Title: BBC Unveils Naturewatch as New Year-Round Wildlife Series

Image: Allan Roffey via BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has announced Naturewatch, a new weekly video podcast set to launch this autumn on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, bringing audiences regular coverage of British wildlife throughout the year.

Designed to keep nature lovers connected with the UK's wildlife across every season, the new programme will deliver weekly updates on major nature stories, celebrate seasonal wildlife events, explore developments in the natural world and feature expert insight. Viewers and listeners can also expect reports on remarkable animal sightings from around the country.

Alongside each video episode, BBC Sounds will offer a dedicated audio-only question and answer programme. These bonus episodes will give audiences the opportunity to submit questions about wildlife and the natural world, with the hosts providing expert responses and discussion.

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.”

Jonathan Kanagasooriam, Managing Editor, Podcast Strategy and Video, BBC Sounds, says: “Bringing Naturewatch to BBC Sounds is an exciting next step for one of the BBC’s most distinctive and valued nature brands. It gives us the opportunity to connect with audiences in the ways they increasingly want to watch and listen through our growing video podcast offer, while bringing people together around a shared love of the natural world. The bonus episodes on Sounds will create a rich, accessible space for nature fans to connect with the natural world, wherever they are.”

Jonny Keeling, Head of BBC Studios Natural History Unit says: 'People are passionate about British wildlife. We want to create a space for everyone to come together and share inspiring stories from the natural world in their area. This new podcast offers a chance to showcase extraordinary wildlife in an ever-changing seasonal landscape. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to build an even wider community of nature lovers.'

The new programme represents a significant expansion of the long-running Watches brand, offering continuous wildlife coverage rather than focusing on individual seasons. While further information regarding presenters, contributors and launch dates is still to be revealed, the BBC has confirmed additional announcements will be made in the coming months.

The broadcaster has also confirmed that, as part of its evolving commissioning strategy, Winterwatch will not be returning. Instead, Naturewatch will provide year-round coverage, including dedicated content throughout the winter months.

Meanwhile, fans of the flagship series can look forward to the return of Springwatch, which is scheduled to air for a three-week run in May 2027.