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Wildlife lovers favourite, Springwatch, is back for its 20th season

Wildlife lovers favourite, Springwatch, is back for its 20th season

Posted on 23 May 2025 • Arts and social sciences, Science, maths, computing and technology, TV and radio

The ever-popular OU/BBC programme Springwatch is back with a brand new series, this time celebrating its 20^th anniversary.

Springwatch begins on 26^th May at 8pm on BBC Two, with new episodes shown Mondays – Thursdays across the next three weeks. You can also catch up on episodes via BBC iPlayer.

As Springwatch embarks on their 20th year, it’s set to be a sensational celebration, with two brand new locations, a new cast of wildlife characters, and nests never featured before.

Our hosts, Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan, are broadcasting live from the National Trust’s breathtaking Longshaw Estate in the Peak District. Launched as a birthday celebration is Springwatch Street, a secret window into the wildlife antics playing out in gardens up and down the country.

Meanwhile, Iolo Williams explores the wildlife wonders of Northern Island, from its urban cities to its wildest islands.

OU academics, Dr Andy Morris and Dr Jenny Duckworth, acted as academic consultants on the new series, providing expert insight and research to the development of Springwatch.

Dr Andy Morris, Staff Tutor and Senior Lecturer in Geography and Environmental Studies at the OU, explained his involvement in the series:

“I have been fortunate enough to work on ‘The Watches’ on a number of occasions now. My involvement includes reviewing and feeding back on early versions of the pre-recorded videos used within the live broadcast. During the three weeks of the series running, I also get scripts for that evenings show during the afternoon for any last minute editorial suggestions.”

Dr Jenny Duckworth, Staff Tutor in Environment, Earth and Ecosystems Science at the OU, added:

“I’m delighted to be working on Springwatch this year. Not only is this a great way for me to share my passion (but sadly also concern) for our wildlife, but also an opportunity to access some really engaging and up to date content that we can use to enrich OU courses.”

Supporting Online content:

Visit our Broadcast & Partnerships site OU Connect to take part in an interactive online hike and explore some of the habitat changes that have taken place since Springwatch first aired!

(NB: this site may not be live or complete prior to broadcast)

This series was commissioned by Broadcast & Partnerships and is supported by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, with particular relevance to Q99 BA (Hons) Environmental Studies, R44 BA (Hons) Geography and DST206 Environment: sharing a dynamic planet.

The series is also supported by the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathmatics, with particular relevance to Q52 BSc (Honours) Environmental Science, Q64 BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (Environment pathway) and U116 Environment: journeys through a changing world.