The BBC has axed Winterwatch following 14 years on air, with the decision forming part of sweeping cuts that will see 2,000 roles eliminated across the corporation.
The wildlife programme, which launched in 2012 as a companion series to Springwatch, documented British animals navigating the harsh winter months through live footage and thermal cameras.
Chris Packham and Kate Humble originally presented the show, with Michaela Strachan later taking over from the latter.
The broadcaster confirmed the cancellation as part of its "evolving commissioning strategy," with the cuts aimed at delivering £500 million in annual savings amid a frozen licence fee and mounting costs.
The show has been running for 14 years
|BBC
A weekly video podcast called Naturewatch will take the programme's place, launching this autumn across BBC Two, iPlayer and Sounds.
The new format will deliver regular updates on the most significant British wildlife stories throughout the year, celebrating seasonal moments and exploring nature news.
Experts will feature alongside remarkable animal sightings from around the country.
Each episode will be accompanied by an audio-only question and answer programme available exclusively on BBC Sounds, where presenters will respond to viewer queries about the natural world.
The pair have been presenting the show since its inception
|BBC
The replacement marks a shift from the live broadcast format that made Winterwatch distinctive among nature programming.
Springwatch will continue as planned, returning to screens in May 2027 for a three-week run.
Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning for Specialist Factual, said: "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."
He added that the corporation remains dedicated to showcasing British wildlife across all its platforms, expressing hope the new series would inspire viewers to develop a deeper appreciation for their natural surroundings.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Mr Bootle described the move as an expansion of the Watches brand, making the BBC's natural history output more accessible to audiences.
Viewers have expressed their devastation at the news, with many taking to Reddit's British TV forum to voice their disappointment.
One fan described the cancellation as "really sad," while another called the programmes "wonderful."
A third viewer labelled it "a dreadful decision," arguing the show was "one of the few programs that actually adheres to the BBC principles of inform, educate and entertain."
Fans have been left devastated by the news
|BBC
Someone else expressed: "I am devastated! Winterwatch was the perfect winter pick-me-up during the Christmas festivities. What am I going to watch now?! (sic)
Some users have been sharing links to the BBC's contact page, encouraging fellow fans to submit polite requests asking executives to reverse the decision.
One respondent wrote: "Thanks for the link, have sent a kind, frustrated complaint, you just know they are gonna cancel Springwatch next."
Another added: "Thank you for sharing! I will be getting onto them to bring it back as I absolutely loved this show! They better leave Springwatch alone otherwise there will be protests outside the BBC." (sic)