Bill Bryson: 'number-one anglophile'

An Iowa-born journalist and author has been honoured for his work in protecting the British countryside.

Bill Bryson, once described as the world’s number-one anglophile, is this year’s recipient of the Golden Eagle Award from the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild.

Mr Bryson, best known for his acerbic and amusing best sellers Notes from a Small Island and A Walk in the Woods, has devoted much of his recent time to campaigning as president of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, heading its Stop the Drop anti-litter and flytipping drive.

The Golden Eagle Award is presented to ‘a person who has rendered distinguished or meritorious service to the outdoors generally’.

The author now lives in rural Norfolk after returning from a time in the USA. He lived for many years in Kirkby Malham in the Yorkshire Dales.

During the CPRE campaign for the establishment of the South Downs national park, he quipped: “Something I have often wondered is why we don’t make the whole of England a national park.”

Despite his American origins, his 1995 travelogue Notes from a Small Island was chosen as the book which best represented England in a 2003 poll for World Book Day.

OWPG president Roly Smith said: “Although Bill is perhaps best known as a very funny travel writer, I don’t know anyone who is more in love with the British countryside, and who campaigns more vigorously to protect it.

“He is a very worthy recipient of our Golden Eagle Award, and I am delighted that he is our 2011 winner.”

Previous recipients of the annual accolade include broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough, mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington and prominent access campaigner Marion Shoard in. The Golden Eagle was first awarded in 1995.

Mr Bryson will receive of an original watercolour painting by outdoor artist David Bellamy, who is a long-standing member of the guild.