TV presenters Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin set to meet Highland fans this weekend ahead of new show
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Two popular television presenters will be live from a world-first rewilding centre near Loch Ness presenting a week of autumn wildlife programmes
Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin are teaming up with a team of talented young conservationists for the new show 8 Out of 10 Bats – a nature series Streaming on YouTube from 7.30pm to 8.30pm every day between October 23 and October 26.
The pair will also meet the public at the brand new Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in Glenmoriston on Saturday, October 21 at 1.30pm.
On the occasion they will discuss how we can save nature before it’s too late.
Laurelin Cummins-Fraser, Dundreggan Rewilding Centre Director, said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting Chris and Megan at the rewilding centre. With calls growing for Scotland to become a Rewilding Nation and restore nature in a big way, the show will be a brilliant way for people to be able to enjoy the Highlands’ stunning landscapes and unique wildlife from the comfort of their homes, and discover more about why rewilding fills us with hope.”
Chris Packham, naturalist and broadcaster, said: “At a time when we are being constantly bombarded with so much negative news about our precious wildlife, we want to share our passion for what we love most – all that unparalleled wonder for our natural world, which grips young and old alike. 8 Out Of 10 Bats is about being excited by a love of life – everything which slimes, slithers or stings. But it's also about making sure young people have a voice and an opportunity to showcase their extraordinary abilities.”
Zoologist and wildlife TV presenter Megan McCubbin said: “I am so excited to be launching 8 Out Of 10 Bats, a truly feel-good wildlife show. We are coming live from two spectacular locations over the course of two weeks, and getting our wildlife nerdiness on! We’re hoping to bring some joy and escapism to these darker evenings and celebrate the species on our doorstep and beyond.”
The hour-long show will feature live segments, topical films by leading wildlife film-makers, hilarious props, and live wildlife cameras, with content from across the UK and plenty of audience participation.
As well as showcasing a cascade of wildlife, the programs will offer a platform for new talent, with a diversity of hosts, an equal split of male and female presenters, and a good number of contributors aged under 25.
Young film-makers, conservationists, presenters and campaigners will be supported and empowered to share their skills, ideas and ambitions.
Alongside Chris and Megan, presenters will include 18-year-old conservationist and campaigner Indy Greene, Scottish producer and nature presenter Christina Sinclair, wildlife gardener and environmental science student George Hassall, and City Girl in Nature, Kwesia.
There will be appearances by naturalist and campaigner Lucy Lapwing and wildlife filmmaker James Stevens, with the free-to-view show brought together by producer Fabian Harrison.
Dundreggan lies within Affric Highlands, the UK’s largest rewilding landscape which will potentially cover over 500,000 acres – an initiative led by Trees for Life, Rewilding Europe, and a coalition of communities and landowners.
Trees for Life opened the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in April to showcase how large-scale nature recovery can give people inspiring experiences, create jobs and benefit communities, while tackling the climate and nature emergencies.
Visitors can explore the 10,000-acre Dundreggan estate, where for 15 years Trees for Life has been restoring the Caledonian forest and its wildlife, from wood ants to eagles.
Tickets for the event on Saturday are available at visitdundreggan.co.uk.
