The BBC has announced that Winterwatch 2026 will be broadcast from Mount Stewart, a National Trust property in County Down, marking the first time the programme has been based in Northern Ireland.
Presenters Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Iolo Williams will present live from the shores of Strangford Lough across four nights in early January. The estate, with over 10,000 recorded species, offers varied habitats including woodlands, ghost ponds, farmland and tidal loughs.
Viewers can expect to see local wildlife such as red squirrels, pine martens and badgers, as well as large flocks of linnet, goldfinch and redwing that feed on the estate's seeds and berries. Strangford Lough, the largest sea lough in the British Isles, is renowned for its wintering waterfowl.
Jack Bootle, BBC Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual, said: 'Beautiful and teeming with wildlife, Mount Stewart is the perfect location for Winterwatch.' Adam Smyth, Director of BBC Northern Ireland, added: 'It should be a perfect start to the new television year.'
The series is produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit, with executive producer Rosemary Edwards. Commissioning editors are Mary McKeagney and Denise Mather.
