BILL Oddie made his name as a member of the madcap Goodies with Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden in the 1970s. He remains as famous now as he was then, but more so for his love of all things nature. A former host of the BBC’s Springwatch and Autumnwatch programmes, he is a fervent twitcher and naturalist. He is very definitely ‘for’ badgers, campaigning against Government plans for a cull, and ‘against’ HS2, the Government’s railbuilding scheme. You can visit his website at www.billoddie.com and follow him on Twitter @BillOddie

The Northern Echo: CONCERN:Bill Oddie has spoken out against vandals who wrecked bird watchers’ hides

What was your first car?

My first car was a yellow Mini. I think it cost about £600! You could barely buy a bike for that nowadays. I followed up with another Mini, and then went through a slightly flash car stage when I got a scarlet Mini Cooper with smoked windows. I knew I had come out of that phase when I got a dark green Rover, which many of my friends called ‘a Doctor's car’. I think I was trying to grow up. I have never succeeded.

How many times did it take to pass your test?

I passed my test first time thanks to patient tutelege by my dad. I think he had a Zephyr Zodiac, but he hadn't been a driver that long himself. He had passed his test in a black MGB GT, which always struck me as an odd choice for an accountant - more like a police car! My main motivation actually was that I was desparate to be able to borrow the car and go birdwatching round a circuit of reservoirs around Birmingham, where we lived. Dad had been ferrying me for several years and no doubt he thought it worth the ‘risk’ to let me drive myself as soon as possible so he didn't have to.

Who would be your fantasy passenger and where would you go?

Fantasy passenger? I know it may seem a bit obvious to choose an attractive woman but I really do prefer female company - the attractive bit is a bonus! I have been very impressed by Tulisa over the past year. I really like N Dubz. It is really exciting to see youngsters working at their vision and making it happen. Same with many of the Olympians and Paralympians. Tulisa has taken it further on X-Factor by being herself, and a pretty nice, positive, encouraging, sympathetic self it seems. Where to go? Well it could be a long drive. I am pretty addicted to America. You could spend a lifetime exploring and let's face it a lot of the time you feel like you are in a movie. Do Americans feel like that in Britain?

What is your dream car?

My dream car would be just that! Something that is small, comfy and quiet, and has had its sat nav surgically removed. It would need to be economic on petrol and no emissions and have a top speed of about 80mph. Anything faster would be illegal, wouldn't it? It would of course never break down. However, the most important thing of all would be that I could afford it! Or better still, somebody would give me one. Whatever it is, Jeremy Clarkson would despise it.

How would you describe your driving style?

Sensible and safe but not slow. But I don't get the slightest pleasure from speed, skid turns or even ‘brrrm brrrrm’ engine noises. In fact, if I had to nominate the world's nastiest noise it would be racing cars. I would also claim to be a pretty safe driver, aware of traffic and potential dangers. I have more than one friend who goes into a sort of trance behind the wheel, and even turns towards me when talking. Not surprisingly, they keep overshooting turnings or overlooking signs. I dread being driven by them!

Tell me what driving anecdote from your past?

When I was in my late teens I borrowed Dad's car and told him I was going birdwatching locally. Instead, I picked up my girlfriend and her mother and drove them down to London on the recently opened M1. On the way back, the car juddered to a halt. I had to free wheel onto the slip road, walk to a garage and call dad and tell him “Dad, I am in Milton Keynes and the garage man says the big end's gone." The car was unrepairable. Oops.

What is playing on your in car iPod or CD player at the moment?

No iPod. I often listen to Radio 2. I also listen to my daughter's music. Rosie works in two bands - Big Kids. Recent tracks available on I Tunes. And an all female, but certainly not a 'girlie' band - Fake Club. Some tracks on the internet, and a lot more to come. She is an up front singer and songwriter. I know I am her Dad, but it really is good stuff. You won’t fall asleep at the wheel!

What do you drive now?

I drive a silver Renault Clio diesel. It is five or six-years-old and has only 12,000 miles on the clock. It has lots of London scratches and dents, including a huge one on the back door left by a bus that drove into me and drove away. Obviously, I could do with a new car, but as long as this one is pretty much trouble free, I can't see the point. I travel by train whenever I can, so I can read. Final word: No to HS2.Who needs to get to Manchester half-an-hour quicker? And who will be able to afford a ticket?