The much-loved BBC series Winterwatch is set to grace our screens once again this week with a selection of special episodes.
Winterwatch, which has been airing on Two since 2012, forms part of the ‘s ‘Watches’ wildlife programming group, alongside Springwatch and formerly Autumnwatch.
The new series, hosted by Michaela Strachan and Chris Packham, will be broadcast on Two for four consecutive nights at 8pm, starting from Tuesday (January 21) through to Friday (January 24).
Winterwatch will be aired live from the RSPB Arne reserve near Wareham in Dorset. Nestled within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on Poole Harbour, the 5.6 square kilometre site is part of the UK’s inaugural Super National Nature Reserve.
breathtaking site boasts expansive open heathland and ancient oak woodland, and is one of the few locations in the UK where all six native reptiles can be spotted.
Winterwatch presenters (left to right) Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Iolo Williams at RSPB Arne Nature Reserve in Dorset (Image: BBC)
RSPB Arne is open to visitors daily, offering numerous trails to explore, along with a cafe and shop situated within the nature reserve.
Reviews on Tripadvisor describe the site as boasting “Amazing views and a lovely walk” and “beautiful wildlife”.
One visitor said: “A lovely place to walk with lots of different habitats however all birds a million miles away, which is what we expected. Nice cafe with lovely cake.”
Another said: “Visited on the strength of seeing the reserve on television programmes and being in the area.
“Thought the £5 per person entrance fee was reasonable, when you compare it to other attractions / NT sites.
“The volunteers at the start were very welcoming and extremely knowledgeable. We followed the purple route which was approx. 1hr, excluding the stop at the hide. The hide was large and looked pretty new.
“Lovely serene view over the estuary (?) and a peaceful and calm place to chill for a while. I was actually surprised at the lack of birds!
“Being a non-birder, this didn’t bother me, but I was delighted to see several deer. It’s still a nice place to walk, whether you’re into birds or not.”.
View from Shipstal Hill, RSPB Arne nature reserve (Image: Phil Champion)
The programme will showcase the area’s stunning heathland, wetlands, and woodlands, as well as the dramatic challenges and intriguing behaviours of UK wildlife during the winter season.
Audiences can look forward to captivating tales of resilient creatures, ranging from elusive birds of prey to the mysterious nocturnal activities of deer and foxes.
Live cameras will be installed across the site to capture all the action, including the local white-tailed sea eagle who patrol the skies.
Chris Packham, speaking of RSPB Arne, enthused: “It’s a great place because of the diversity of habitats.
“It’s got everything: it’s got broadleaf woodland, pine woodland, heathland, and grassland, and then, of course, it’s got Poole Harbour, with its salt marsh and mud and everything else, Brownsea island and its lagoon.
“It’s an incredibly diverse range of habitats with a great range of species. The project of the Super National Nature Reserve continues.
Roe deer Capreolus capreolus, female and fawn, Arne RSPB Reserve, Dorset. (Image: Ben Hall)
“They’re continuing to sort of expand and consolidate and instigate resilience in that environment, which is really important. So that’s something we’ve been very keen to support.”
The series will also feature pre-recorded segments showcasing seasonal tales from around the UK including a kayaker’s thrilling encounter with blue fin tuna off the Devon coast, insights into the Big Garden Bird Watch, and a glimpse into the urban oasis of Walthamstow Wetlands.
RSPB Arne visitors can also buy a festive Christmas tree in the festive months (Image: Publicity Picture)
Winterwatch could be bidding farewell to the nature reserve following the conclusion of the ‘s two-year contract with RSPB.
The future location for Springwatch 2025 remains under wraps, with the indicating that further information will be unveiled closer to the broadcast date.
Winterwatch airs nightly from 8pm on Two. Viewers can watch previous episodes of Winterwatch on iPlayer, with new episodes available to watch after broadcast.