Chris Packham’s New Forest house has heavy-duty security gates due to an arson attack two years ago that left the old wooden gates charred. This attack followed months of death threats and intimidation, prompting the BBC to assign him a bodyguard while filming Winterwatch. Packham has been a vocal advocate against the illegal persecution of birds of prey and the destruction of wildlife, and the attack has not swayed him from his mission. He has turned the remains of the burned gates into a positive symbol by transforming them into a coffee table.
As a long-standing figure on British TV, known for series such as The Really Wild Show and Springwatch, Packham’s style and passion for wildlife have led to comparisons to Sir David Attenborough. However, Packham believes that the niche for TV nature shows has changed and should be handed over to the next generation. He is passionate about giving young people a platform and trusting them to make a difference, as seen in his collaboration with self-trained young talent Fabian Harrison.
Additionally, Packham has recently self-financed a new YouTube series, 8 Out of 10 Bats, featuring young presenters and political discussions. His journey from a socially awkward, punk-rock teenager to a successful wildlife advocate has been influenced by his struggles with undiagnosed Asperger’s syndrome. Punk music in the 70s gave him a voice for his frustrations, while his anger at the despoilation of the natural world fuels his activism. Despite difficulties, Packham is committed to turning his anger into something positive, and his determination to not give up is evident in his work.
