- Profession: Zoologist, wildlife television presenter, author, and conservation communicator
- Known for: Presenting BBC’s Springwatch, Winterwatch, and other wildlife programmes
- Key milestones: Joined The Watches team in 2020 and co-authored major conservation books
- Expertise: Field conservation work, science communication, and environmental advocacy
- Current relevance: Active broadcaster, author, and public voice for biodiversity and climate awareness
Megan McCubbin: Background and Early Life
Megan McCubbin was born on 8 February 1995 in England and developed a deep connection with wildlife from a very young age. Her childhood was shaped by close exposure to animals and conservation work, particularly through time spent around the Isle of Wight Zoo, now known as the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. Growing up in an environment focused on rescue and rehabilitation helped foster a lasting interest in animal welfare and biodiversity.
Her family background also played an important role in her early development. She is the stepdaughter of naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham, whose career in wildlife television introduced her to fieldwork, filming environments, and global conservation issues. Instead of traditional holidays, much of her early travel involved educational and wildlife-focused experiences across different parts of the world.
Despite her passion for nature, McCubbin faced academic challenges at school due to dyslexia. She has spoken openly about struggling with conventional exam-based learning and finding that practical, hands-on experience suited her better. This learning journey shaped her later advocacy work, where she encourages alternative pathways into science and conservation.
She went on to study Zoology at the University of Liverpool, focusing on animal behaviour and conservation. During and after her studies, she built practical experience through international fieldwork, including wildlife rehabilitation, shark research, and conservation education projects. These experiences provided the scientific foundation that would later support her broadcasting career.
Career Journey and Rise to Recognition
Megan McCubbin’s career developed at the intersection of science and communication. Rather than pursuing a traditional academic path, she focused on sharing environmental knowledge with wider audiences through media and public engagement.
Her early television work began in 2017 when she presented a documentary investigation into illegal wildlife exploitation. This project introduced her to factual broadcasting and demonstrated her ability to handle serious conservation topics on screen.
Her breakthrough moment came in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. She joined the presenting team for the BBC’s flagship wildlife series Springwatch, co-hosting segments from the New Forest. The informal home-based format allowed viewers to see her enthusiasm and natural communication style, helping her quickly become a recognisable face in wildlife television.
During the same period, she co-created a social media initiative that encouraged people to connect with nature from their homes. The project built a large online community and highlighted her strength as a modern science communicator capable of engaging younger audiences.
Following the success of Springwatch, she became a regular presenter across the BBC’s “Watches” family of programmes, including Winterwatch and Autumnwatch. Her on-screen role combines scientific explanation, field observation, and audience-friendly storytelling.
Major Television Work and Media Presence
Since her breakthrough, McCubbin has expanded her television portfolio with a range of nature and environmental programmes. Her work focuses on making wildlife accessible while highlighting the urgency of conservation challenges.
Key TV Projects
- Springwatch, Autumnwatch, and Winterwatch – Core presenting role
- Chris and Meg’s Wild Summer – UK wildlife exploration series
- Animal Park – Behind-the-scenes conservation at a wildlife park
- Planet Defenders – Environmental awareness programme for younger audiences
Her presenting style is conversational and educational rather than authoritative, reflecting her background in hands-on fieldwork. She often focuses on overlooked species, urban wildlife, and everyday ways people can reconnect with nature.
Fieldwork, Research, and Conservation Experience
Unlike many television presenters who enter wildlife media from journalism or entertainment, McCubbin built her credibility through field experience. She has worked or volunteered with conservation organisations across multiple continents.
Her international work includes big cat conservation in Namibia, bear rehabilitation efforts in China, and shark research in the Bahamas. These roles exposed her to both scientific research and the social realities of conservation, including habitat loss, wildlife trade, and climate-related impacts.
These experiences shape her public messaging. Rather than focusing solely on charismatic animals, she frequently highlights ecosystem relationships, lesser-known species, and the importance of long-term environmental thinking.
Books and Writing Career
In addition to broadcasting, Megan McCubbin has developed a growing presence as an environmental author. Her books aim to make complex conservation issues accessible without losing scientific accuracy.
- Back to Nature: How to Love Life – and Save It (2020) – A practical guide to reconnecting with nature, co-written with Chris Packham
- Green Shoots (2020) – Positive environmental stories and solutions
- An Atlas of Endangered Species (2023) – A visually engaging overview of threatened wildlife worldwide
Her writing style reflects her broader communication approach: hopeful but realistic. Rather than focusing only on environmental decline, she emphasises practical action, scientific progress, and the importance of public awareness.
Public Image and Influence
Megan McCubbin represents a new generation of wildlife communicators. Her work combines scientific credibility with digital engagement and a focus on community participation.
She has become particularly influential among younger audiences by promoting accessible activities such as birdwatching, urban wildlife observation, and citizen science. Her message often centres on the idea that meaningful conservation begins with noticing and valuing local nature.
She also uses her platform to speak about learning differences and neurodiversity, sharing how dyslexia shaped her career path. By discussing alternative learning styles and practical experience, she has become a role model for students interested in science but unsure about traditional academic routes.
Her advocacy work includes partnerships with major environmental organisations and leadership roles within regional wildlife trusts, reflecting her growing influence beyond media.
Recent Projects and Current Focus
In recent years, McCubbin has continued to balance broadcasting, writing, and public engagement. Her current work focuses on three main areas:
- Ongoing presenting roles across the BBC wildlife programme lineup
- Public speaking and live events focused on biodiversity and climate awareness
- Educational outreach encouraging young people to pursue careers in conservation
She also remains active on social media, where she shares field experiences, campaign updates, and practical wildlife advice. This digital presence helps maintain her relevance between television seasons and supports ongoing environmental campaigns.
Personal Life
Megan McCubbin maintains a relatively private personal life, although some aspects are publicly known. She is in a long-term relationship with wildlife cameraman James Stevens, whose work often aligns with her conservation interests.
Her close professional collaboration with Chris Packham continues to shape her public image, particularly through joint television projects and co-authored publications. However, she has increasingly established her own identity as a presenter and conservation voice independent of that association.
Common Questions About Megan McCubbin
How old is Megan McCubbin?
She was born in 1995 and is part of a younger generation of wildlife broadcasters bringing modern communication approaches to environmental media.
What did Megan McCubbin study?
She earned a degree in Zoology from the University of Liverpool, supported by extensive fieldwork and practical conservation experience.
Why is she well known?
Her visibility increased significantly after joining Springwatch in 2020, where her engaging style and scientific background quickly made her a regular presenter.
What makes her different from other wildlife presenters?
Her career combines scientific training, international field experience, digital engagement, and a strong focus on youth outreach and practical conservation action.
Is she primarily a scientist or a television presenter?
She works as both. Her scientific training informs her media work, and her main professional focus is science communication rather than academic research.
What Audiences Should Know About Her Career
Megan McCubbin’s career reflects a broader shift in wildlife media toward accessibility, participation, and optimism. Rather than presenting nature as distant or documentary-only, she encourages everyday interaction with local environments and emphasises the role individuals can play in conservation.
Her influence continues to grow as environmental issues become more central to public discussion. With a combination of scientific knowledge, media presence, and advocacy work, she has positioned herself as one of the leading young voices in British wildlife communication.