among other things his phrase ‘dinosaur forests’ has become shorthand for our

ancient biota. Yet he’s done the same in many other countries. Lending his considerable skills in mass media he has spear-headed many campaigns, travelling from country to country on ‘barnstorming’ missions to help save the planet. David Bellamy doesn’t drop famous names; he focusses issues and moves on. His autobiography is disarmingly simple; love and his family form a substantial part of the book. His worldwide associations are only particularly apparent when reading the appendices where he lists his role with conservation organisations. New Zealand gets a mention with his support for the campaign to save Whirinaki Forest and his admiration of conservationists such as Stephen King climbing threatened trees at Pureora.