Springwatch 2026 finds new home in Northern Ireland

Springwatch 2026 will be setting up home in the woodlands and historical ruins of the National Trust's Crom Estate on the shores of Lough Erne in County Fermanagh.

It will be the first time that Northern Ireland will be the main live location for the BBC programme.

Across three weeks, presenters Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan will share the latest wildlife updates from Crom and a range of seasonal stories from across the UK.

In January, Mount Stewart on the shores of Strangford Lough, hosted Winterwatch for the first time, while last year, on the 20th anniversary of Springwatch, presenter Lolo Williams embarked on a three-week nature trek across Northern Ireland.

This is the first time the main Springwatch hub will be based in Northern Ireland.

The three week series will be a celebration of the natural world broadcast from from one the home of diverse wildlife.

Presenter Michaela Strachan said she is "very excited" to broadcast live from Northern Ireland.

"We never quite know what species will become our stars each year or what stories will emerge," she said.

"That's what I love about Springwatch, the wildlife writes the script and every year there's a chapter we weren't expecting."

Strachan added: "I can't wait to see what plots Crom has in store for us. I'm hoping it hasn't planned for too much rain in the script."

Gemma Carson, general manager at National Trust Crom, said she is delighted to bring viewers into the heart of the Fermanagh landscape.

"Wildlife is woven into every part of Crom, with red squirrels and pine martens in the canopy, fallow deer grazing the parkland, and otters along the water's edge," she said.

"In spring, the meadows come alive with butterflies, bees and dragonflies, making it one of the most vibrant and biodiverse places in Northern Ireland."

Carson hopes the series will help inspire people to enjoy a deeper connection with nature.

Mary McKeagney, commissioning editor for BBC Northern Ireland said this is an "exciting announcement".

"This will allow audiences right across the UK to enjoy this jewel in our natural landscape in stunning County Fermanagh. And also to remind some of us here at home what a wonderful biodiverse place we have right on our doorstep."

Springwatch 2026 is a co-commission by BBC Specialist Factual and BBC Northern Ireland and is produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit.

Full transmission details of this year's Springwatch will be announced soon.