The field of wildlife conservation requires a combination of rigorous academic training and practical, field-based experience. For students looking to enter this competitive industry, the credentials of the teaching staff and the opportunities provided by an institution are critical factors in choosing a degree program. Recently, Bangor University in the UK strengthened its offering by appointing BAFTA-winning naturalist and television presenter Steve Backshall MBE as an Honorary Professor within its School of Environmental and Natural Sciences.
Why Steve Backshall’s Appointment Matters for Wildlife Conservation Students
Appointing a well-known media figure to an academic role is only valuable if that individual brings tangible benefits to the student experience. In the case of Steve Backshall, his transition from a visiting lecturer to an Honorary Professor at Bangor University is built on a foundation of active, sustained involvement with the student body. Since joining the university’s teaching team in 2020, Backshall has moved beyond the standard guest lecture format to integrate directly with the curriculum and student life.
For prospective students evaluating wildlife conservation programs, this appointment signals that Bangor University prioritizes instruction that bridges the gap between theoretical science and real-world application. Backshall’s role involves direct interaction with undergraduates and postgraduates, providing insights into the realities of wildlife filmmaking, field logistics, and global conservation efforts that traditional academic pathways sometimes lack.
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Bridging the Gap Between Media and Academic Research
Wildlife television often presents a highly polished final product, but the underlying scientific methodology is rarely showcased. Backshall’s presence in the lecture theatre allows students to examine the intersection of entertainment and science. His lectures at Bangor University have covered specialized topics such as venom biology, shark behavior, snake ecology, and the operational challenges of filming in remote environments. This dual perspective helps students understand how to communicate complex scientific data to public audiences—a vital skill in modern conservation, where public engagement directly influences policy and funding.
Inside the Bangor University Wildlife Conservation Experience
A degree in wildlife conservation must extend beyond the classroom. Employers in the environmental sector look for graduates who possess fieldwork skills, species identification capabilities, and practical survey experience. Bangor University addresses this requirement by utilizing its unique geographic location and the specific opportunities created by its Honorary Professor.
Fieldwork Along the North Wales Coast
North Wales is recognized as one of the most biodiverse regions in the UK, featuring a variety of marine and terrestrial habitats. Under Backshall’s guidance, Bangor University students have participated in specialized field activities, including snorkeling off the coast of Anglesey and conducting wildlife surveys along the North Wales coast. These activities are not optional extras; they are integral to developing the observational skills required for careers in ecology and conservation. Working directly in tidal zones, coastal ecosystems, and marine environments allows students to collect data, record behavioral observations, and understand the ecological pressures facing UK wildlife.
Exclusive Industry Access and Networking
Building a professional network is essential for securing employment after graduation. Backshall has facilitated exclusive opportunities for Bangor University students, including specialized visits to Chester Zoo and backstage experiences during his live arena tours. These experiences provide students with direct access to professionals in animal husbandry, zoo management, large-scale event production, and educational outreach. Understanding how large institutions operate, from the care of endangered species to the logistics of public exhibitions, gives Bangor graduates a broader understanding of the conservation sector.
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The Academic Credibility Behind the Television Persona
While Steve Backshall is primarily known for his broadcasting work, his appointment as an Honorary Professor is also rooted in genuine scientific contribution. During a documentary shoot in Suriname, Backshall made a world-first observation regarding the symbiotic relationship between giant cowbirds and South American tapirs. Rather than simply broadcasting this finding, he collaborated with Bangor University academics to formalize the observation, resulting in a co-authored, peer-reviewed scientific paper.
This achievement is highly relevant for prospective students. It demonstrates that the university’s faculty—both traditional and honorary—are actively engaged in pushing the boundaries of ecological knowledge. For students studying zoology or conservation, the opportunity to learn from someone who has successfully navigated the process of documenting and publishing novel scientific data provides a concrete model for their own research ambitions. It reinforces the idea that observation in the field, when conducted rigorously, remains a primary driver of biological science.
Bangor University’s Environmental and Natural Sciences Programs
Steve Backshall’s appointment is one component of a broader academic framework at Bangor University. The School of Environmental and Natural Sciences houses a wide range of disciplines, including biology, zoology, environmental science, and geography. The school is known for its research output, consistently ranking highly for societal impact in the UK.
According to Professor Christian Dunn, Head of the School, Backshall’s role is heavily focused on student development. Many current students at Bangor University chose to study there specifically because they were inspired by programs like Deadly 60 and Expedition during their childhoods. Having the individual who inspired their initial interest now acting as a professor creates a cohesive educational narrative. It connects early childhood fascination with mature, scientific inquiry.
A Location Built for Environmental Study
Bangor University’s physical location is a distinct advantage for environmental science students. Situated between the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Irish Sea, the university offers immediate access to a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, national parks, and multiple Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). This proximity reduces the time and cost associated with field trips, allowing for frequent, integrated practical sessions. When evaluating UK universities, the ease of access to diverse habitats is a practical metric that directly impacts the quality of a conservation degree.
How to Join the Next Generation of Conservationists
The integration of high-profile practitioners like Steve Backshall into the academic staff indicates a forward-thinking approach to environmental education. As global biodiversity challenges intensify, the conservation sector requires professionals who are not only scientifically literate but also capable of engaging with the public, managing complex field operations, and adapting to rapidly changing environments.
Bangor University’s wildlife conservation and natural sciences programs are designed to develop these competencies. By combining rigorous academic research, extensive fieldwork in North Wales, and direct mentorship from established figures in the wildlife industry, the university provides a structured pathway into the profession.
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