Steve Backshall
@SteveBackshall
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Official Twitter for Steve Backshall, naturalist broadcaster and author.
Joined May 2013
Australia tour! Ocean Live hits Deadly central in January; Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle, Perth, Adelaide
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Rescue pip pup, won’t take milk from a pipette, but will lap from a bare palm. Odd sensation having a bat lick your hand. @AnneatSaveMe
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Being a twin is like being born with a soulmate. A best friend always on hand to play, fight, argue and make up stories with. And Helen should know, being a twin herself. All I know is that life is about to get double the crazy. And we couldn’t be happier. @helenglovergb
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Mum in a billion. For the bear cubs to see mummy waving from the Olympic podium is a moment we’ll never forget. We could not be more proud of you Hels. #stronglikemummy #gomummygo
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Home schooling tricky? Can I help? Weds 25th from one (1300) I’ll be live on Twitter, FB, insta &do my best with your youngster’s wildlife, biology, conservation, geography etc questions. Just don’t ask me any physics. Or chemistry. Or. well anything else. Huge love you all Sb
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Our first walk as a new family, the teeny tiny still nameless twins strapped to my chest. Promise I’ll be back to posting about wildlife and expeditions pretty soon, but these moments just being a dad are just the best. @helenglovergb
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Took the trio to see @helenglovergb gold postbox, and explain this crazy journey. Logan ran down the street to cuddle the postbox and tell it how proud he is of mummy. she’s in the semis scheduled for Weds about 4.20am UK time. Huge thanks to Penzance knitting nannas!
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I’m blaming sleep deprivation for our indecisiveness. but we’ve gone for Kit and Willow. Good natural history themed names. not that I’m trying to influence their future life choices. @Helenglovergb
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‘Trying and failing is not a problem’, life lessons from two true champions. They may not have the medal they wanted, but H got herself from twins/not rowing since Rio, to PB in 6 months. On her own. Even I don’t know how she did it. @helenglovergb @pollyswanngb @teamgb
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Learning Welsh on a journey with the legend Iolo Williams. A few of my new favourite words; sponken (the sport of squash) spigogglis (spinach) chweurligugan (whirlwind) and of course sglodion (chips!) what a beautiful brilliant language it is. @s4c #iaithardaith
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@rainingcoyotes @cbbc I think me and @dickndom need to lead an all out assault on CBBC centre; the bare-faced affrontery of it! 🤣.
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I’m not a natural scientist. At school I struggled with maths, and still now find statistics and chemistry fiendishly hard. It is then my proudest achievement to gain my MSc in Bioscience. @canterburyccuni thanks to my dear friends @venomtech @DrCarolTrim
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'iaith ar daith!' Language on a journey! Wales has always been a huge part of my life, but to my shame I've never learned any Welsh. Time set that right. @S4C
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Self isolating? I’m doing an online home school class on Wednesday, and the response has been immense. but teachers have pointed out they can’t use social media in class. So I’m going to set up a YouTube channel. Details will be on here ASAP. Also to include my friends on contd
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@piersmorgan I don’t expect anyone to go vegan, but struggle with understanding why anyone would take exception to it; “cursed vegans with their care and compassion for animals. concerned about sustainability. What scum.”.
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They’re through! A commanding performance rowing through whitecaps in what looked like the Southern Ocean, and they’ve made the final. And I have no fingernails left… @BritishRowing @TeamGB.
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2024 was a huge year for Hels; flag bearer and silver in her fourth Olympics, as a mother to three crazy demanding kids. I still have no idea how she gets on the water at dawn after a sleepless five-in-a-bed night. Helen Glover OBE you are a phenomenon. @BritishRowing
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Samples processed by @BangorUni wastewater research, breakdown on insta @christiandunn @teresamayMP @joymorrissey @guardian @Feargal_Sharkey @theriverstrust @RiverActionUK @bucksfreepress @MaidenheadAds
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Will this year be the last,.When your hand creeps into mine?.Wanting reassurance, .While we’re in the check out line,.And will this be the last year,.That we ever have you creep,.Into our bed at midnight,.cos a ghost disturbed your sleep?.Are the days of ‘daddy’ done…
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WORLD RECORD! At 3.30am Tom and I arrived in London after 200km non stop paddling in just over 20hrs to claim the record for kayaking the Thames. Awaiting our final certificate from @guinnessworldrecords but just wanted to shout our incredible support crew, and the lock keepers!
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At @mediacityuk found this firecrest probably having flown into a window. Carried it to a tree it flew off none the worse for wear! Along with the goldcrest they’re our smallest bird weight=5p piece. Also sadly the first we can’t hear singing as our ears age! @BBCSpringwatch
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To swim alongside a Great white in blue water is a challenge to everything we think we know about sharks. Clearly it should not be undertaken lightly. We spent weeks waiting for the perfect conditions, following the signs and reading the body language of individual sharks.
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Seems like yesterday Helen brought these beauties into the world. And today she has been named as the first ever mum to represent @teamgb as a @britishrowing athlete for the Tokyo Olympics, alongside the inspirational @pollyswanngb #StrongLikeMummy @helenglovergb
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Strike a pose’ the pap said. @SadiqKhan @helenglovergb and me duly did. The duke and duchess showed more experience!!! An inspiring and enlightening day talking @earthshotprize with some very special young people. @KensingtonRoyal
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Investigating giraffe bones in insane light, when mini me finds a tarantula burrow…
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Graduation day! 3years delayed, but got my MSc in Bioscience today (my studies analysed the first known venomous best or salamander, the Iberian sharp-ribbed newt!) huge thanks to my big-brained friends from @VenomResearch and @CanterburyCCUni today is one of my proudest days!
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Red kite over Wolf moon. The skies have been so clear for this full moon but always had my hands full of kids and no camera. Then with minutes left before this spectacular Wolf moon faded away, a red kite banked and turned gold in the dawn sun… @bbcspringwatch @helenglovergb
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Three years ago Hels and I got married on a Cornish clifftop. To paddle back past our happy place as parents, looking up at the rocks from spangly blue seas. the most perfect special days ever. @helenglovergb
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And prize for dumbest shark hating headline goes to @DailyMirror ‘Terrifying pictures show 20ft basking sharks surround paddleboarder off UK coast’
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Trying to stay #expeditionfit around Daddy duties. Nul pointe. Why does Logan always need to sabotage?!.@aldokane @helenglovergb @KarmaResorts @islesofscillytravel #gymfails
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What fresh madness is this? What possible positive is there to losing Autumnwatch?!.
I've been overwhelmed at all the comments about #autumnwatch & the BBC's decision to axe it this year. Goes to show how treasured the Watches are. Of course it's disappointing,but let's focus on the positives, @BBCSpringwatch is not far away &we'll work hard to make it a corker💚
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Helen kept this quiet. Kind of wondered why she’d been leaving the house so early every morning… your fan club is behind you every stroke @helenglovergb You make us so proud. @britishrowing
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Fresh footprints in tide-swept sands, long post dawn shadows cast down to the lapping waves. A day of unknown fun to be had, a lifetime of adventures ahead. Happy second birthday my beautiful boy. @Helenglovergb @Ruth_Glover22
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A year late, but such a special day! The MBE belongs to all the wonderful people and charities that nominated me, and Graham from @Bite_Back for making it happen!
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Today’s the first day of #blueplanetlive and we’re going on air at 8pm on @bbcone 🦈.The sharks are performing and we are bringing you some amazing wildlife in less than 2 hours from all over the world 🌊.@bbcearth
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Ten years ago today, the love of my life took the first gold of a home games for @teamgb Helen you are magnificent, and we are so proud to have you as mum, partner and pal. @helenglovergb @heathermstanning
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This coastline will always be special to us. hidden coves, soaring gannets, aquamarine seas & bobbing seals. It’s also where @helenglovergb and I got married . Four years later, we’ve three babies and our whole world changed. but here is timeless perfection.
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Sunset yomp with the clan strapped on, who needs the gym? Happy Christmas and New Year one and all. @helenglovergb
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Iaith ar daith dydd un, Efo Iolo Williams - Athro Cymraeg gorau’r byd, dysgu gan rhaeadr hardd. So (what I hope I’ve just said); language on a journey day one, with the best Welsh teacher in the world Iolo Williams, studying by a beautiful waterfall. After two weeks studying
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Calls from @LibDems to put @officialthameswater into special measures; they are seeking £2.5billion bailout, want customer bills up by 40% have declined ANY funds to industry wide infrastructure improvements, and want to reduce penalties for sewage outages @RiverActionUK
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A year ago we met this little bruiser, and nothing will ever be the same! Can’t wait to see the boy he’s going to be @Helenglovergb
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I don’t know what to say, but Matt (as usual) kind of sums it up.
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@SarahCoyle222 @NoContextBrits Ah thanks you guys! (I was going to say something horrid to prove you wrong, but couldn’t think of anything 🤣).
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We’re finally a family! Six hatched and near ready to head out on to the river. Let’s hope they bring them back up to meet our own wee ones. @Helenglovergb @BBCSpringwatch @BBOWT
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We won a @bafta ! And all I had to do was hurdle a Great hammerhead live on telly. huge congratulations to the amazing team, LOVE YOU ALL!!! @rgloyns @irish_camera @ChrisGPackham @lizbonnin @katfishbrown @Dominiquegorton
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My first ever fitness shoot! @menshealthuk asked me to do a piece on staying #ExpeditionFit in your forties. I upped my water intake, ate loads of veggies + training sessions when the babies were sleeping. Thanks to @helenglovergb for hiding all the crisps. @wildtraining
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In 2019, I spoke alongside @michaelgove to launch the #EnvironmentBill, after dire warnings in the #StateofNature report. So much optimism, so many promises… but still no law to stop #nature's decline by 2030. Will you join me and demand action today?
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Was lucky enough to swim alongside sleeping sperm whale and calf, one of the most overwhelming experiences of my life, you could feel the sonar pulsing through your body. #BluePlanet2 @BluePlanetII @BBCOne
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One of the most uplifting and fulfilling experiences I've ever had. Diolch yn vawr iawn @IoloWilliams2 @boomcymru and @S4C.
Mae Steve Backshall yn dysgu Cymraeg, ac mae e'n dysgu'n GYFLYM! 🏴. @SteveBackshall's enthusiasm for learning Welsh is absolutely inspirational! 🏴. 🏴 Iaith ar Daith.📆 Nos Sul | Sunday.🕗 8.00pm. @IoloWilliams2
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Deadly is back! This time we’re looking at the changing world, the challenges our animal heroes are facing, what can be done to protect them. My crew are on the road for the year; animals that are deadly in their own world, not dangerous to us! @cbbc @BBCEarth @Helenglovergb
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I’m always paranoid coming back to a hotel after months in the field; worried I might be a bit grimy and smelly. obvs with good reason! #oops #showertime
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Walking with rhino. Try explaining the conservation of rhino to a child. That they have to be guarded by people with guns. Because their horn is more valuable than gold. That they could go extinct like the dinosaurs. The incredulity in their eyes says everything. @Enonkishu
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Gardd natur yn Trefor! My penultimate challenge iaith ar daith, to talk about wildlife gardening in Welsh. lucky I’ve got the world’s best teacher! @IoloWilliams2 ! @s4c #iaithardaith
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A map for daddy to show him the way home’. I just (sniff) think I might have (sigh) a little something in my eye (sob)! Good to see @helenglovergb keeping up the wild ways while I’ve been gone.
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He’s back! Our black swan hasn’t been seen on our stretch of the Thames for over a year now, and tends to be more a winter presence. Black swans are native to Aus, and this is one of the only places in the U.K. where they’re seen. @helenglovergb @marlowrugby @BBOWT @Natures_Voice
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Huge news! After a leviathan amount of work, the Shark fin bill is passed into law making a big difference for our border force, and a statement of intent for shark conservation. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has battled to bring this home.
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Forty years ago today, the heroes of the Penlee lifeboat Solomon Browne went to the aid of the Union Star. Remember their bravery today, by supporting our @rnli Bottom left with cap William Richards, centre with cap, Stephen Madron and right with cap Nigel Brockman.
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Scratches and nettle stings, drizzle down the neck and berry stained cheeks. Utter blackberry bliss .@Helenglovergb
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Restore Nature Now! This Saturday in London @RSPCA_official @Natures_Voice @Buzz_dont_tweet @BBOWT @WildlifeTrusts
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The road is long, with many a winding turn. he ain’t heavy, he’s my brother (and sister) @Helenglovergb
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Civet poo coffee; sounds hilarious & is one of the world’s most expensive brews. It was gathered from civet poo found in the wild, but now the animals are battery farmed for their droppings; force fed coffee, living their lives in cages. Please do not buy Kopi Luwak. Sb.🌿
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Helens Herculean journey continues. A year after starting training again, 5years and 3babies since her last gold medal, @Helenglovergb has made the team for the European champs with @PollySwann #stronglikemummy @gbrowing
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My collection for #BigGardenBirdWatch included a moorhen, mallard and Egyptian goose. but the best bit was Logie’s first long tailed tit! @Natures_Voice @BirdgirlUK @NaturalistDara
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Can’t wait to join the @BBCSpringwatch team at 8pm. The animals are turning up on cue, the crew is ready, so I hope you can come join us! Enjoy! #springwatch
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I’m so chuffed with this shot. Not only is it the best kingfisher I’ve ever got, but all three kids with on me! a little girl sat on my feet making daisy chains and two others behind squelching goose poo between their toes!
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Llongyfarchiadau graddedigion prifisgol Bangor, Diolch am y croeso!.Congratulations graduates of Bangor uni, and thanks for your warm welcome! @BangorUni .acceptance speech (hon lectureship/hon doctorate) on my YouTube channel
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For twenty years I’ve been trying to find good evidence of otter on our stretch of the Thames. I’ve found spraint and probable feeding signs, but these are our first in the fur! Pleased as punch @BBOWT @WildlifeTrusts
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Best of luck to everyone involved today in #GlobalStrikeforClimate thank you for acting NOW, before it’s too late!. #YouthStrike4Climate #Climatestrike @BellaLack @GretaThunberg @Strike4Youth @BBCEarth @Protect_Wldlife @guardian @DeborahMeaden @SharkTrustUK @UNEnvironment @dodo
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Can YOU help us save Borneo's Kinabatangan rainforest? @worldlandtrust @Helenglovergb @DWcanoerace @BritishCanoeing
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Logan’s xmas request was to build a bow with daddy. We cut a piece of willow, whittled & sanded it, found feathers to fletch the arrows. A perfect daddy day in the snow @scouts @BearGrylls @Ed_Stafford
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‘My name’s Steve Backshall, and that crab is on the Deadly60’ .Get them started early… @cbbc #deadly60 @Helenglovergb @ScillyWildlife
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It’s been a big decade. The start was spent recovering my busted body after a near fatal climbing fall. Many expeds and animal encounters later, I met the love of my life, was there to see her win gold, and got married on a Cornish clifftop. Cont.
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The moment a critically endangered Arabian leopard wanders past your camera. The next episode of #PlanetExpedition is on at 7.30pm (AEST) on @SBS. This weeks episode sees the team and I attempt a first ascent within the desert of southern Oman!
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The magic of a flint spark, their first fire and a toasted marshmallow, dipping for water boatmen and pond snails, hiding in hedges and peeking in holes. Lessons for life from embers, ditches and puddles @Helenglovergb @UKScouting @scouts
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Most dolphin ride the wave at the bow, but orca (the biggest dolphin species) much prefer playing in our wake… making the most of the few hours of Arctic daylight.
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Helen won GB rowing senior trials today, making a fierce combo with world champ @RebeccaShorten She’s never been more powerful, and showing she can get faster than ever… does this remind anyone of ‘If I ever go near a boat again, you have permission to shoot me…’ @BritishRowing
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The Thames this morning, two different otters last night, And the fetid stench of sewage. No heavy rains, no reports of an outage from Little Marlow @thameswater no wild swimmers, but the wildlife deserves better. @theriverstrust @RiverActionUK @BBOWT @WildMarlow1
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I can count on one hand the times I’ve seen pangolin in the wild. Yet in one drive in Central Africa we saw dozens destined for traditional medicine. To mark #worldpangolinday find out what you can do to help; including protecting the forests they call home. @worldlandtrust
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Fledged! Our swallows finally flew the nest this morning @BBCSpringwatch @BBCEarth @BBOWT @_BTO @Natures_Voice @Helenglovergb @ChrisGPackham
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Happy St David’s day from the top of Pen Y Fan! Though you’ll have to take our word for it, in this clag we could be stood in Morrisons car park. @helenglovergb #stdavidsday #wales #breconbeacons
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Many thanks for all your kind messages. We’ve had the news that one twin has not survived, but are still looking forward to our new addition this summer. Sb.
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