BBC mainstay presented by Chris Packham axed after 14 years

Winterwatch, presented by the New Forest's Chris Packham, has been axed after the BBC announced a shake-up of its natural history programming as part of its "evolving commissioning strategy,".

As a replacement for the series which first launched in 2012, the BBC have announced a new video podcast called Naturewatch. 

(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, 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.

"The BBC is committed to celebrating British nature across all our platforms, and we hope this new series will encourage audiences to fall in love with the natural world around them.

"By expanding the Watches brand we are making the BBC’s brilliant Natural History content even more accessible."

Launched as a spin-off of the long-running Springwatch and Autumnwatch, Winterwatch tracked British wildlife during the colder months of January and February.

The BBC has confirmed that Springwatch will return.

Set to launch this autumn, Naturewatch will appear on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, and BBC Sounds.

Each episode will highlight seasonal wildlife moments, feature nature news, and include interviews with experts.

Viewers will also be able to submit questions to the hosts via BBC Sounds in a special audio-only Q&A segment.

Jonathan Kanagasooriam, managing editor of podcast strategy and video at BBC Sounds, said: "Bringing Naturewatch to BBC Sounds is an exciting next step for one of the BBC’s most distinctive and valued nature brands.

"It gives us the opportunity to connect with audiences in the ways they increasingly want to watch and listen through our growing video podcast offer, while bringing people together around a shared love of the natural world."

Jonny Keeling, head of the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, added: "This new podcast offers a chance to showcase extraordinary wildlife in an ever-changing seasonal landscape."