SPRINGWATCH presenter Chris Packham has been appointed vice president of the Norfolk-based British Trust for Ornithology.

SPRINGWATCH presenter Chris Packham has been appointed vice president of the Norfolk-based British Trust for Ornithology.

Mr Packham, famous for his science pieces on Springwatch, filmed at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve near Fakenham, has worked to show nature and science can go hand in hand since his school days.

More than 30,000 volunteer bird watchers take part in a variety of surveys for the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), based in Thetford, to collect as much information as possible on the nation's birds.

Mr Packam, who has travelled around the world in search of birds and wildlife said: “I am delighted to take up the position of vice president for the BTO.

“Everyone can help safeguard the future of our birds by making sure that decisions affecting their environment are based on sound, unbiased science.

“Sending their bird watching records to BTO can help make this happen. Bird watchers make an enormous contribution to our knowledge of bird populations in this country and it is through the BTO that the biggest contribution is made.”

The BTO is Britain's leading bird research organisation and collects information to form the basis of conservation action across the country.

Director of the BTO, Andy Clements, said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Chris to the BTO. He is the perfect ambassador for the trust.

“Chris understands the importance of getting people involved in scientific research, taking part in real citizen science, and the BTO surveys are a great way to get involved, from recording birds in gardens to getting out to the wilder parts of the country. “There is something for everyone.”