Philippa Waring

Philippa Forrester, born September 20, 1968, is a British television and radio presenter, producer, and author. She gained prominence through her work on various shows, including CBBC, Tomorrow's World, and Robot Wars. Her career began in children's television, and she later moved into presenting science and nature-focused programs. Forrester also co-presented BBC coverage of significant astronomical events like the solar eclipse of August 1999 and the millennium celebrations.

Beyond her on-screen roles, Forrester is also a producer, co-founding Halcyon Media with her husband, Charlie Hamilton James. The company specializes in wildlife productions, creating documentaries such as 'An Otter in the Family' and the 'Halcyon River Diaries' series. Her academic background includes a degree in English from the University of Birmingham and a first-class honours degree in Ecology and Conservation from Birkbeck, University of London, which she pursued while presenting 'Tomorrow's World'. She has also held vice-presidency roles with wildlife trusts and hospitals and has authored several books.

In 2015, Forrester relocated with her family to Wyoming, USA, to support her husband's work. She has also been involved in environmental advocacy and has presented a YouTube series on electric cars. Her published works include books on nature and wildlife, reflecting her long-standing interest and expertise in the field.

Philippa Forrester began her broadcasting career in 1986 with BFBS television before becoming a familiar face on Children's BBC in the early 1990s. She went on to host a diverse range of programs, including the science and technology showcase 'Tomorrow's World,' the popular robot combat show 'Robot Wars,' and nature-oriented series like 'The Heaven and Earth Show.' Forrester also contributed to significant BBC broadcasts, such as the coverage of the August 1999 solar eclipse and the turn of the millennium. In 2003, she established Halcyon Media with her husband, Charlie Hamilton James, focusing on producing wildlife documentaries like 'An Otter in the Family' and the 'Halcyon River Diaries' series, which explore the natural world around their home.

Forrester holds degrees in both English from the University of Birmingham and Ecology and Conservation from Birkbeck, University of London. She earned her second degree with first-class honours while simultaneously working as a presenter for 'Tomorrow's World,' demonstrating a strong commitment to her academic pursuits in environmental science. This academic foundation underpins her long-standing involvement in environmental causes. She has served as vice president for wildlife hospitals and trusts, including St Tiggywinkles wildlife hospital and the Avon Wildlife Trust, and has been a patron for organizations like the Seahorse Trust. Her advocacy extends to supporting campaigns like Recycle Now, encouraging sustainable practices such as home composting.