BBC announce new Springwatch presenters

The BBC has announced two new presents for its wildlife programmes Autumnwatch and Springwatch following the announcement earlier this year that Bill Oddie had quit both shows. Contains BBC Press Release.

This Spring Chris Packham joins Kate Humble as co-presenter of BBC Two’s popular natural history series Springwatch and Autumnwatch. And former Springwatch producer Martin Hughes-Games makes his debut in front of the camera as he joins the presenting team. Chris and Martin join the existing presenters Simon King, Kate Humble and Gordon Buchanan when Springwatch returns to BBC Two in late May this year. The moves follow Bill Oddie’s decision to take a break from the programme earlier this year.

“To be asked to be the new presenter of Springwatch and Autumnwatch was a dream come true and I hope to make a real contribution to the team.” – Chris Packham

Zoology graduate Chris began his career at the BBC in 1985 as a presenter of The Really Wild Show. He has worked in TV as a natural history broadcaster for 22 years, on 75 series and more than 500 programmes, being most recently seen in Nature’s Calendar and Nature’s Top 40 (BBC Two). Chris is active in many wildlife conservation bodies: he is Vice-President of the RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, Butterfly Conservation Trust and The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, and is President of the Bat Conservation Trust, The London Wildlife Trust and The Hampshire Ornithological Society.

“It will be a real challenge swapping life behind the camera to life in front of it, but I am really looking forward to it.” – Martin Hughes-Games

Martin is also a Zoology graduate and has over 30 years’ experience working on the BBC’s natural history programmes. Most recently he has been a producer on Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Shetland Diaries With Simon King (BBC Two).

“Chris and Martin are both great communicators and real experts on wildlife. I am looking forward to working with them immensely.”- Kate Humble