A beloved BBC show has been axed after 14 years, but its sister show is set to continue alongside a brand new release. Winterwatch is set to end after more than a decade on our screens, with no plans for the show to return in its usual January to February slot.
Instead, it will be replaced by a new weekly video podcast, Naturewatch, that will run through all four seasons.
Announcing the podcast, Jack Bootle, BBC head of commissioning in 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.
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"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."
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Despite Winterwatch's cancellation, Springwatch is set to return for three weeks in May 2027.
Winterwatch began in 2012 as a spin-off to Springwatch and Autumnwatch, first presented by Chris Packham and Kate Humble before Michaela Strachan took over in 2013.
Fans have taken to social media to share their disappointment over Winterwatch's cancellation, writing on Reddit that it was "a shame" to see the show go.
One user wrote: "Real shame, I enjoyed the last one. Probably more niche than the new life and nature that Springwatch shows us though."
Another fan said, "This is really sad, what a great programme," while a third added that it was "depressing times for British TV".
One person commented: "Oh. I loved Winterwatch as much as Springwatch. Missed the days when we had winter, spring and autumn watches.
"The other thing to mention is that my elder son is absolutely obsessed with wildlife and spring/winter watch has played a big part in that. Having to wait a year between spring watches is going to be disappointing to him."
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