Where is Winterwatch visiting and what time is it on TV?
Winterwatch returns to BBC Two this week from the Cairngorms National Park. Here is our guide looking at what's coming up in the latest series.


Who presents Winterwatch?
Presenters Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Gillian Burke and Iolo Williams will host a wildlife extravaganza, celebrating winter – the wildest, coldest Cairngorms season from Tuesday 28th – Friday 31st January on BBC Two.
More related content:
- Where is Countryfile visiting this week and what time is it on BBC1?
- Best walks in the Cairngorms National Park
- Britain’s best winter wildlife spectacles

What is coming up on Winterwatch?
This season Winterwatch 2020 will return to the tipi studio nestled amongst the Caledonian Pine at the Dell of Abernethy, for one last time. The Dell sits on the edge of the Abernethy Caledonian pine forest and is surrounded by Caledonian Pinewoods, open grassland, farmland and garden spaces, all bordered by the stunning River Nethy.

The presenters will be investigating how the local highland wildlife and spectacular landscapes are coping with the ravages of winter 2020 but also revealing a much bigger and more significant story which is affecting us all.
Chris Packham says: “Scotland – land of the brave, home of the wild and hope for the UK’s wildlife. This is the happening zone in conservation and home to the most amazing diversity of sexy species. I can’t wait”.
Here is what to expect from the new series:
Live wildlife possibilities
The Watches live camera streams reach audiences as far away as France, America and India. This winter they will be streaming again from a variety of live cameras focused on the local winter wildlife.
Me this morning…????????❄️#Winterwatch #MondayVibes #MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/UdfMQrhTNw
— BBC Springwatch (@BBCSpringwatch) January 27, 2020
Watch the live Pine Martin Box, live Squirrel Box, and Badger Sett cameras provide views of the Dell’s mammals, but the team will also be watching the local wildlife take on some seasonal challenges too.
Michaela Strachan says: “I’m so excited to be going to the Cairngorms for Winterwatch. It’s such a stunning place. Full of wildlife, dramatic, wild and very, very cold! The wildlife always delivers from Golden Eagles to Mountain Hares, Wild Cats to Black Grouse, Ptarmigan, Pine Marten, Red Squirrel, Water Vole, Otter. The Highlands have a wonderful diversity of wildlife and habitats. It’s one of those places in the UK where you can really connect with the natural environment.”
Red squirrel translocation
The red squirrel is the nation’s only native squirrel but they have had a tough time hanging on to their territory since the late 1800’s. Scotland is now one of their last remaining strong holds. Winterwatch joins passionate conservationists who, determined not to lose them forever, are carrying out translocations to repopulate their historic ranges.

See our red squirrel guide: how to identify and best places to see in Britain
Wild Therapy – dreaming of orcas
Two films follow the emotional journey of a young lady who is determined to overcome her battle with anxiety through ‘wild therapy’. Having always wanted to see wild orca, she has to overcome all her fears to achieve her mission, which means far more than just seeing these animals in their natural environment. A personal message of pride and strength is also part of her adventure.
Britain’s most northerly otters
The Shetland Islands has one of the densest populations of otters in Europe. Winterwatch will look at how the community of otters survive island life; beginning in the depths of winter as the young cubs first leave their Holts. By following their stories we discover how the young families cope through the seasons, capturing important moments including their first swimming lessons, play time and hunting expeditions.

See our guide to Britain’s otters: history, their return and where to see them
Beavers – eco engineers
For the last five years a population of beavers have been thriving on the River Otter in Devon. Winterwatch meets up with Mark Elliot from the Devon Wildlife Trust, who has been studying their progress. Mark has discovered how the beavers have impacted on the ecosystem. With the Government preparing to make a decision next year about whether beavers can remain in the wild in England, Winterwatch exclusively reveals the results of the Wildlife Trust report into these charismatic mammals and how they are impacting the landscape in this particular study area.
See our guide to Britain’s beavers: history, reintroduction and best places to see
Springwatch and Autumnwatch 2020
Winterwatch will be followed by Springwatch and Autumnwatch (known as The Watches) later in the year,
More related content:
- Spring wildlife guide: where to see and how to identify
- Britain’s best spring walks
- Britain’s best autumn wildlife spectacles
