Naturalist, TV presenter and adventure Steve Backshall has been made an MBE in the 2020 New Year’s Honours list.

The 46-year-old, who lives in Marlow, has been recognised for his services to charity and wildlife conservation.

This comes after Steve contacted the Bucks Free Press directly back in July, pleading with the people of Marlow and the surrounding areas to not exceed the speed limit when driving their boats on the River Thames.

This is because the high speeds can cause a ‘veritable tsunami that drags behind them (the boats)’, which could destroy several secluded habitats, killing young birds and fish in the process.

On hearing that he has been named in the New Year’s Honours list, Steve told the Bucks Free Press: "I was bouncing off the walls when I opened the letter (marked ‘On Her Majesty’s Service’), although the wind was taken out of my sails by my wife Helen, as she instantly reminding me she’d been given her MBE seven years beforehand after her first Olympic gold.

READ MORE: Steve Backshall pleads for Marlow boat goers to slow down on River Thames

“I mean seriously - I can’t even have a second of glory in my house!

“The MBE is awarded for services to charity and wildlife conservation, so, most of my work is in the public eye, so to be rewarded for the stuff that’s done behind the scenes is particularly special.

“Around 15 different charities nominated me, which gives me a particularly warm glow.

“I especially have to say a huge thanks to BBOWT (the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust).

“I’ve been their president for a decade now, and they’ve been really good to me.

"It’s such an important organisation, working to protect and help us all cherish the wild wonders we have on our doorstep.

“We have so many forgotten quiet reserves that only our members know about; places where you can lose yourself for a few hours - see a kingfisher hunting, or hear a nightingale in full voice.

“The Scouts were also a part of the nomination, which is great.

“Our local cubs came out at midnight to support Helen and I when we did our 24 hour sponsored kayak down the Thames - it was the highlight of the whole event

“Next year I have another Expedition series to make, as well as a grand project on shark conservation. I’m also launching another massive forest purchase plan with the World Land Trust, so watch this space.

“Sadly, I don’t have the time to do a UK tour next year, as Helen is due in a couple of weeks, so when I’m not working I’ll be up to my neck in nappies.

“But I’ll be paddling up and down the river past Marlow, eating at the Bel in Cookham and having my coffee at Coopers just like always!”

This year has been a productive year for Steve in terms of Marlow related events, as the 46-year-old co-organised a fundraising night at the town’s Crowne Plaza in September for the Kogi People in Columbia.

READ MORE: Steve Backshall and Helen Glover host successful Kogi People fundraiser in Marlow

The night raised around £20,000 which saw over 200 people attend.

Steve is also a president of the Young People's Trust for the Environment, a charity that encourages understanding of nature, and a vice-president for invertebrate protection charity Buglife.

He is also an ambassador for the Scout Association.