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‘Why I’ll never have children of my own’ For Springwatch presenter Chris Packham being a father simply isn’t an option

By Alison James e’s a one-off, is Chris Packham.

Totally unique.

His passion, enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of flora, fauna and wildlife are such that he is even able to excite those who claim to have no interest in the subject. Away from the naturalist world he loves to inhabit, however, he is astonishingly self-deprecating.

When asked whether he’d like children of his own, his reply is rather unusual...

“Absolutely not.

I don’t like myself very much, certainly not enough to reproduce.”

I suggest he’s being rather hard on himself but he’s having none of it.

“Any child I fathered would be 50 per cent me and so I think you have to like yourself to be able to bear the thought of little ‘halfyous’ running around the place.

The thought of any ‘half-mes’ fills me with horror.”

Yet he freely admits he loves

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being a stepfather to 18-year-old Megan, whose mother he was in a long relationship with.

“That’s different,” he says.

“I’m very pleased that I can contribute to her life. It has been – and still is – a very enriching, rewarding experience. But I am comfortable with it because I am not directly related to her. I say to her that it takes a sperm to be a father but a lot more to be a friend. My objective is to be a lifelong, good friend to her.

There is, however, another reason why I will never have children of my own.”’

Which is? “The environment,” he replies. “The biggest thing I can do for the environment is to choose not to breed. There are too many people on this planet and we know full well that the single most contributory factor to the decline of the environment is the growth of human population. If we don’t do it soon we’re in big trouble.”

But what about those of us who have chosen to breed? Should we feel guilty?

“No,” Chris (52) shakes his head. “People in the western world aren’t having a lot of

‘It has been a strange spring due to the weather’

litter on the ground to the highest tree-tops. “It’s a haven for wildlife,” Chris goes on. “There’s such a variety of different habitats to explore – oak woodland, wet grassland and saltmarsh, reed beds, heathland, rivers and ponds. It’s home to a fantastic diversity of British wildlife – from otters to orchids and barn owls to bumblebees. There are also reports from other stunning locations around the British Isles, such as Orford Ness in Suffolk and the Isle of Lundy, off the north Devon coast.

In the UK, thanks to our geographical position ‘My epicentre’ – Chris’s on the planet, we have dogs Itchy and Scratchy a unique collection of

children. It’s in the third world that we need to emancipate the women so they won’t have as many.

But in some parts of the world they don’t have a choice. Many people find this topic difficult to discuss but there are different solutions for different cultures; we need to balance the numbers out.” He pauses. “While this is all very interesting aren’t we supposed to be talking about this year’s Springwatch?

“It’s been a very strange spring because of the weather in March and April,” Chris explains. “Some species. We also have a huge plants were delayed by up to four coastline and more islands than weeks; migrants like swallows any other country in Europe. and cuckoos have arrived late, While ‘celebrity’ animals like and some animals like hedgehogs tigers, dolphins and chimpanzees and barn owls have struggled have charm, we can’t really with a lack of food. It’s been the engage with them because they latest spring for decades and on don’t live here. It’s our aim to Springwatch, we’ll be looking at get the great British public to the impact these conditions have celebrate, enjoy and engage in had on wildlife.”

British wildlife.”

Springwatch’s home This year, as well as the this year is again the usual evening Springwatch This year’s series beautiful and remote programmes there will be a new RSPB Ynys-hir of Springwatch, which Springwatch in the Afternoon 700-hectare, started on May 27, runs show on BBC2 presented nature reserve for three weeks until by naturalist Nick Baker. in mid-Wales. A June 13, live on BBC 2 The show will be broadcast network of 30 high on Mondays, Tuesdays across the first two weeks definition cameras and Thursdays at 8pm, of Springwatch, at 3pm on film the whole and at 7.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and reserve, from the leaf Wednesdays.

Thursdays and encourage

‘I have random regrets to do with not treating people in the way I should have’

viewers to get off their sofa and enjoy UK wildlife for themselves this spring and summer.

“We have to get people out there!” Chris urges. “The Great British Naturalist is in danger of dying out! Where are all the kids who are mad about wildlife like I was? It’s our mission, through our programmes, to motivate people about what’s out there.”

Chris lives and breathes being a naturalist but away from work, his twin poodles, Itchy and Scratchy, are, he says, “the epicentre” of his life. He sees his zookeeper girlfriend, Charlotte, when work and time allows, and then there’s his relationship with step-daughter, Megan. Life seems to have turned out well for him but does he have any regrets? His answers are remarkable in their selflessness and really show the measure of the man.

“I don’t generally dwell on regrets,” he says. “I don’t punish myself but I do have a couple of random regrets and I’ll never forget them. They’re not to do with people I know but a lot to do with not acting with humility and not treating people in the way I should have. One Christmas morning, many years ago, I was walking back to my parents’ place after staying the night with a friend. I passed a boy of about 12 who was taking what was obviously his new puppy for a walk. He looked so happy. I should have stopped him and said what a lovely dog he had, how lucky he was and asked the dog’s name – but I didn’t. On another occasion, I was in a very remote part of Morocco and a guy was sat under a tree, selling minerals and fossils. Goodness knows when his last sale had been. I should have bought something – it would have cost me very little yet meant so much to him. But I didn’t. Things like this make me not like myself.”

You may not like yourself Chris, but we think you’re the best.

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PICS: BBC; GETTY IMAGES AND REX FEATURES

❙ star chat ❙ Chris with his step-daughter Megan

Meet our expert

Dr Christine Haseler is a Gloucestershire GP with a special interest in osteoarthritis and is an advisor to Arthritis Care.

ating a healthy diet is important for everyone but when you have joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, it’s even more vital.

One reason for this is that, as well as helping to make sure you have all the nutrients you need, a balanced diet helps you to maintain a healthy weight. This lessens the strain on your joints, which in turn helps you to control pain and stiffness. It could also help you reduce the amount of arthritis medication you take.

“Any extra weight is magnified when you move, because of the forces that act on your joints,” explains Dr Christine Haseler.

“As one patient of mine said, ‘One kilogram on the hips is four kilograms on the knee’. Losing even a little weight makes a huge difference in terms of the pressure on your joints. It means you can move more effectively, get the circulation going in your joints and ensures you’re using all the right muscles.”

Carrying extra weight is a common problem for people with painful joints. Drugs such as steroids can cause weight gain, while limited mobility can make both preparing healthy food and exercising more difficult. Equally, being underweight can leave you feeling too exhausted to eat properly, which in turn leads to more weight loss and so on.

If your mobility is very limited, the only way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories. When you are

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‘One kilogram on the hips is four kilograms on the knee’ 38

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Eat

to stay

SUPPLE How a healthy diet can help to ease joint pain and stiffness

By Acting Health Editor, Martine Gallie

eating fewer calories, it’s important to choose the foods you eat carefully, so that you still get a good balance of nutrients. If you need to put weight on, the trick is not to start eating more doughnuts and chips, but go for foods that are both high in calories and nutrients, such as avocado, nuts, seeds, dried fruit and wholegrain carbohydrates.

“A healthy diet doesn’t cost much, it won’t do you any harm but it will probably do you some good,” says Dr Haseler. “The key is to aim for a lifelong change in

habits. I don’t know anyone that can keep up a gimmicky diet long term. If one sort of diet makes you miserable, try to find a different approach that fits your lifestyle. It’s all about what works for you.

“The kind of things I suggest to patients who need to lose weight are not to snack between meals,” she says. “Don’t get rid of the chips and chocolate completely, but when you do have them, have a small amount and make sure you really enjoy them.” You could also take the hard work out of losing weight by joining Yours Diet Club – visit www.yoursdietclub.co.uk

HEALTH &

vitality Your

stories

DID YOU KNOW? Grapefruit (and grapefruit juice) can interact with some arthritis drugs – your GP can tell you more As well as helping you maintain a healthy weight, a healthy diet – for someone who has arthritis – is also one that helps to reduce inflammation in the body.

“Osteoarthritis is a condition that involves changes in the joints – cartilage thinning, bone growth and loosening of ligaments,” says Dr Haseler. “But what causes the pain is inflammatory chemicals.

Antioxidants reduce these so the first principle of healthy eating should be your five a day.”

Five portions of fruit and vegetables each day will make sure you get all the inflammationreducing antioxidants you need.

Brightly coloured fruit and vegetables such as apples, oranges, blueberries, beetroot and broccoli are particularly high in antioxidants.

Fruit and veg also contain lots of fibre – an added bonus if lack of mobility makes you prone to constipation.

Another essential part of your diet if you have any kind of arthritis is oily fish such as pilchards, sardines, mackerel

“My pain has reduced by 50 per cent”

Jo Cumming from London has osteoarthritis in her ankles, knees, hips and hands. “Two years ago I was overweight. My arthritis was very painful and I was incredibly stiff in the mornings,” says Jo (62).

“After signing up for a charity trek in the Andes, I put myself on a diet that was low in fat and sugar, and high in fruit and vegetables.

“I would take my five a day into work plus some nuts, and that would be my lunch. In the evenings I would have a huge salad or a lean cut of meat with lots of fresh vegetables. I made sure I had a couple of portions of oily fish each week, and cut out cheese and cream. At the same time I trained hard to get my physical fitness up.

“On the trek I was always last into camp each day, and everyone would applaud as I walked in, but I completed it.

“I’m now about 3st lighter and my arthritis is so much better. I would say the pain has reduced by about 50 per cent and my morning stiffness has improved considerably. My mood is better, too, and I don’t feel so tired.”

and salmon. These are an excellent source of Omega-3 fats, and guidelines recommend eating two portions per week. Other good sources of Omega-3 include avocados, nuts, seeds, and flaxseed and rapeseed oils.

One word of warning, according to Arthritis Care, YOURS

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Good to KNOW...

How to ...

get a dream for less If you love to travel but like a bargain read on… we can make your holiday pound go further

By Contributing Money Editor, Sarah Jagger olidays are a big investment of time and energy – not to mention money – so it’s well worth doing a bit of homework to get the right trip at the best price. We’ve asked the experts for their advice to help you save money, wherever you’re off to!

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Before you go

Costs depend on where and when you want to travel, but when it comes to really driving down prices a little flexibility can go a long way. A few days difference in departure dates can mean that air fares and hotel rates vary considerably. And don’t forget to check all UK airports too. Driving or taking the train to a different airport could be cheaper than flying from your nearest one.

Factor in the whole price of a holiday, not just flights and hotel. “If you fly long haul to places like Goa or Thailand, the air fare will be pricey, but day-to-day expenses will be lower DID YOU than in the UK,” says KNOW? Sean Tipton at ABTA. Brits are willing to spend “Choose an allmore than £4,000 to get a trip inclusive break if of a lifetime, with travelling to a you’re heading to unique location and staying in Turkey or the Greek five-star accommodation top Islands as food and of wish lists, says Tesco drink prices are high,” Travel Money.

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If you don’t mind the thought of strangers sleeping in your bed and like the idea of holidays for less, then house swapping could be for you.

You simply arrange to exchange homes with someone who’d like to visit your area, saving on the cost of accommodation.

holiday destination with a meal for two with wine averaging just £22.

Shopping around is a good idea, but booking online isn’t always cheaper.

“High street travel says Maria Whiteman agents can often access at Directline Holidays. discounted rates offered by “Considering Croatia? hotels and you benefit from Room only or b&b offers an agent’s travel expertise,” better value overall says Sean Tipton. If because food you have access costs are to a computer DID YOU lower.” do your KNOW? For city homework Holidaymakers spend breaks before £50 on books, sun cream consider you go to and medication before Eastern the travel they jet off Europe. agent. You’ll Prague and be better Source: Asda Travel Insurance Budapest equipped are not only to choose the beautiful and right offer – plus tour cultural – they’re currently operators can often match less than half the price an online price. of other Eurozone cities TOP TIP: Driving to such as Paris and Bruges. the airport? Compare When it comes to eating out parking prices at Spain is Europe’s cheapest Holidayextras.co.uk/ yours (0800 781 4083)

Spain is E urope’s cheape st holiday de stination with a meal for two with wine ave raging just £22

Retired animal nurse Pauline Sedgewick (68) signed up to holiday-swap internet site HomeLink. She owns a two-bed house in picturesque Carnforth, Lancashire: “I wanted to emigrate to Australia after my husband died, but I didn’t meet the entry criteria. I discovered Homelink and did my first swap eight years ago to Sydney. Since then I’ve had fantastic holidays in Canada and the US. My tip is to speak to the people you’re exchanging with beforehand.”

Your

Story

✢ HomeLink (01962 886882, www.homelink.org.uk)

While you’re away

Once you’ve booked your dream break how can you make your holiday spending money go further?

Take local currency as well as a credit or debit card so you have multiple methods of payment for different situations. If you’re intending to spend on plastic, find one that doesn’t charge fees for use abroad.

For debit cards try Norwich and Peterborough Building Society (0845 300 2511, www.nandp.co.uk), and for credit cards the Post Office (0800 169 2000, www. postoffice.co.uk).

Shop around the high street for the best travel money deals as exchange rates do vary. “Don’t buy currency at the airport

– you’ll get a raw deal,” says Andrew Hagger at Moneycomms.co.uk.

If you’re hiring a car abroad get excess insurance. “Excesses can be as high as £2,000 with some rental companies. But you don’t have to buy it from the car hire firm – Protect Your Bubble offers it from £2.42 a day,” recommends Stephen Ebbett at Protect Your Bubble.

If you’re planning to use your mobile phone abroad you must talk to your network provider before you travel. To stop bills racking up, turn off ‘data roaming’ and use free Wi-Fi where available. Better still, buy a local pay-as-you-go SIM card for your phone and use that instead.

COVER UP IN THE SUN

PICS: ALAMY; ISTOCKPHOTO

holiday

SWAP HOMES AND SAVE

Getting the right travel insurance is crucial, as your insurer will cover the costs of medical or emergency services bills. Yours recommends Holidayextras.co.uk/yours (0800 781 4083) or compare policies at www.moneysupermarket.com. If something bad happens, call your insurer. Keep all documentation and get advice from your case handler before paying for anything. Holidaying in Europe? Get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to the same healthcare as a resident of that country. Apply for free at ehic. org.uk (0191 218 1999). Some other websites charge YOURS a fee.

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Celebrate SUMMER

Your 7-day HOLIDAY WARDROBE

11

MUST PACK PIECES!

Travel light and mix and match these key holiday essentials that will keep you looking good all summer

By Fashion Editor, Michelle Nightingale

Ivory jacket, £35, 8-22, Bhs Orange dress with belt, £50, 8-20, Star by Julien Macdonald at Debenhams

Jeans, £45, 8-20, Laura Ashley Necklace, £25, Phase Eight

PHOTOGRAPHY RUTH JENKINSON; STYLIST JO WINCH; HAIR AND MAKE-UP ANNA THOMPSON

Scarf, £28, Laura Ashley

DAY 1 Long sleeve top (without camisole), £26, 6-22, Next

Wedge shoe, £30, 3-9, Next

✢ A classic jacket is an easy way to smarten up your look.

Bag, £28, Next

Flat sandal, £10, 3-8, F&F at Tesco

Skirt, £35, 6-22, Next

Ivory spot short sleeve top, £22, 8-22, Bhs STOCKISTS: Bhs 0845 196 0000; Debenhams 0844 561 6161; Laura Ashley 0871 983 5999; Next 0844 844 8000; Phase Eight 0207 471 4422; F&F at Tesco 0800 505 555.

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FASHION EDITOR LOVES

DAY 3 ✢ Use your scarf as a belt with these stylish jeans!

DAY 4 ✢ A bold skirt and plain top can be dressed up or down.

DAY 2 ✢ A pretty scarf makes a lightweight cover-up for cooler evenings.

DAY 7 ✢ A belt worn over your scarf gives your outfit a new twist – and it’s slimming, too!

STYLISH CHOICE

DAY 5

DAY 6 ✢ This crease resistant dress teamed with sandals looks good day or night.

✢ Dress up a casual look with a statement necklace.

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Now visit www.yours.co.uk for more great fashion advice

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CLEVER TRICK

Next issue: Gorgeous occasion looks and top swimwear picks!YOURS

Details correct at time of going to press

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Unusual 0 PLACES 1 TO STAY BEST... of the

Grand old castles, a tower or two and a renovated shed on the beach!

✢ Cley Windmill

18TH CENTURY MILL

CLEY-NEXT-THE-SEA, NORFOLK Cley, pronounced cl-eye, is home to this lovely windmill, with the comfiest beds and cosiest rooms. Two of these are in the mill tower, with the top room split into two levels.

Walk the path from mill to beach in ten minutes.

Bed and breakfast from £99 a night, dinner available at additional cost.

Call 01263 740209 or visit www.cleywindmill.co.uk

✢ The Edge

WHITSAND BAY, CORNWALL Fancy glimpsing the waves through a porthole? The Edge is the ultimate seaside abode. Too close to the cliff for children or pets but if you’re OK on your feet, the views are well worth it.

From £650 for three nights and welcome hamper. Call 01637 881183, www.theedge.uniquehomestays. co.uk

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✢ The Old Police Cells

✢ The Old Chapel

Choose either a double or twin bed, from £165 for two nights. Call 07914 719967, www.theoldpolicecells.co.uk

From £455 per week, pets £15 each.

Call 01204 522968 or visit www.theoldchapelbuckden.co.uk

SHREWSBURY, SHROPSHIRE The old police station is a Grade II listed building in the Swan Hill area, just off the town square.

The cells are a renovated, selfcatering apartment with original barred windows and cell doors – but plenty of home comforts too!

BUCKDEN, NORTH YORKSHIRE This self-catering former Wesleyan Chapel dates back to 1891 and sleeps four. Sit back and admire the stained glass in the sunshine, or take a trip to nearby Wensleydale or Swaledale. There are also several pubs nearby.

✢ The Water Tower

Celebrate SUMMER

FOUR CIRCULAR ROOMS

TRURO, CORNWALL Just like something from a fairytale, the tower’s four rooms are joined by a narrow, spiral staircase. It’s on the Trelissick Estate, where you’ll get free entry as a National Trust guest. Keep an eye on the bat camera, new this year, and enjoy the brand new whirlpool bath.

From £525 for short breaks, and £874 a week.

Call 0844 800 2070 or visit www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk

✢ The Cwtch

✢ Old Reading Rooms

‘Cwtch’ is Welsh for a snug, safe place, which exactly describes these tent-shaped cabins.

Pembrokeshire Cwtch Camp is set in secluded woodlands and is ideal for discovering the neighbouring Nature Reserve. Enjoy a proper bed, complimentary bottle of wine, and fresh bread and eggs for breakfast.

WRENTHAM, SUFFOLK Once a Victorian library, this Grade II listed building is now a three-bedroom getaway, extensively refurbished and blending traditional Victorian architecture with modern facilities. There are two pubs within walking distance.

From £175 for short breaks and from £275 a week. Dogs welcome for an extra charge.

Call 01502 676197 or visit www.oldreadingrooms.co.uk

From £70 per night, or £200 per night for exclusive use of the campsite, (sleeps eight). Call 07525 779454 or visit www.cwtchcamping.co.uk

EDINBURGH, LOTHIAN The Snug is part of an 18th century apartment building in the Lawnmarket area of the city and sleeps four. One double bed is reached by a few steps, while the other folds out from the ‘bookcase’... Past home of writer James Boswell, and visited by Dr Samuel Johnston, creator of the dictionary, it’s the perfect bolthole after a busy day.

✢ Augill Castle

HUMSHAUGH, NORTHUM,BERLAND This Grade II Listed stone built dovecote is situated in the grounds of a Georgian house and is the perfect getaway for lovebirds! The bedroom can be made into either a twin or a double and contains more than 200 old (clean!) nesting boxes.

The only noise you’re likely to hear is bird song.

SOUTH STAINMORE, CUMBRIA Four-poster beds and even four-poster baths await you at Augill. Owners Wendy and Simon say the dining room is the heart ENJOY A of the castle, with SLICE OF HISTORY many friendships forged there.

Greystoke, one of two ground floor rooms, has wheelchair access and a wheelchair-friendly bathroom.

Bed and breakfast from £85 per night. Self-catering stays from £60 per night (three nights minimum).

Call 01434 681984, www.dovecotehadrianswall.co.uk

Bed and breakfast from £160 per night. Call 01768 341937 or visit www.stayinacastle.com

From £100 a night or £600 a week, two nights’ stay minimum.

Call 07803 937493 or visit www.castlesnug.com

✢ The Dovecote

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Now visit www.yours.co.uk for more inspiring travel ideas and tips

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PICS: NT AND MIKE HENTON; LIZZIE MAY PHOTOGRAPHY ; UNIQUE HOME STAYS

✢ Castle Snug

Next issue: Travel to one of our top ten summer food festivals and get your tastebuds YOURS tingling!

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Five family dishes for under £5 Enjoy these budget main meals with change to spare for pud!

Cost

Pesto Chicken with Pasta and Peas

£4.57

This quick dish gives you protein, with a taste of Mediterranean summer Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes

■ 300g (101/2oz) dried pasta – farfalle, penne or similar ■ 250g (83 /4oz) frozen peas ■ 1 tbsp vegetable or rapeseed oil ■ 400g (14oz) chicken breast, diced into small pieces ■ 3 tsbp red pesto ■ Salt and pepper ■ 2 tbsp cheddar, grated ■ Crusty bread, to serve 82

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1. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and add the pasta.

Cook for 10 minutes, until the pasta is almost ready, then add the frozen peas. Bring back to the boil, cook for 1 minute, then drain.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan and add the chicken.

Sauté over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring regularly, until

Serves Per serving 4 333 cals

Fat 13g

Sat fat 4g

the meat is lightly browned and cooked through. Add the pesto, stirring through, and cook for a further minute.

3. Add the pan’s contents to the drained pasta and peas, mix well, and season to taste. Sprinkle with the grated cheese and serve in bowls, with warm crusty bread. © www.peas.org