Winterwatch is one of the BBC's core nature programmes, alongside Springwatch and Autumnwatch, which are commonly referred to as 'The Watches'.
Each winter, usually in January, four live programmes are broadcast, focusing on the challenging conditions that UK wildlife often faces. With cameras set up around the UK, Winterwatch shines a light on the wildlife and people who battle through this inhospitable season and come out the other side.
When is Winterwatch on this year?
Winterwatch is usually broadcast on BBC Two each night in early January. You can catch up on episodes of Winterwatch on BBC iPlayer.
Which presenters are on Winterwatch this year?
Winterwatch 2026 will be presented by Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Iolo Williams.
Where is Winterwatch filmed?
In 2026, Winterwatch will be heading to a new location: the National Trust’s Mount Stewart, on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down. With woodlands, ghost ponds, farmland fields, hedgerows and a tidal lough scattered with green islands, Mount Stewart will offer plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities.
What wildlife can you see on Winterwatch?
We'll likely see red squirrels, pine martens and badgers as all venture out into the wintery woodland. Thousands of songbirds arrive nearby allowing viewers to watch the large flocks of linnet, goldfinch, and redwing that descend to devour the estate’s abundance of seeds and berries.
Strangford Lough, which borders Mount Stewart, is the largest sea lough in the British Isles. It’s famous for its wintering waterfowl, with ducks and geese also likely to make an appearance on the programme.
More on ‘The Watches’:
Main image credit: BBC/Jo Charlesworth
