NATURALIST and TV personality Chris Packham has been announced as the guest speaker for Bournemouth University’s Festival of Learning 2015.

The Springwatch presenter will be sharing stories of his close encounters with hungry carnivores and views on conservation and extinction during their year’s event in July.

More than 150 free events and activities will be on offer during throughout the week-long festival, which runs between Saturday, July 11, and Friday, July 17.

Chris, who will be giving two talks on the opening day, said: “I’m really excited to be part of BU’s Festival of Learning. It’s a great chance to share the importance of research to society in a fun and engaging way.

“I’m looking forward to hosting two events as part of the festival and giving children and adults alike an insight into the world of ecology, conservation and the environment.”

Organisers say this year’s festival, which is now in its third year, will be even bigger and better than before.

It will to feature several a variety of free workshops and seminars aimed at families, businesses and the local community.

Professor John Fletcher, pro-vice chancellor for research and innovation at BU, said: “We are really excited to have Chris Packham hosting two events as part of our Festival of Learning this year.

“This is our third Festival of Learning and it gets bigger and better each year, with a particular focus this time on events [for] that the whole family can enjoy.

“With over 150 free events and activities for all ages, the festival is our opportunity to welcome people onto campus and share our world-leading knowledge and expertise in an engaging and accessible way.”

Chris, who used to present the Really Wild Show, will be giving an illustrated talk from 2.30pm to 3.30pm on Saturday, July 11. His second talk, which will run from 4.30pm to 5.30pm, is aimed at an audience of 12 years and over.

Festival organisers say it will feature a host of zoological riches and humorous anecdotes to provoke questions about the creatures we say we love – and some we don’t. Both talks will take place at BU’s Talbot Campus.

All events and activities are free and open to the public and will be held at BU’s Talbot Campus and at locations across Dorset throughout the day and evening.

To book free tickets for Chris Packham’s talks or other Festival of Learning events go to bournemouth.ac.uk/fol or call 01202 962362.