INTERVIEW
Chris is perhaps best known these
days as one of the presenters of the
popular TV programmes, Springwatch,
Winterwatch and Autumnwatch. He
said: “They are live, unscripted, and
basically a conversation with people
who choose to watch the programmes.
Hopefully people are not just watching
me, but listening to our message that
you should get out there and enjoy the
environment, and help us look after it.
“The programmes provide the
platform to communicate with people.
There are parts of all seasons that I
like, although more recently I have got
a bit fed up with the rain and the mud.
And it has had a disastrous effect on
wildlife. I like some aspects of winter
and enjoy the snow, and spring is
always spectacular.”
Chris added: “I like the Isle of
Wight for more than just the wildlife.
There are some lovely buildings, and
a great range of architectural styles.
I like being amongst that as much as
anything.”
His busy work schedule this summer
includes the making of two new
three-part series for the BBC. One is
about what animals do when they live
underground, and what they are doing
when we can’t see them. The other
is on animal intelligence, and he is
excited by both. The programmes are
due to be completed by the end of the
summer, with the screening dates yet
to be decided.
He also accepts: “It can be a bit of
an anti-social life, but that doesn’t
bother me. I am happy with my own
company. I have worked with lots
of different people, so I don’t need
to spend social time with them. I
have a small circle of about three
people – Charlotte my girlfriend; my
stepdaughter, and a guy who lives near
me, and that’s about it. There are other
people I know, but I only see them
very occasionally.”
However, Chris always ensures that
he engages with his audience when
he tours the country, usually twice
a year, talking about his experiences
and conducting question and answer
sessions. He said: “I greet the audience,
and then thank them for coming to see
me. I need them on my side to help
me achieve my objectives to improve
conservation.”
www.visitislandlife.com
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