HAMPSHIRE wildlife expert Chris Packham, pictured, will be keeping a close eye on Mother Nature this winter.

For the first time, the BBC will launch Winterwatch, following in the successful footsteps of Autumnwatch and Springwatch.

The programme will start in January with a four-night run hosted by the regular Springwatch and Autumnwatch team of University of Southampton zoology graduate Chris alongside Michaela Strachan and Martin Hughes-Games.

Show bosses are also moving Autumnwatch – which returns to BBC2 on October 30 – to a new location for its next run, with filming taking place at the Aigas Field Centre, in the Scottish Highlands, by the River Beauly.

The show’s camera crews will visit wild spots around the UK, reporting on the seasonal changes and developments, as well as taking an in-depth look at red deer and bird migration from the Arctic.