Chris Packham complained that UK ‘is going to hell in a handcart’ after the Springwatch budget was slashed – and even branded Britian ‘one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world’.

The Watches – which are annual BBC programmes which explore the wildlife in the UK during each of the seasons – have been on our screens since 2005. 

Springwatch and Winterwatch are still running, but Autumnwatch wrapped up in 2022.  

And Chris, 64, who a presenter on the shows since 2009, has shared his worries about the UK after it was revealed recently that the budget has been cut. 

Chris told Radio Times: ‘Springwatch will always be needed.

‘The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and wildlife is going to hell in a handcart.’ 

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Chris Packham rages that UK ‘is going to hell in a handcart’ as Springwatch budget is slashed – branding Britain ‘one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world’

The Watches – which are annual BBC programmes which explore the wildlife in the UK during each of the seasons – have been on our screens since 2005

Despite that, there will be a new brand new series of Springwatch airing very soon, and Chris’ co-star Michaela Strachan has teased what fans can expect.

Michaela told the publication: ‘We tell the stories nature gives us. We’re in a new location – the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate in the Peak District – so we’ll be tracking wood warblers and curlews.’

She added: ‘We have great production values, even though our budget has been cut.

‘There are positives to streaming, too; you can watch Springwatch on catch-up!’

 Viewers don’t have long to wait until the show will be back on air.

Springwatch’s official Instagram account shared a sneak peek on their account with a video of the two.

Chris said: ‘Springwatch is back! We’re going to be coming from a brand new location, the National Trust Longshaw Estate in the Peak Distrct.’

Michaela chimed in: I’ll be on the lookout for mountain hares, brown long-eared bats and dippers.’

Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Iolo Williams and Gillian Burke pictured for Springwatch back in 2023

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‘For me, it’s going to be adders and short-eared owls,’ Chris added. 

Michaela told fans: ‘It’s three weeks of the very best of British wildlife!’   

They captioned the post: ‘We are back and in a brand new location.

‘Springwatch returns on Monday May 26th we’ll be live on BBC Two from 8pm Monday – Thursday for three weeks!

‘Plus we’ll be streaming every day from 10am so tune in on BBC iPlayer for the very best of British wildlife.

Many rushed to the comments section to share their excitement.

One said: ‘Yipheeeee can’t wait!!!’

‘Best three weeks of the year, after Big ʙuттerfly Count of course.’

Many rushed to social media to share their excitement after it was revealed that Springwatch is back on our screens VERY soon 

 ‘Ahhhh best time of the year! Can’t wait!’

‘Yay 3 weeks!!!’

‘So excited to see you’re in Derbyshire.’

‘Brilliant!! I can’t wait. Spring/Autumn/Winter watch is the best thing on TV. Love it, even the insects and sad bits.’ 

‘Can’t waitttttt.’

Springwatch will return to BBC Two on Monday 26 May and run for three weeks. 

The first week is Monday 26 May to Thursday 29 May at 8:00pm, followed by Monday 2 June to Thursday 5 June and Monday 9 June to Thursday 12 June. 

The pair will also be joined by Iolo Williams. 

Meanwhile lolo will be live from Northern Ireland to explore the wildlife in Belfast. 

Executive producer of Springwatch, Rosemary Edwards said of the new series: ‘We wanted to broadcast from the Longshaw Estate because its upland habitats offer the opportunity to put hidden cameras on a different range of species for the first time, for example ring ouzel, whinchats, and moorland curlew.

‘Filming in a new location and getting to know the wildlife there means we can share uplifting stories about our native flora and fauna. 

‘And that is something that never ceases to excite us.’