TV presenter Chris Packham is set to visit Fenland as he investigates which wildlife species are under threat and to raise money for local projects working on the conservation of wildlife habitats.

The naturalist is coming to Wicken Fen on Sunday (July 22) as part of the first independent UK audit to discover which wildlife species are under threat.

Chris will be starting in the Scottish Highlands on July 14 and will spend ten days travelling with his team across Northern Ireland, Wales and parts of England.

A spokesman said: “The National Trust’s oldest nature reserve, Wicken Fen, is proud to be one of 50 sites Chris will be visiting.

“We are inviting members of the public to come along and join in providing a great opportunity for children and young people to get involved and engaged with the natural world to inspire them to conserve and protect it as they grow up.”

Chris said: “I need to see it for myself. I need to meet the people with their fingers on the pulse of our wildlife the length and breadth of the UK, those unsung heroes, the great British naturalists who know their stuff and are making a difference.

“I need to get a complete first-hand experience of the natural health of the UK. I’m excited and terrified at the same time.

“I love learning and seeing new places and species but I fear that I will also bear witness to a landscape in huge trouble.

“I want to spread an awareness of the successes and failures and to raise some money to help combat the latter.

“And to encourage people, particularly young people to come out and see the beauty for themselves - to touch it, smell it, feel it. If just one youngster learns to love life then it will all be worthwhile.

“This is not a ‘last chance see’ this is a big chance to make a difference before it’s too late.”

He is also visiting Kings Dyke on Sunday July 22 as part of the nature reserve’s wildlife festival.

For more information, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wicken-fen-nature-reserve/features/wicken-fen---24-hour-bioblitz