The beloved presenters of BBC's Winterwatch are championing a simple, daily ritual they believe can combat modern stress and soaring mental health issues: a brief, conscious break in nature.
The Power of the 'Mindfulness Moment'
As the series prepares to return for a four-night run from Tuesday 20th January, hosts Michaela Strachan and Chris Packham emphasise that the programme's signature 'mindfulness moments' are more vital than ever. These segments feature several minutes of uninterrupted, peaceful footage of British wildlife and landscapes, with no presenter narration or music, only natural sounds.
The aim is to offer viewers a mental respite, encouraging them to focus, be present, and de-stress. "Many of us have to make a conscious effort to disconnect from our screens and social media," Michaela Strachan explained. She noted that our minds are constantly bombarded with often unnecessary information, a flow that can fuel anxiety and lack of focus.
"Put aside time to get out into nature, we all know that we feel better for it, so start to make that the default instead," she urged.
A Prescription for Daily Reconnection
Chris Packham elaborated on the practice, stressing intentionality. He advised it's about consciously connecting with nature, which requires putting your phone away and pausing conversations. "Focusing on one aspect of nature makes it easier," he said. "So rather than just walking through a wood and thinking this is lovely, it's about focusing on the simple aspects, such as listening to the bird song, the wind in the trees, the colours of the leaves."
He believes a more intense, focused connection leads to longer-lasting benefits. Fellow presenter Iolo Williams offered a clear, achievable goal. "I would urge everybody... to spend 15 minutes a day in your local park, your garden, local woodland... just sitting down, looking, listening and smelling what's around you. It'll do everybody a power of good," he stated.
Williams directly linked the decline in mental health to a lost connection with the natural world, asserting, "We need to reconnect and reboot."
A New Home in Northern Ireland
This series of Winterwatch will broadcast from a new location: the National Trust's Mount Stewart estate on the shores of Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. Chris Packham, a visitor to the region for over 30 years, expressed excitement about showcasing its "incredible coastal regions and loughs" and a wonderful range of species.
Michaela Strachan teased that red squirrels and pine martens will likely be part of the "starring cast," as both are thriving in the area. Wildlife audiences can hope to spot includes:
- Long-eared owls
- Badgers
- Buzzards and red kites
- Sparrowhawks
- Migratory geese
Winterwatch begins on BBC2 at 7pm on Tuesday 20th January, running for four consecutive nights. All episodes will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
