Packham backs campaign by charity to stop badger baiting
NATURALIST and broadcaster Chris Packham has backed a campaign to halt badger baiting as he called on the younger generations to become “guardians of our natural world”.
The Springwatch presenter has given his support to a short film which has been produced by the Naturewatch Foundation charity, to highlight the illegal practice and the threat which badgers face.
The Gloucestershire-based charity is hoping the 16-minute documentary will be used by organisations and individuals working with young people, such as secondary school teachers, youth workers, wildlife organisations and police officers.
Packham, who is a patron of the Naturewatch Foundation, said: “The film offers teenagers the chance to appreciate and connect with the natural world, and with a creature they may have previously had little knowledge of.
“As we have learned, particularly during the pandemic, nature has been recognised as a source of inspiration and comfort for so many of us.
“It is more important than ever that we inspire the younger generations to become guardians and protectors of our natural world and all the beautiful creatures that call it home, particularly the humble and highly victimised badger.”
The video shows the brutality and prevalence of badger baiting, which continues to thrive across the UK despite being banned since 1835.
The documentary, called Raising Awareness of Badger Crime ,is presented and produced by Alex Collins, a young filmmaker and keen conservationist.
He said: “The fact that badger baiting remains so undiscussed among the general public is a testament to how far we still have to go if we are to defeat wildlife crime nationwide.
“I believe that all generations, young and old, have the power to create positive change, and I hope that this film acts as the first stepping stone towards inspiring people to do that.”