Chris Packham shares why he loves being in the New Forest
The 64-year-old TV presenter and naturalist lives in the area and has spoken about his love for the woodland.
It comes as part of Country Living's feature on the favourite 'green and happy' spaces of UK celebrities.
The publication said: "For four decades, Country Living has celebrated the power of nature to nourish, soothe and restore us.
"So to celebrate our 40th birthday this year, we've asked 40 of our favourite country-loving friends to tell us about the gardens, woods, lakes and mountains that nurture their wellbeing."
Chris Packham reveals why he loves the New Forest
Speaking to the magazine on the New Forest, Packham explained how he experiences it while living with Asperger's, which is on the autism spectrum.
He shared: "I understand the natural world through the prism of autism. I need space and to do things my way.
"Each morning, I walk the dogs in the local countryside. It's the best bit of the day."
Packham also spoke about living in the New Forest in a prior interview with Country Living, saying how much he connected with it.
He explained: "I go back every morning to the woods where I lived up until recently to walk my dogs.
"I just love that bit of woods. I wander around there and I know all the trees and I love the way it smells. It's my favourite place.
"I woke up this morning and I went outside [my new house] and it smelt different.
Recommended reading:
"I know it's only a mile and a half away but it smells different here. That sort of connectivity is really important to me."
Packham is well-known for presenting Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch on the BBC.
He has also been a strong advocate for tackling climate change, even becoming the first non-US-based director of the Climate Emergency Fund in October 2024.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
37 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Antiques Roadshow expert issues 'bad news' to guest over family jewellery detail
Antiques Roadshow expert issues 'bad news' to guest over family jewellery detail Antiques Roadshow expert John Benjamin examined some Art Deco jewellery on Sunday night John Benjamin, the trusted Antiques Roadshow specialist, had to deliver some 'bad news' to a pair of participants on Sunday's programme. Filmed at Wollaton Hall in Nottingham, locals attended with their treasures to receive the esteemed evaluations of the show's connoisseurs. The episode saw two guests presenting heirloom Art Deco jewellery for valuation. At first, John was presented with an old box, but upon revealing its contents, he discovered exquisite platinum-set drop earrings and an embellished sapphire ring. One of the owners recounted how the pieces came into his mother's possession through a friend who associated with a man frequently visiting France. Antiques Roadshow expert, John Benjamin, delivered some 'bad news' to two guests on Sunday's episode of the show (Image: BBC ) Yet, during his inspection, John discerned a modification: "Someone who has owned these in their history has taken them to a jeweller and said: 'I'm not sure if I like the fittings'.", reports Edinburgh Live. He noted the original fixtures had been replaced, observing: "So what they've done is they've removed the original fittings from the back and they've soldered on these long gold sort of posts with nine carat gold screw fittings at the end." Discussing the ring further, John shed light on an intriguing fact about the era's gemstones: "Here's an interesting point, in the 1920s, when that was made, synthetic rubies and sapphires were beginning to appear on the market." He concluded by unveiling a truth about the ring's decor: "The sapphires on the shoulders in the ring are actually synthetic. They're not real. So, there we are." He found a spectacular pair of drop earrings set in platinum and a sapphire ring (Image: BBC ) During the valuation, he admitted: "Here's the bad news, those drops, today, if they were having the original fittings on them. I think would be worth between £4,000 and £5,000." He continued, lamenting the impact of alterations, "But because the fittings have been changed, I think we've got to now drop that price to probably £2,500 to £3,000 simply because of a clumsy conversion." Regarding the value of the sapphire ring, he mentioned, "The ring about £1500." This valuation prompted light-hearted banter with one of the guests querying, "How much is the box worth?" eliciting a witty comeback from John, "Priceless, absolutely priceless the box!". One of the guests explained that it was given to his mother by a friend of hers who had met a guy who spent a lot of time in France (Image: BBC ) In a different segment of the show, art expert Rupert Maas appraised a monochromatic canvas portraying Princess Daisy of Pless, an illustrious figure of the Edwardian social scene. A tale was told of how the painting's current owner's father had found this artwork in Watford, scooping it up for a mere £13.50 at a local junk shop. Rupert then built up anticipation, saying, "You're going to be hanging it again, I hope, especially when I tell you what it's worth," and revealed a surprising valuation of £2,000 to £3,000. Article continues below The revelation visibly shocked the guest, who exclaimed in astonishment, "Really? Gosh! I was thinking you were going to say a couple of hundred," prompting Rupert to acknowledge that while not being a vast sum, it was substantially more than its humble acquisition cost. Antiques Roadshow continues on Sundays at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Wales Online
37 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Death Valley fans left speechless after spotting 'genius' moment in latest episode
Death Valley fans left speechless after spotting 'genius' moment in latest episode The second episode of the BBC's new murder mystery series Death Valley aired on Sunday night Death Valley: Official trailer Viewers of Death Valley were left distracted just minutes into the latest episode on Sunday (June 1). The six-part murder mystery series, which premiered last weekend, revolves around a retired actor named John Chapel (Timothy Spall). In the opening scenes of the show, John's neighbour is unexpectedly murdered, leading him to join forces with DS Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) to uncover the identity of the killer. Each week, this unlikely pair solve gripping murders against the backdrop of various stunning Welsh locations. In tonight's episode, Janie received a call from her mum, Yvonne, while she was out with her walking group, reports the Express. Melanie Walters first appeared as Yvonne on Sunday (June 1) night Yvonne disclosed that one of the newest members of the group, Karen, had been found dead on a Welsh mountain trail. To identify the culprit, a determined Janie persuaded John to join the group, hoping to gain his insight. However, viewers were left distracted after recognising Gavin and Stacey star Melanie Walters as Yvonne. Melanie is best known for her role as Gwen West in the popular BBC sitcom. Melanie wasn't the only Gavin and Stacey star to feature in the latest episode of Death Valley, with Dave Coaches actor Steffan Rhodri playing Janie's boss DCI Barry Clarke. At the end of the episode, several viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their excitement after spotting the Gavin and Stacey reunion. Steffan Rhodri plays DCI Barry Clarke in Death Valley One viewer wrote: "Dave coaches and Gwen? ! When is Nessa going to make an appearance?!" whilst another was equally excited, posting: "OMG Gwen and Dave Coaches!" A third said: "Not sure I can take #DeathValley seriously what with Dave coaches as a copper & now Gwen... All we need next is Ness appearing." The show also garnered positive reactions, with one person writing: "How have I never seen #DeathValley before?! It's genius!" and another enthused viewer stated: "Loving #DeathValley. Ludicrous, witty and quirky." Article continues below Death Valley is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
Daily Mirror
38 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker's final blow in BBC feud as Mo Salah interview 'blocked over Gaza'
Gary Lineker presented his final ever Match of the Day last weekend after leaving the BBC early but a new report has now claimed one of his final interviews was brutally axed The BBC decided to cancel what would have been Gary Lineker 's final Match of the Day interview shortly before his farewell appearance on the show, it has emerged. Lineker, 64, bowed out from the iconic highlights show last weekend after 25 years at the helm. His exit from the corporation came shortly after the former England star issued an apology for sharing an anti-Semitic post on social media, prompting him and the BBC to come to terms on an agreement to part ways this year instead of after the 2026 World Cup. And it has now emerged, via The Sun, that Lineker's final interview in his role - which was due to be with Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool talisman - was axed at short notice. The report speculates that the move may have been made by the BBC amid concerns that Lineker 'would say something controversial about Gaza' during his chat with Salah. A source confirmed to the publication that the interview was due to be played across Match of the Day and Football Focus over the weekend of Lineker's final show before Alex Kay-Jelski, the BBC's director of sport, pulled the plug. They added: 'Out of nowhere, it got cancelled. Some people think they didn't want Gary and Mo to talk about Gaza. 'Salah has spoken out in his support for Palestinians living in Gaza and Gary has made his feelings clear too. It felt like it may have come up naturally in conversation. 'It seems they axed it rather than risk possible editorial issues. They'd only just overcome one storm so to face another would have been a nightmare.' The BBC, however, said of the decision: 'The interview was cancelled because it was planned to air after Gary's last Match of the Day. It would be wrong to suggest anything else.' Lineker bid an emotional farewell to viewers at the end of his final show in the hotseat, saying: 'Let me take this opportunity to thank all of the other pundits that I've had the pleasure of working with over the last 25 years, you've made my job so much easier. 'Also, a huge thank you to those you don't see at home: the work that goes into making this iconic show is a huge team effort. From the editors, to the analysis team, from the commentators to the floor managers, from the producers to the camera operators, from the PAs to the subs, thank you all, you're the very best. 'Rather like my football career, everyone else did all the hard work and I got the plaudits. It's been an absolute privilege to host Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It's been utterly joyous. I'd like to wish Gabby, Mark and Kelly for when they sit in this chair - the programme is in the best of hands. 'And my final thank you goes to all of you. Thank you for watching. Thank you for all of your love and support over the years. It's been so special - and I'm sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbye. Goodbye.'
