The BBC has cancelled its beloved wildlife series Winterwatch after more than a decade on air, leaving fans devastated. The show, which premiered in 2012 as a one-off special, became a staple of the BBC’s winter programming, airing annually in January with four live episodes focusing on UK wildlife facing challenging winter conditions.
Winterwatch’s History and Final Series
Originally a spin-off from Springwatch, Winterwatch was commissioned for a full series in 2013 due to its success. The 2026 series, presented by Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, and Iolo Williams, was filmed at the National Trust’s Mount Stewart on Strangford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland. The team spotted red squirrels, pine martens, and badgers.
BBC Announces Replacement: Naturewatch
Last week, the BBC announced a new weekly video podcast, working title Naturewatch, which will replace Winterwatch. A BBC spokesperson said: “As part of the BBC’s evolving commissioning strategy, Winterwatch will not be continuing. Naturewatch will provide ongoing nature coverage throughout all the seasons including winter. Springwatch will return in May 2027 for three weeks.”
Fan Reactions on Reddit
Fans took to Reddit to express their frustrations. @terryjuicelawson said: “Real shame, I enjoyed the last one. Probably more niche than the bounties Springwatch shows us though.” @Taucher1979 added: “Oh. I loved winterwatch as much as springwatch. Missed the days when we had winter, spring and autumn watches.” @ODFoxtrotOscar wrote: “So perhaps rather than seasonal labelling, there will be ad hoc Naturewatch programmes throughout the year?” @tjvs2001 stated: “This is really sad, what a great programme.” @Slink_Wray commented: “Go on guys, tell me where I can get my daily fix of excellent British winter wildlife footage and expertise from all over the UK and watch it somewhere that charges less than the license fee.”
Details of Naturewatch
Set to launch this autumn, Naturewatch will provide a regular round-up of the biggest British nature stories every week. It will celebrate seasonal wildlife moments, explore nature news, talk to experts, and share remarkable animal sightings from across the UK. Each weekly episode will be accompanied by a special audio-only Q&A programme, exclusive to BBC Sounds, where hosts will answer audience questions about the natural world. Further details on presenters, contributors and launch dates will be announced later.
Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual, said: “Nature never stops - and neither should we. Every week, Naturewatch will give Springwatch fans - and all wildlife lovers - a new way to stay connected to the natural world, whether that’s on TV, iPlayer or Sounds. The BBC is committed to celebrating British nature across all our platforms, and we hope this new series will encourage audiences to fall in love with the natural world around them. By expanding the Watches brand we are making the BBC’s brilliant Natural History content even more accessible.”
