Fans are gutted as BBC cancels popular nature TV programme

Winterwatch was first released in 2012, as a spin-off to the equally popular shows Springwatch and Autumnwatch.

Chris Packham and Kate Humble launched the show, with Michaela Strachan, a loyal Oxford United fan, going on to replace the latter.

Winterwatch showcased various aspects of British wildlife during the harsher, colder months, with its live video feeds and thermal cameras capturing creatures in the wild.

The BBC has now revealed that Winterwatch will not continue as part of its “evolving commissioning strategy”, and a podcast is expected to replace it.

Winterwatch presenters (Image: BBC/Jo Charlesworth)

It has also been confirmed that Springwatch will return in May 2027 for three weeks.

Instead of Winterwatch, a new video podcast, with the working title Naturewatch, is coming to BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.

Launching this autumn, it 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 for 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.

“By expanding the Watches brand, we are making the BBC’s brilliant Natural History content even more accessible.”

Fans of Winterwatch have shared their sadness at the decision, with some urging the BBC to reconsider.

One said: “This is really sad, what a great programme.”

Another added: “This is sad news. They are wonderful programmes,” and a third wrote: “This is a dreadful decision.”

Others shared a link to the contact page on the BBC, saying: “It only takes a few minutes to write a quick, polite comment asking them to reconsider.”

Oxford United fan Michaela Strachan with her son at Wembley in 2024 (Image: Michaela Strachan)

Michaela Strachan has been a U’s fan for a number of years, and was at Wembley in 2024 with her son to see the team promoted.

Oxford United were promoted to the Championship after a 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers at the Sky Bet League One play-off in Wembley.

More than 30,000 Oxford fans were backing the team at Wembley and saw them earn their first promotion in 25 years.