Winterwatch presenter Chris Packham has candidly discussed his evolving relationship with Jeremy Clarkson, the outspoken host of Clarkson’s Farm. Despite the public perception that he should dislike Clarkson, Chris highlights how their interactions have revealed unexpected similarities.
Chris acknowledged that many anticipate animosity between them because of their often opposing views on environmental and farming issues. However, he emphasized that this assumption doesn’t always hold true. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Chris said, “Everybody expects me to hate Jeremy. But we worked together, and he was extraordinarily hospitable. And he’s like myself.”
He went on to explain that Jeremy sometimes “antagonises a situation” intentionally to stir up conversation, which Chris noted has recently shifted toward more mutual understanding. Chris pointed out Clarkson’s statement last August about the ineffectiveness of the badger cull in controlling bovine TB as an example of this alignment—a significant comment given Clarkson’s experience as a farmer.
READ MORE: The Cotswolds Locations Where You’re Most Likely to Spot A-List Celebrities
READ MORE: Important Information: A417 Road Closure for Four Weeks
Jeremy Clarkson has been vocal about numerous agricultural issues since taking over his Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire in 2019. His concerns range from combating bovine tuberculosis, after losing calves to culling on his farm, to championing British agriculture, addressing extreme weather impacts, and navigating local planning disputes. Similarly, Chris Packham has long been a passionate advocate for environmental preservation through his work on Springwatch and related series.
Chris himself has faced hostility, including a 2021 incident where protestors set fire to a vehicle at his home and damaged his gate, prompting him to enhance his security measures. Despite such threats, he remains resolute in his environmental advocacy.
Expressing criticism of the BBC’s environmental coverage, Chris told the Daily Telegraph, “I don’t think the BBC is as forthright [as it ought to be]. It’s a dereliction of duty not to be informing people of the gravity of the situation.” Nevertheless, he reserved high praise for Sir David Attenborough, calling him “the single most important ambassador for life on Earth that the planet’s ever seen” ahead of Attenborough’s 100th birthday this May.
In a recent BatChat podcast appearance, Chris shared a poignant observation from filming Springwatch in the Peak District. While enjoying the protected area managed by the National Trust, he was deeply troubled by the absence of predatory birds such as buzzards and kites. He described the surrounding land as a “Raptor death zone,” likening it to “peering over the fence and into the desert,” highlighting ongoing challenges in wildlife conservation.