The BBC has confirmed that Winterwatch, the seasonal wildlife programme that has been on air for 14 years, will be cancelled. The show, which launched in 2012 to document how British animals survive winter, will be replaced by a new weekly video podcast called Naturewatch. This decision is part of wider changes at the broadcaster, which recently announced plans to cut approximately 2,000 jobs.
New Format: Naturewatch
Naturewatch will be a year-round video podcast available on TV, iPlayer, and BBC Sounds. The BBC aims to make its natural history content more accessible by expanding the Watches brand. Springwatch will continue and is expected to return in May 2027.
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." He added: "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."
Viewer Reaction
Some viewers expressed disappointment over the cancellation. One fan wrote on social media: "Such a shame to lose Winterwatch. I hope Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Iolo Williams will still be involved with the new format."
The announcement follows a separate incident where Escape to the Country presenter Jules Hudson had to postpone a professional engagement due to a family illness. He shared on social media: "It's with huge regret that owing to a sudden and serious family illness we've had to postpone my evening this Friday at the Blake Theatre in Monmouth." He confirmed a new date of Saturday, 12th September.
Broader Context
The cancellation of Winterwatch is part of the BBC's cost-cutting measures, which include the loss of around 2,000 jobs. The broadcaster is shifting towards more digital and flexible content formats, such as podcasts, to reach audiences across multiple platforms.
