As the temperature drops and the nights draw in earlier, it is tempting to stay inside and take some time to hibernate. However, the cold, dark month of January is made more bearable with one of our favourite wildlife programmes: Winterwatch.
Winterwatch has been broadcast on BBC Two since 2012, and along with Springwatch and previously Autumnwatch, makes up the BBC's 'Watches' group of wildlife programming.
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As its name suggests, Winterwatch aims to show off the wildlife spectacles and behaviour that can still be found in winter – as well as how some of the toughest animals have adapted to the harsh winter conditions. Find out all you need to know about the programme, including where it'll be visiting, with our guide.
When is Winterwatch on TV?
Winterwatch is broadcast on BBC Two for four nights at 8pm. The 2026 series will likely run at the beginning of January. You can catch up on previous episodes of Winterwatch on BBC iPlayer.
Who presents Winterwatch?
Winterwatch 2026 will be presented by Chris Packham, Iolo Williams and Michaela Strachan.
Where is Winterwatch visiting?
Winterwatch 2026 will be broadcast live from the National Trust's Mount Stewart in County Down. It has 10,000 recorded species and a range of habitats, including ghost ponds, woodlands, farmland fields and the largest tidal lough in the British isles (which is also scattered with green islands).
Jack Bootle, BBC head of commissioning, Specialist Factual, says: “Beautiful and teeming with wildlife, Mount Stewart is the perfect location for Winterwatch. We’re delighted to be working with the National Trust to bring this amazing part of Northern Ireland to audiences across the UK.”
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