SIR David Attenborough and his Richmond home have been targeted by protestors from Extinction Rebellion.

The protest group controversially demanded he needs to do more to combat climate change.

Richmond has its own Extinction Rebellion group, however the protesters involved in the picket are thought to have come from outside the area.

The local branch of the campaigning group did not respond when asked for a comment by Richmond Nub News.

The renowned TV presenter, naturalist and campaigner is currently shielding because at 94 he is in a vulnerable group and at risk if he comes into contact with people from outside his household.

Extinction Rebellion said they took the action in response to comments that Sir David made in a BBC interview.

The group objected to the fact that he told its members "to be careful not to break the law", coupled with the warning that "disturbing lives... is a serious thing to do and could disenchant people".

The group of peaceful protesters, who delivered a letter, olive tree and other items, were met by Sir David's daughter, Susan, who explained he would not be able to meet them given the dangers posed by the virus.

The Extinction Rebellion letter challenged Sir David on his comments that the law should not be broken.

It read: "We are a group of Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists and we bring you this letter to ask for your help.

"For decades we have enjoyed your films and TV programmes. We share your deep concern for the living planet and the need you have expressed for immediate and decisive action to tackle the climate and ecological emergency.

"I'm sure you would agree that now, more than ever, we need new ideas, new courage, new ways of thinking about how to create the change we so desperately need."

The group argued that there was a long history of non-violent action in order to bring about change.

It added: "Breaking the law was integral to the achievements of the Suffragettes, Gandhi's Salt Marchers, the Civil Rights movement and the Polish and East German democracy movement, to name only a few.

"You yourself have said 'We cannot be radical enough when dealing with climate change'. But your recent comments to the BBC, where you said 'you have to be careful that you don't break the law' and that Extinction Rebellion should question whether their actions are 'political and sensible,' suggest you believe otherwise.

"We urge you now to rethink this position and recognise the role nonviolent civil disobedience plays when communicating to your global audience."

The letter added: "With your unique position and influence, we fear your comments are contributing to the erasure of the voices and sacrifices of front-line earth protectors around the world."

A member of the group, Cathy Eastburn, a mother of two, from London said: "On Sunday morning a small group of mums, young women and an ex-serviceman delivered a letter to Sir David Attenborough. We hoped to extend an olive branch by delivering gifts and opening a conversation about how change can happen in order to mitigate the worst impacts of the climate and ecological crises.

"We went with the message that we are all on the same side and we hope that our gifts will help show that we can all be part of the change we need to see even though our methods may differ."

The protest has been criticised by MPs, including the former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, who described it as 'appalling' and 'extreme'.