HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to former Radipole School teacher and wildlife enthusiast Neil Arnold.

Mr Arnold, 76, who moved to Weymouth in 1968 with his family and taught at Radipole School for 25 years, passed away on May 1 following a stroke.

He was a much-loved partner to Chris, father to Jane, Katharine and Jessica Arnold and grandfather to Hana, Bethan and Charlotte.

Mr Arnold has been described by his daughter Katharine as ‘a remarkable man who lit up every room he entered’.

He set up and established a nature reserve at Radipole School and wrote four books based on his findings and research.

Mr Arnold also received the RSPB president’s award from Magnus Magnusson that recognised his work in conservation in the late 1980s.

In 1988, he was awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours list for his services to education and dedication to improving children’s life through education.

He also wrote a weekly wildlife column for the Echo, which he eventually collated into a book.

When he retired, he set up a specialist tour operator called the Travelling Naturalist with his friend Jamie Mcmillan.

Katharine said: “Dad was kind, caring and considerate. He had a wicked sense of humour and was loved by many.

“He had a huge influence on many children at Radipole School; we are always told by people he was their favourite teacher.

“I’m still approached 40 years on by his former pupils asking after him. After his passing we have received messages from all over the world.”

Katharine said her dad influenced many people’s future careers in teaching, conservation or science, and that the family has received many messages from former pupils that are now teachers because of him.

She added: “Dad absolutely loved wildlife. You couldn’t guarantee that he wouldn’t stop a lesson half way through to show the children a bird in the grounds through the window.

“Radipole School pupils also had great fun emptying the moth traps every morning and identifying the different species.”

Radipole headteacher Veronique Singer said Mr Arnold was admired by students at the school, both past and present, who remember him as their teacher.

She added: “I know Neil as when I became head teacher at Radipole he gave me advice and help on how to restore the school’s woodland.

“He had a great love for the outdoors and was instrumental in getting the woodland conservation status.

“Neil was held in very high affection by so many students here.”

Mr Arnold’s funeral service for family and friends will be held at Weymouth Crematorium on Thursday, May 21 at 2.30pm.

His family ask for family flowers only and donations if desired to be given to the Portland Bird Observatory.

Katharine said the family also plan to hold a celebration of Mr Arnold’s life at St Aldhelm’s Church on May 29 from 3pm.