The wildlife presenter and zoologist shares her passion for the natural world, her optimism when it comes to the younger generation and the joy that poodles can bring
After studying for a BSc in Zoology at The University of Liverpool Megan McCubbin, 29, began a career in wildlife conservation. As well as presenting wildlife shows such as Springwatch, she helps to investigate illegal wildlife persecution and has taken part in scientific studies around the world. McCubbin co-authored the book, Back to Nature: How to Love Life – and Save It, with her stepfather and fellow wildlife enthusiast, Chris Packham, in 2020.
My morning ritual is …
I tend to step outside as soon as I can. I’m very lucky to live in an area with lots of green space and wildlife, so I go and fill my bird feeders and see if there’s evidence of any visiting animals. Fresh air is very high on my priority list.
I feel optimistic about …
The younger generation, as they seem so much more empowered and passionate than ever before. I feel optimistic about projects like the National Trust’s Time + Space award, which I’m part of. It’s an opportunity for some young people to get support to explore their own world-changing ideas in the areas of science, culture and art, society or climate and nature.
What makes me angry …
Inaction. We know there are actions that need to be taken for the climate, but we are dilly-dallying and not making decisions fast enough.
If I wasn’t a zoologist and broadcaster, I’d have liked to become …
I always saw myself hanging out in the African bush somewhere, studying hyenas or something like that, but I’ve also always enjoyed drama, so maybe acting. I’m dyslexic but could remember scripts and I never knew how, because I couldn’t remember my timetable.
The habit that has served me best in life is …
I’m very good at getting outside and appreciating the little things in nature. I allow my senses to soak in everything: the rustling in the bushes, the chirps in the trees. It’s a great habit because it grounds me and makes me feel connected to not only where am, but also who I am and what I came from.
The habit I’ve successfully kicked …
I don’t bite my nails any more. Also, I’ve changed my shopping habits and become a very conscious consumer. I’m trying to make a change to the planet by being aware of the power of my pounds.
Megan McCubbin (pictured, far right) with her fellow judges Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, David Olusoga and Tayshan Hayden-Smith as they launch the National Trust’s Time + Space Award
When things get tough I …
Get in the garden and I immediately feel at peace. I think sometimes you have to remind yourself of what you’re fighting for. And what I’m fighting for is literally in the garden, in the local park, in the local green space. Of course, it’s not as wild as it should be, and there’s a long, long way to go. But if you can go outside and connect to nature when things get tough, then you can recentre yourself and remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing.
The big thing I’ve changed my mind about in life is …
I would say the biggest thing I’ve changed my mind about in life is the fact that we shouldn’t change our minds. In the modern world, we learn new things all the time and we have to be flexible within ourselves and within our own behaviours to incorporate new information.
My parents taught me …
I have three parents and I’ve learned something different from all of them. They’ve taught me to be grounded. They’ve taught me to be curious. And they’ve taught me to stand up for myself, which I need to, as I haven’t always done that. They’ve done a lot to give me the confidence to believe in myself and go forward knowing that I am capable of achieving what I’ve set out to do.
I’m very good at getting outside and appreciating the little things in nature. I soak in everything
I have a theory that …
If we paid more attention to young people, not just listen to them, but actually action the solutions they put forward, we’d be in a much better place than where we are.
My sources of joy are …
My poodles Sid and Nancy. They’re highly intelligent, so they kind of outwit me most of the time. Super-intelligent beings always bring your spirits up.
I’d like to tell my younger self …
To take more time to find out who I was and what I wanted to do. I’d take the pressure off and try to give myself the freedom to figure things out. As someone who’s dyslexic, you learn differently, you don’t fit in with a conventional school system. So, I would give myself the freedom to just explore who I am in a different way than perhaps I did.
Megan McCubbin is a judge for the National Trust’s Time + Space Award. People aged 16-25 with ideas to change the world for the better, have until 30 April to enter.
Images: National Trust/Fabio De Paola
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