The BBC has announced a new natural history series titled Naturewatch, which will replace the long-running Winterwatch program after its 14-year run. Naturewatch is planned as a weekly video podcast hosted by Chris Packham, Kyle Thomas, and Megan McCubbin from a studio pod located in the countryside near Bristol. The format marks a shift from Winterwatch’s traditional approach, aiming to represent the changing seasons while operating with a smaller budget from the BBC Studios Natural History Unit.

The inaugural episode of Naturewatch will explore questions such as the whereabouts of missing acorns, detail insights about Britain’s smallest bird, and explain the reasons behind the term “murder” for a group of crows. The series is positioned as a more cost-effective alternative, reflecting the BBC’s adjustments in natural history programming expenditure.

Meanwhile, Michaela Strachan is confirmed to return to the BBC’s natural history lineup with Springwatch, which will continue as a live broadcast for a three-week run scheduled for May 2027. The decision ensures that at least part of the natural history offering remains in a traditional live format, maintaining audience engagement during the spring season.