Chris Packham Champions Wildlife and Animal Welfare in 2026

Introduction: A Voice for Nature and Animal Welfare

Chris Packham, the renowned British broadcaster and environmental campaigner, continues to make headlines in 2026 with his multifaceted approach to wildlife conservation and animal welfare. For nearly forty years, Chris Packham has been the voice of nature in the UK, and this year is no exception as he balances television commitments, environmental activism, and charitable work.

Winterwatch 2026 Returns to BBC

Winterwatch returns to BBC Two & iPlayer with Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Iolo Williams bringing viewers the latest news and wonder of winter wildlife, from Tuesday 20th January 2025 at 8pm across four nights, broadcasting live from the beautiful Mount Stewart estate on the shores of Strangford Lough. The beloved wildlife series continues to captivate audiences with intimate encounters and expert insight into Britain’s winter wildlife. Additionally, Evolution is an upcoming five-episode TV miniseries, set to air on BBC Two, iPlayer, and PBS (as episodes of NOVA) in 2026, hosted by Chris Packham, further cementing his role as a leading science communicator.

Addressing His ‘Dirtiest Secret’: Vegan Dog Food Trial

In a bold move this January, Chris Packham has said that his dogs are going plant-based for Veganuary, partnering with Omni, a vegan dog food brand, for the month. Packham recently addressed this head-on, revealing what he describes as his “dirtiest secret” – despite his own commitment to veganism since January 2019, his beloved poodles, Sid and Nancy, have remained on a meat-based diet. The decision comes as recent research suggests that canine food accounts for roughly 1% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the environmental impact of pet ownership.

Campaign for Hearing Dogs Charity

Demonstrating his commitment to animal welfare beyond wildlife, Chris Packham has made an urgent appeal for dog lovers in and around Edinburgh to consider becoming a volunteer puppy trainer for national charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Chris, who is a long-time supporter of Hearing Dogs, said in a film created by the charity, “I have hearing loss myself, so I’ve always had an empathy for people whose hearing loss is more significant than my own”. This personal connection drives his passionate advocacy for the charity’s life-changing work.

Conclusion: Leading by Example

Chris Packham’s activities in 2026 demonstrate his unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and animal welfare. From broadcasting captivating wildlife programmes to addressing the environmental impact of pet ownership and supporting charitable causes, Packham continues to inspire audiences to engage more deeply with the natural world. His willingness to publicly trial vegan dog food and share the results exemplifies his evidence-based approach to environmental activism, encouraging others to make informed choices about their own impact on the planet.