Chris Packham, Kyle Thomas and Megan McCubbin present Naturewatch

Naturewatch, produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit, is a weekly celebration of British wildlife.

Bringing together the stories that make us curious, the behaviours that make us wonder and the unexpected discoveries about the wildlife we think we know. It’s a lively, entertaining deep dive into the natural world on our doorstep.

Broadcasting weekly from a studio pod nestled in the British countryside near Bristol, Chris Packham will be joined by Kyle Thomas and Megan McCubbin – three curious minds, a wealth of expertise and one shared obsession with the natural world.

Expect fascinating insights, brilliant observations and entertaining conversations that follow the natural world wherever it leads, surrounded by the very nature they are talking about.

The trio will also be regularly joined by experts who’ll answer everything from why birds eat rocks, and why squirrels always land on their feet, to why geese fly in formation, and what really happens when the rutting season gets underway.

Alongside the big questions, Naturewatch will explore the stories making waves in the natural world, uncover the science behind the headlines and bring the audience into the conversation with their own questions, observations and wildlife discoveries.

Every television episode will be followed by a special audio-only Naturewatch Q&A, exclusive to BBC Sounds, giving audiences even more opportunity to put their questions to the experts and delve deeper into the natural world.

Because every week, across the UK, something extraordinary is happening. Birds are arriving after epic migrations. Salmon are making remarkable journeys. Wildflowers are bursting into bloom. Owls are calling through the night. And just when you think you know what British nature has to offer, next week it will all be different.

Chris Packham says: “Packed with fresh science, guaranteed nerdiness and a lively, conversational spirit, this is a new nature adventure I can’t wait to share with audiences. I’m so excited, I’m practically breaking out in a rash!

“Together, we’ll get to know our extraordinary wild neighbours, from newts to nightingales, nudibranchs to noctules. We’ll blow minds, have a laugh, deepen our understanding and fall head over heels for the wildlife on our doorstep.

“This seasonal celebration is set to light up our lives with cutting-edge discoveries from experts alongside weird and wonderful stories of biodoversity from across our communities. I'm really looking forward to sharing the unique joys of UK wildlife. The countdown has begun!”

Megan McCubbin says: “I couldn’t be more excited to be co-hosting this new show, Naturewatch! The natural world is full of incredible surprises, fascinating characters and lots of jaw-dropping moments.

“Having a weekly programme dedicated to UK wildlife means a lot, as so much activity happens under our noses that often goes unnoticed... but no longer! Packed with science, stories and wonder, I hope it will inspire viewers to get outside and reconnect with the wildlife around us.”

Kyle Thomas says: “Wildlife has always been my biggest passion, so to be part of Naturewatch alongside Chris and Megan is incredibly exciting. I hope we can inspire a new generation to fall in love with the natural world.”

Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual, says: “Naturewatch is all about giving audiences a chance to connect with British nature every single week of the year. If you’re curious about the natural world, this is the place for you.

“If you want to identify the birdsong you hear at the bus stop every morning, find out where butterflies go when it rains, or discover what the cleverest animal in Britain is, our trio of amazing experts will have an answer for you. And because the show is available on iPlayer, linear and Sounds, you can engage in whatever way works best for you.”

Sreya Biswas, Director of programmes BBC Studios Natural History Unit, says: “We are excited to launch Naturewatch as it will keep audiences connected to Britain’s extraordinary wildlife all year round.

“There’s never been a better time to get curious about the natural world. From extraordinary animal behaviour to the little mysteries happening right on our doorsteps, Naturewatch is all about asking questions, sharing discoveries, and having a bit of fun along the way. Expect fascinating stories, expert insight and the odd, surprising revelation.”

Audiences can get involved by posting their questions and wildlife photos to Naturewatch@bbc.co.uk or visit BBC.co.uk/Springwatch for more information.

Naturewatch will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds from 6am on Friday 6 November and then at 7.30pm on BBC Two. The full episode is on BBC Sounds – where you will also find an exclusive follow-up Q&A.

Naturewatch is produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit for BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds. It has been commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual. The commissioning editor is Tom-Watt Smith, Head of Commissioning for Natural History, and the commissioning executive for BBC Sounds is Louise Kattenhorn. The Executive producer is Sreya Biswas, the Series Producer is Laura Whitley, and the Production Executive is Dulcie Arnold.

NS

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