‘I'M LUCKY TO BE HERE AND I'LL NEVER TAKE THAT FOR GRANTED'

AFTER CELEBRATING HIS TH BIRTHDAY CHRIS PACKHAM OPENS UP TO OK! ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH BLENDED FAMILIES AND HIS HOPES TO SAVE THE WORLD

- EMILY WHITWAM

His passion for wildlife and his love of the outdoors jumps out of the telly when Chris Packham hosts his various nature shows, but his journey to TV stardom hasn’t been easy.

The presenter, who turned 60 on 4 May, isn’t just a fervent fan of nature – he’s also passionate about guiding young people and credits his own mentors with helping him deal with undiagnosed Asperger syndrome in his youth.

“One thing I try to be generous with is the time I spend coaching and providing a platform for young people,” he explains. “I wouldn’t be having this conversation with you if I hadn’t had a handful of people who helped me through some desperate and difficult times.”

We were lucky enough to meet up with the naturalist at The Wildheart Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight, which he helps run with his long-term partner, Charlotte Corney.

Also joining us on the shoot is Chris’s 25-year-old stepdaughter Megan McCubbin, who also works there. Chris remained close with zoologist Megan after he split with her mum when she was 12, and the duo have become quite the team – isolating together in Hampshire during the pandemic while presenting shows like Autumnwatch and Winterwatch.

Here, Chris opens up about his hopes for Megan’s future, the close bond she shares with Charlotte and his joy at turning 60...

Hey, Chris! Tell us a bit about why The Wildheart Sanctuary is so close to your heart?