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Chris Packham says ‘natural world’ offers hope amid pandemic

Chris Packham thinks the "natural world" offers hope amid the coronavirus crisis.

The 59-year-old naturalist delivered a heartfelt message about the pandemic to open the new series of ‘Springwatch’ on Tuesday (26.05.20), saying there’s never been a more important time to "appreciate the wildlife outside our window".

The TV presenter said: "This is a year like no other we’ve ever encountered.

"Everyone is having to adapt to unprecedented times. People are grieving, struggling, and battling with the most tragic situations that they will ever encounter in their lives.

"This series is not to take away from any of these realities.

"But there is one thing that has happened this year that has offered solace to everyone – a real message of hope. The power, the therapy, the existence of the natural world."

Chris admitted he’s struggled to comprehend the scale of the health crisis at times over recent months.

But he’s also found comfort in nature, insisting it’s important to "appreciate" wildlife at times like these.

He shared: "There’s not a morning I don’t wake up and think, ‘This isn’t happening.’

"There’s never been a more important time for us to take the time to appreciate the wildlife outside our window."

Fellow presenter Steve Backshall previously admitted that the new, socially-distant series of ‘Springwatch’ will feel markedly different due to the coronavirus restrictions.

He said: "I think we’re feeling our way through this.

"One of the joys of ‘Springwatch’ normally is that you all work together from one central hub. Instead, we’re doing all of that on Zoom, but the positive aspect is we will be coming from all over the country.

"All of us have had that intimate focused look on a narrow area we probably wouldn’t have done."