Chris Packham to step up eco campaigning after becoming CBE in New Year's Honours

NEW FOREST naturalist and environmental campaigner Chris Packham has promised to step up his efforts after being made a CBE in the New Year’s Honours List.

The former Really Wild Show presenter, who lives in Colbury, near Ashurst, was awarded the status for services to nature conservation.

As well as fronting a host of nature programmes, Chris (56) has mounted a string of national campaigns to protect animals such as badgers, foxes and birds.

He also recently intervened locally to speak against controversial plans by Pennyfarthing Homes to build 43 houses in a field off School Lane on the edge of Milford.

Chris said: “In an age where illegal fox hunting, the continued persecution of birds of prey and the unscientific and inhumane culling of badgers continue, our wildlife needs a voice to shout above the noise.

“Maybe the silent have spoken, maybe a terrified fox, a wounded harrier or a trapped badger whispered, and this is their thanks.

“I'll take that and say, 'ta very much' and stop shouting – and start screaming, and I won't stop until the killing does.”

In total 1,148 people received an award.

Liz Perry of Christchurch was made an MBE for services to children in connection with her work as organiser of the Innovation Project at the town’s Twynham School. The scheme works to educate and raise the aspirations of children in foster care by providing activities they might otherwise not be able to try.

Hampshire County Council’s former cabinet member for education, Cllr Peter Edgar, was also made an MBE, for services to education and the community in Gosport.

The same honour went to Southampton-based consultant pre-hospital care practitioner Mark Ainsworth-Smith for his work in emergency care and major trauma.

Two members of Hampshire Fire and Rescue were awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Andy Bowers (55) is the national lead for the National Fire Chiefs Council on command and control, and is a key figure in shaping industry policy and best practice.

Firefighter Kevin Taylor (61) was recognised for raising more than £100,000 for charities, as well as launching community events.

There was a knighthood for the chair of the former NHS Hampshire Primary Care Trust, Professor Jonathan Montgomery, for services to bioethics and healthcare law. He is now chair of the Health Research Authority and professor of healthcare law at University College London.