Springwatch | Preview (BBC Two)

For the first time ever Northern Ireland will be the main live location for the BBC’s Springwatch. Based at the National Trust Crom on the shores of Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, presenters Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan will bring audiences across the UK three weeks of epic wildlife wonder.

In January this year, Mount Stewart on the shores of Strangford Lough, hosted Winterwatch for the first time, while last year, on the 20th anniversary of Springwatch, presenter Iolo Williams embarked on a three-week nature trek across Northern Ireland.

This is the first time the main Springwatch ‘hub’ will be based in Northern Ireland. Springwatch 2026 is a co-commission by BBC Specialist Factual and BBC Northern Ireland and is produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit.

With Chris and Michaela broadcasting live for three weeks from National Trust Crom, the series will be a celebration of our natural world aiming to captivate and inspire audiences from one of the UK’s most important conservation areas – and home to a diverse wealth of wildlife across its lakes, woodlands and islands.

And as always, audiences in Northern Ireland and across the UK will be encouraged to join the conversation and send in their own wildlife stories, films and questions to the programme.

Presenter Michaela Strachan said: "Very excited to be coming live from Northern Ireland for Springwatch. We were at Mount Stewart for Winterwatch and for Springwatch we're moving to the stunning National Trust Crom in County Fermanagh.

"We never quite know what species will become our stars each year or what stories will emerge, that's what I love about Springwatch, the wildlife writes the script and every year there's a chapter we weren't expecting! Can't wait to see what plots Crom has in store for us. I'm hoping it hasn't planned for too much rain in the script!”

Mary McKeagney, Commissioning Editor for BBC Northern Ireland said: “It’s exciting news that National Trust Crom will be the main location for Springwatch 2026, allowing audiences right across the UK to enjoy this jewel in our natural landscape in stunning County Fermanagh. And also to remind some of us here at home what a wonderful biodiverse place we have right on our doorstep.

"Over the years I’ve been captivated like everyone else by the stories the Watches teams have brought us, allowing us to share the drama, characters, heartbreak and inspirational stories of our natural world. I’m really looking forward to hearing more of those stories from Crom and from people around Northern Ireland and UK.”

Tom Watt Smith, Lead Commissioning Editor in Specialist Factual at the BBC says: “A beautiful setting for Springwatch 2026. Crom will no doubt bring audiences a rich and diverse range of wildlife stories. We are delighted to be working with the National Trust to bring this amazing part of Northern Ireland to audiences across the UK.”

Gemma Carson, General Manager at National Trust Crom said: “We are absolutely delighted to be hosting Springwatch at Crom, and to bring viewers into the heart of this remarkable landscape. Set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne, Crom is where ancient oak woodlands meet wildflower meadows and open water, creating a place that feels both timeless and full of life. From the drumming of woodpeckers in the trees to the flash of a kingfisher along the lough’s edge, there’s always something to discover.

“Wildlife is woven into every part of Crom, with red squirrels and pine martens in the canopy, fallow deer grazing the parkland, and otters along the water’s edge. In spring, the meadows come alive with butterflies, bees and dragonflies, making it one of the most vibrant and biodiverse places in Northern Ireland.

“We’re incredibly proud to care for this special place and look forward to sharing its wildlife and stories with audiences across the UK. Springwatch will certainly capture the magic of Crom and we hope help inspire generations to enjoy a deeper connection with nature.”

Full details of how to watch this year’s Springwatch will be announced soon.