WINTERWATCH AXED BY BBC, SERIES WILL NOT RETURN IN 2027

Three years after it axed Autumnwatch, the BBC have announced that Winterwatch will not be returning in 2027. The main series of Springwatch will however return for a three week series next year.

Meanwhile, the BBC has announced Naturewatch (working title), a new weekly video podcast for BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds that will keep audiences connected to British wildlife throughout the year.

Launching 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.

Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual, says: “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.”

Jonathan Kanagasooriam, Managing Editor, Podcast Strategy and Video, BBC Sounds, says: “Bringing Naturewatch to BBC Sounds is an exciting next step for one of the BBC’s most distinctive and valued nature brands. It gives us the opportunity to connect with audiences in the ways they increasingly want to watch and listen through our growing video podcast offer, while bringing people together around a shared love of the natural world. The bonus episodes on Sounds will create a rich, accessible space for nature fans to connect with the natural world, wherever they are.”

Jonny Keeling, Head of BBC Studios Natural History Unit says: 'People are passionate about British wildlife. We want to create a space for everyone to come together and share inspiring stories from the natural world in their area. This new podcast offers a chance to showcase extraordinary wildlife in an ever-changing seasonal landscape. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to build an even wider community of nature lovers.'

Further details on presenters, contributors and launch dates for Naturewatch will be announced in due course.