The Wombles, the iconic litter-picking creatures that first appeared in children’s literature in the late 1960s, are set to return to screens and other media platforms after nearly three decades. This revival follows the consolidation of the brand’s intellectual property rights under The Blair Partnership, which will oversee the global expansion of the franchise across television, film, audio, publishing, theatre, live events, digital media, and gaming.

The original Wombles were created by author Elisabeth Beresford and became a household name in the 1970s when the BBC adapted the stories into a stop-motion series running from 1973 to 1975. The show featured 35 five-minute episodes and was noted for Mike Batt’s theme tune, "The Wombling Song," as well as the voices of Bernard Cribbins. The puppets were designed by Ivor Wood. Although the BBC series concluded in the mid-1970s, the characters resurfaced with three additional seasons and specials on ITV during the 1990s. The franchise also extended to film, stage productions, and merchandise, maintaining its presence in British popular culture.

The upcoming revival will launch this summer with the introduction of an official Wombles YouTube channel. This platform will feature both the original episodes as well as new live-action content, some of which will be hosted by young presenters and social media influencers. Programming is expected to encourage creativity and environmental awareness through activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, and gardening. Additionally, projects in development include a digital interactive game, audio productions with celebrity casts, and expanded charitable and educational initiatives.

Among the planned offerings is a film reboot and a new television series, reportedly backed by screenwriter Will Davies, known for his work on "How to Train Your Dragon." These new adaptations are expected to modernize the Wombles for contemporary audiences while retaining their core themes of community and environmental stewardship.

Central to the revival is an increased focus on The Wombles Community Charity, which supports over 250 community groups and more than 50,000 volunteers engaged in litter-picking, recycling, and educational activities across the UK. The charity’s 2026 campaign, "Be More Womble," aims to galvanize community involvement. One notable project includes a partnership with NHS hospitals in Sussex, recycling non-infectious clinical waste into training equipment, with plans to expand this initiative to other facilities.

Neil Blair, founding partner of The Blair Partnership, emphasized the brand’s enduring appeal and its relevance in today’s environmentally conscious climate. The Wombles’ message of caring for the planet is being positioned to resonate with new generations, leveraging multiple platforms to build a broad international audience.