Wildlife Trusts Vice-president Chris Packham to present BBC Springwatch

Chris Packham, Hampshire based vice-president of The Wildlife Trusts, is to take the sofa seat alongside Kate Humble on popular wildlife programme Springwatch in May 2009.

Simon Cripps, Chief Executive of Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: ”This is good news for the series and for wildlife.  Chris Packham is a passionate advocate for nature and a great communicator.  Springwatch is a wonderful way to bring wildlife and people together, as we have found from our excellent experience with the BBC on Autumnwatch last year.  We are grateful to Chris for his support for our work here in Dorset and look forward to working with him in the future.”

Stephanie Hilborne, Chief Executive for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “Congratulations from The Wildlife Trusts to Chris Packham on his new role in Springwatch.  Chris is vice-president of The Wildlife Trusts and a great champion of our work.”

Chris Packham says: "Springwatch is right up my street.  It is a great way of bringing nature to people, using familiar species to generate enthusiasm for the UK's wildlife.  And once people are on board, the next step is about getting them out into the landscape to experience wildlife for themselves.”