Chris Packham on Bats, Bills and the Battle for Britain’s Wildlife

Nov 5, 2025

Chris Packham, a renowned wildlife presenter and passionate conservationist, discusses pressing issues in wildlife protection. He reveals the alarming risks of the Planning & Infrastructure Bill on bat conservation and urges unity among nature organizations. Chris shares insights from his recent filming at Springwatch and the potential of technology in monitoring bat populations. He emphasizes treating NGO memberships as investments for nature and highlights successful rewilding efforts as beacons of hope. The conversation is both informative and empowering, urging action for wildlife.

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INSIGHT

Bill Threatens Species Protection

The Planning & Infrastructure Bill risks allowing developers to bypass on-site surveys and mitigation for protected species.
Chris Packham warns this could be catastrophic for bats because roost fidelity prevents simple relocation.

ANECDOTE

From Creation To Constant Defense

Chris Packham spends a lot of time blocking harmful projects and legal actions instead of creative conservation.
He describes feeling lonely but committed to fighting damaging policies and court cases.

INSIGHT

Politics, Not Public Interest, Is The Block

Lockdown increased public appreciation for nature but political choices have reversed momentum.
Packham argues political failures, not public interest, are the main barrier to progress.

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S7E68 We're back with a brand new series and we're starting this exciting new collection of interviews with our President, Chris Packham. We last heard from Chris five years ago back in Episode 14 but this time Steve met the Springwatch presenter at the Natural History Museum.

We discuss the new location of this year's Springwatch (and the amazing footage of the soprano pipistrelles at Haddon Hall) and what is needed to fix our National Parks.

Chris also gives the latest update on his papercuts artwork and when you can get your hands on his new brown long-eared bat design.

The catalyst for arranging this interview was the Planning & Infrastructure Bill which the government is putting through the political processes. This new legislation has the potential to be disastrous for bat conservation here in the UK and you'll hear why the nature conservation organisations need to unite right now.

As you'll hear Chris thinks we should treat our membership of wildlife organisation as an investment for our natural world. If you'd like to see your membership fees well-invested, become a member of the Bat Conservation Trust to support the amazing amount of work we undertake. Discover our work here.

Our dedicated webpages on the Planning & Infrastructure Bill are here along with our Position Statement.

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Bats are magical but misunderstood. At BCT our vision is a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together. Action to protect & conserve bats is having a positive impact on bat populations in the UK. We would not be able to continue our work to protect bats & their habitats without your contribution so if you can please donate. We need your support now more than ever: www.bats.org.uk/donate Thank you!