Autumnwatch Hosts Unveil Stunning Wildlife Moments and Share Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Stories from Their Latest Series Specials on The One Show.
Embracing the Wonders of British Wildlife with Autumnwatch Hosts
Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, and Gillian Burke, beloved hosts of Autumnwatch, have taken us on an extraordinary journey through the captivating behaviors and seasonal changes of British wildlife. Their dedication to showcasing the natural world in all its glory is truly a gift to enthusiasts and curious minds across the United Kingdom.
This fall, Autumnwatch is all set to take things up a notch. In an exciting collaboration with The One Show, the Autumnwatch team is gearing up to produce a series of three short films and engaging live broadcasts from various locations across the country at the end of October. These broadcasts will not only quench the thirst for nature but also provide viewers with a unique opportunity to be part of these adventures.
Mark your calendars, as Autumnwatch is making a grand return to our screens on October 24, 25, and 26. This nature series promises to offer a stunning display of the season’s vibrant colors and the animated activity of wildlife in their natural habitat.
In exclusive films created especially for The One Show, Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, and Gillian Burke will take you on a virtual journey across the country, showcasing the mesmerizing behavior and seasonal transitions of British wildlife.
Chris Packham, known for his passion and expertise in wildlife, shares his admiration for the red deer rut in autumn, a breathtaking spectacle where these majestic mammals lock horns and strut amidst the misty woods. He describes it as nature’s finest show in the heart of the forest, primal, exciting, and truly immersive.
Gillian Burke brings to the forefront the idea that while we often look out for wildlife, listening to their sounds can be equally, if not more, enchanting. She recounts a magical experience in the plantation woodland of Kielder Forest, where dense trees limited visibility and much of the wildlife was hidden in the treetops. As night fell and owls came to life, a flock of crossbills passing overhead created a fantastic and ethereal soundscape.
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Filming nocturnal animals is like stepping into a parallel universe, as Gillian explains. In the darkness of the night, while animals move about with ease, humans are out of their element, relying on thermal imaging and infrared cameras. Approaching the tawny owls’ territory required stealth, patience, and complete stillness in the dark. In the Dark Sky Reserve of Kielder Forest, thousands of stars glinting through the treetops were the only source of light. The haunting calls of the owls pierced the forest air, elevating the experience to a whole new level.
Iolo Williams, another integral part of the Autumnwatch team, draws our attention to the unique wonders of RSPB Arne in Dorset. With a deep connection to the place for over four decades, he emphasizes the extraordinary variety of species coexisting within this reserve. From the giant raft spider and smooth snake to Dartford warblers and sand lizards, it’s a treasure trove of biodiversity. The diversity of habitats in the area, from coastal heaths and woodlands to lagoons and salt marshes, makes it a true wildlife enthusiast’s paradise.
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The series also boasts spectacular live wildlife moments. This spring, their live cameras captured a nightjar eating its own chick at Arne, a phenomenon never before recorded. It’s instances like these that make the watches truly revolutionary and memorable.
Michaela Strachan’s connection with autumn in nature is deeply profound. She cherishes a moment from late autumn to early winter in Arne in 2017 when they witnessed an exceptional starling murmuration near Poole Harbour in Studland. It was a magical display where thousands of starlings painted intricate patterns in the sky against the backdrop of a stunning sunset, before descending into their winter roost site in the reeds. The sight and sound were truly captivating.
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But the marvels didn’t stop there. The team also captured the largest colony of horseshoe bats in the UK. Michaela recommends exploring the Exe Reedbeds and Burgh Island in Devon to witness starling murmurations and the thrilling red deer rut.
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For those keen on wildlife, the heathlands offer a visual treat with their purple and yellow heather and gorse. Autumn is also the perfect time for a fungi foray into the woods, making it a delightful seasonal activity.
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To cap off this adventure, a visit to the tidal mud flats at the Exe Estuary allows for the observation of thousands of wildfowl and waders. Our shores become a bustling hub for birds migrating from the north to overwinter, feeding on the abundance of food found in the mud flats. Armed with binoculars and a bird guide, you can embark on a bird-watching journey and try to identify different species. It’s a fantastic time of year for a walk through the heathlands, with the gorgeous purple and yellow hues of heather and gorse adding to the autumnal charm.
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In essence, the Autumnwatch team, with their boundless enthusiasm and expert storytelling, brings the wonders of British wildlife to our screens and our hearts. They make us appreciate the beauty of our natural world, and they remind us to cherish and protect it. This upcoming season of Autumnwatch promises to be nothing short of spectacular, so be sure to tune in and join them on their incredible journey through the British wilderness.
