A naturalist, zoologist and conservationist, Lord Cranbrook was an energetic champion of the natural world with an endless passion for wildlife. He devoted his life to protecting the environment and advancing scientific understanding of nature, in Suffolk, across Britain and abroad in Southeast Asia.

Lord Cranbrook was President of Suffolk Wildlife Trust from 1979 to 2014, serving for over 35 years after taking on the role from his father, who was one of the original founders of the Trust in 1961, when it was known as the Suffolk Trust for Nature Conservation.

Julian Roughton, who was Chief Executive when Lord Cranbrook's presidency came to an end, recalls that he played a crucial role in the purchase of Dingle Marshes Nature Reserve near Dunwich on the Suffolk coast.

"Through his contacts and natural authority, he brought influence to bear on the agents and vendors, enabling a delayed sale so that we and the RSPB could be given time to make a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund and raise funds from our respective members. It was the Trust's largest appeal and land purchase at the time, made possible because of Lord Cranbrook's tenacity."

Julian also recalls a visit with Lord Cranbrook and some visiting Malaysian conservationists, with whom he had close links, to a Trust reserve:

"When we heard a skylark pouring out its song, he challenged us: 'Ah, but I bet none of you will be able to spot it.' Well, I did, and much to my surprise, he immediately handed over a £10 note (obviously destined for Trust donations)!"

"Another time, he invited my family, including our three young children, to lunch at Great Glemham. Afterwards, we went fungi foraging in the surrounding parkland, and I'll never forget Lord Cranbrook's gentle encouragement of my ten-year-old son, an aspiring naturalist. Lord Cranbrook was a natural enthusiast, and my son hung on his every word as they wandered among the ancient oaks looking at fungi. The intimacy of that afternoon was a world away from the formality of chairing an AGM, but Lord Cranbrook was adept at both."

Lord Cranbrook died in Suffolk on 24 August 2026, with his wife, Caroline, and their children by his side. He was 93.

He will be remembered for his curiosity about nature, the inspiration he shared with others, and his lifelong commitment to protecting the natural world.