Winchester Science Centre is joining forces with BBC Springwatch presenter Megan McCubbin to help ‘spark curiosity’ in the next generation of budding young stars.
The new partnership sees Megan, a zoologist, conservationist, TV presenter and wildlife photographer, take up a new role as charity patron in a bid to engage more children in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), with a particular emphasis on nature.
Megan visited the centre on Friday, April 1 to formally take up her new role as a patron. While there, Megan joined a group of visiting school children in a nature-based activity and got to meet the team.
As patron, she’ll will help raise awareness of the charity’s work and support its mission to help improve life on Earth through STEM education.
Ben Ward, chief executive of Winchester Science Centre, said: “Megan’s passion for the environment and ability to share this enthusiasm through engaging science communication makes her a perfect role model for children and families. She has a strong personal connection with Winchester Science Centre and shares the charity’s values. We are delighted to have Megan’s valuable support.”
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Growing up in the south, Megan was a frequent visitor to the Science Centre as a child. During the lockdowns of 2020, she became a familiar face online and on TV, co-presenting alongside her stepfather, wildlife expert and BBC presenter, Chris Packham CBE.
Isolating at their home in the New Forest, they inspired people from all around the world to get closer to nature through their online birdwatching community, the Self Isolating Bird Club, and later as co-presenters on BBC Springwatch and Autumnwatch.
Megan developed her love of the natural world from a young age, gaining a lot of inspiration from her stepfather and the many wildlife encounters they shared.
She said: “Growing up locally, I used to visit Winchester Science Centre regularly as a child and remember how much fun it was.
“Children are naturally curious. The Science Centre can help children harness that curiosity and learn about the world around them. By really getting to grips with the science behind things, they are going to feel empowered to do something productive and powerful. That really excites me.”
Winchester Science Centre has been at its current site in Winchester for 20 years, and the charity says it is now looking ahead with a new focus on environmental sustainability.
Ben Ward said: “Science is important and significant to everyone who lives on this planet. We create accessible and inclusive experiences, that build children’s confidence and gives them the tool kit to take on world problems. The Science Centre is situated in the South Downs National Park, which presents enormous opportunity for exploring nature on our doorstep.”
The centre intends to share more information about its environmental goals later this year. For more information about the charity and Winchester Science Centre, visit: winchestersciencecentre.org/.
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