The BBC recently revealed many shows would be cancelled as part of its “evolving commissioning strategy” – and one casualty has been revealed in the form of wildlife favourite Winterwatch.
Viewers have been left saddened by the axing of the cosy series, which launched 14 years ago in 2012 as a spin-off to seasonal programmes Springwatch and Autumnwatch, which started in 2004 and 2005, respectively.
Winterwatch, which explored British wildlife in the colder months of January and February, was presented by Chris Packham and Kate Humble, with Michaela Strachan replacing Humble when she left in 2013. Co-presenter Iolo Williams joined the fold in 2019.
Springwatch will return as normal in May 2027, for three weeks. Autumnwatch was axed in 2023 after a 17-year run.
While Winterwatch is no more, the BBC is releasing a new video podcast titled Naturewatch, which will compile a round-up of the biggest nature stories of the week.
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.
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He continued: “By expanding the Watches brand, we are making the BBC’s brilliant Natural History content even more accessible.”
However, fans of Winterwatch aren’t happy with the show’s cancellation, with one branding the decision “sad news” and another calling it “a dreadful decision”.
“It’s one of the few programmes that actually adheres to the BBC principles of inform, educate and entertain,” another frustrated viewer said.
Springwatch attracted thousands of new fans during the pandemic. When the newest series at the time premiered while viewers were in lockdown, Packham said: “People are grieving, struggling and battling with the most tragic situations that they will ever encounter in their lives, and this series is not to take away from any of these realities.
“But there is one thing that’s happened this year that’s offered solace to everyone: the power, the therapy, the existence of the natural world.”
In 2020, The Independent called the show “a jewel in the crown of its programming” that should be screened “all year round”.
The BBC announced earlier this year that budget cuts are leading to a change in its TV and radio schedules, which will result in 550 job losses.
