Chris Packham, the prominent television naturalist and environmental campaigner, has been subjected to a sustained campaign of threats and intimidation, including death threats delivered via letterbox. These incidents, which have escalated over several years, are reportedly linked to his activism, particularly his efforts to challenge bird-shooting regulations. Packham has stated that these threats, while deeply disturbing, have not deterred him from his work.
The threats have included explicitly worded letters stating "We want you dead and we will succeed," and the public posting of his home address, which critics used to incite further harassment. In one instance, the bodies of two dead crows were hung from his gate following a decision by Natural England to revoke licences that permitted the shooting of 16 bird species. Businesses collaborating with Packham have also been targeted.
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Persistent Threats Spur Onward Campaigning
The harassment faced by Packham has not been limited to explicit threats. He has also reported receiving "random dead animals and human faeces" through the post, alongside being compared to figures like Jimmy Savile and having his Asperger's syndrome mocked. This persistent intimidation has led to him taking legal action against publications that spread what he deems to be false allegations, such as one article in 2022 that accused him of forging a death threat letter to himself. In a libel case in November 2023, Fieldsports Channel Ltd agreed to pay substantial damages after admitting the allegation was untrue.
Packham's commitment to his cause remains evident. He has stated that such threats merely encourage him to continue his advocacy. Most recently, in January 2024, he was provided with a bodyguard during the filming of BBC's Winterwatch due to receiving "specific" threats.
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Personal Struggles and Public Confrontations
Beyond the external threats, Packham has also spoken openly about his own struggles with mental health. In interviews published in late 2023, he revealed that he had twice been suicidal, particularly following the death of his beloved dog. He described moments where he "nearly ended it all," and spoke of hearing voices in his head during difficult periods. Packham has linked these struggles, in part, to his experience with autism, noting that he might have been diagnosed earlier in life had his condition been better understood.
The period around May 2019 appears to have been a particularly intense phase of the harassment, with multiple reports of death threats surfacing. This led to Packham cancelling festival appearances and his address being circulated online by pro-shooting groups. The intensity of these threats prompted Hampshire police to investigate.
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Packham's activism has consistently placed him at the centre of controversy, particularly with groups involved in fieldsports. His work with organisations like 'Wild Justice' has directly challenged established practices, leading to significant public backlash from those whose activities he seeks to regulate. Despite the personal toll and the risks involved, Packham has maintained a resolute stance, often articulating his anger as a driving force for his conservation work.
