Winterwatch has been axed after 14 years, in a devastating blow to fans of the beloved show. In a new shake up at the The BBC, amid major cuts to production and job losses, has cancelled the nature programme. The beloved show was first released in 2012, as a spin-off to the equally popular shows Springwatch and Autumnwatch. It is fronted by Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan, the latter replacing former host Kate Humble.

The programme showcases British wildlife during the colder months, featuring live video feeds and thermal cameras capturing creatures out in the wild. The BBC has since confirmed that Winterwatch will not continue as part of its “evolving commissioning strategy”.

Instead, it will be replaced by Naturewatch, a new weekly video podcast that will run through all four seasons. The programme will launch in the autumn and champion the biggest nature stories of the week, as well as featuring guest appearances from experts.

Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual, says: “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.

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