Latest news with #Autumnwatch
Times
30-07-2025
- Times
Chris Packham: ‘My must-visit on a city break? The cemetery'
Chris Packham, 64, is a naturalist, broadcaster and author best known for presenting the BBC series Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch. He began his career as a wildlife cameraman before presenting the children's wildlife programme The Really Wild Show. He is now an environmental campaigner and lives with his dogs in the New Forest in Hampshire. Comfort has never really appealed to me. I know what a sunlounger is, but I've certainly never spent time on one. I want travel to challenge me, and I like things to be difficult and edgy. I think that's why cities fascinate me. I was in Arles in the south of France recently. I hadn't been there since 1983 and it was just as beautiful as I remembered — the textures, the colours, the way light bounces off ancient stone into the narrow streets. I wandered through the cemetery, which is something I always do if I want to quickly get under the skin of a city's culture — places of worship and cemeteries tell you how people lived, what they valued, what shaped them. I'm not religious, but I love these old spaces that have absorbed time; I love the smell of them — you breathe in air that has been breathed by kings, queens, saints and paupers … it's electric. Places I'd never go back to? Dubai and Las Vegas — incomprehensibly horrible; artificial, carbon expensive, trashy, ugly, devoid of any meaningful culture. In Dubai you try to find some old town, and there's a tiny fragment of it alongside a river, but nothing really remains — and the embarrassing, decadent excess is repugnant to the highest order. I don't do superficial sightseeing. When I travel for pleasure it's either for art or battlefields; I've visited the latter all over the world to try to reconstruct what happened — my late dad and I shared that obsession. One of the most meaningful trips I've taken was with him to the Little Bighorn battlefield in the US state of Montana . We spent three days walking the site trying to piece it together. That landscape tells the story better than any book or film; being there with him, talking through the horror and injustice of it all, was unforgettable.' • Read our full guide to Florida One of my all-time-favourite places is a tiny sandbar off the coast of Florida, ten miles from Sanibel Island — it appears for only a couple of hours when the tide is right. You go there by boat and just wait, then slowly the water drops and this sliver of white sand rises out of the sea. There's nothing on it. You can just make out the mainland from there in the haze, but mostly it feels as though you're on another planet. I was there as the sun set — the sea was flat calm, the sky peach and gold. Out of nowhere snowy plovers appeared — tiny endangered birds, running across the sand, feeding quickly before the tide turned. It was utterly still. I just stood there, immersed in the landscape. I didn't even take a photo — some moments you just live. Bats were my first love. When I was a child growing up in Southampton I became obsessed with them, but there weren't any near us, so one weekend in the 1960s my dad borrowed a tent and took me to the New Forest. We camped beside a stream and, by the faint glow of his torch, I saw them — little flickering silhouettes over the water. We watched the bats until the torch batteries went flat. I didn't sleep a wink that night. • 19 of the best US national parks to visit In terms of landscape I've long fantasised about getting a camper van and visiting every North American national park from Alaska to the Mexican border. I've already been to some of them — Big Bend in Texas is a favourite, with its jaguars and rare birds and barely any winter visitors; White Sands in New Mexico feels otherworldly, with its pale dunes. But it's not just about aesthetics. These places are life-support systems — vital for biodiversity and us. This is why it's so heartbreaking that protection of them has been rolled back — defunding, logging, the destruction of old-growth forests; it's catastrophic. Being neurodivergent, new places can be overwhelming. I feel the onrush of visual information very acutely — it can be dizzying, exhausting even. But it can also be thrilling. That is probably why people go on rollercoasters — to feel out of control and push their senses into new territory. Once, in Kathmandu, I stepped through a little doorway into a temple courtyard that was filled with pigeons. Suddenly the pigeons all rose in a vortex — wings, feathers, wind — and at my feet was a tortoise, ambling past with three little pots of burning oil tied to its shell. The whole thing was utterly surreal, like a scene from Game of Thrones. • Read our full guide to the New Forest My next big trip is to seek out the spomenici — giant brutalist war memorials scattered across the Balkans. I'm planning a road trip with my friend Jim Moir (aka Vic Reeves) to find them all, driving from Slovenia through the former Yugoslavia — ideally in winter, as they look magnificent under snow. It's the perfect trip for me: part architecture, part history. It's very niche, but I can't wait. Holly Rubenstein's travel podcast, The Travel Diaries, is out every Tuesday ( In our weekly My Hols interview, famous faces from the worlds of film, sport, politics, and more share their travel stories from childhood to the present day. Read more My Hols interviews here
Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Springwatch final episode leaves fans 'sad' after 'savage' scenes
Springwatch viewers were left 'sad' as Springwatch came to a close for this year, with the long-running BBC programme ending its 2025 run BBC viewers were left feeling "sad" and emotional as Springwatch concluded its run for the year. The beloved series, marking its 20th anniversary in 2025, broadcasted its final episode. Presenters Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan said their goodbyes to the nests, while Iolo Williams finished his Northern Irish adventure. Fans expressed disbelief at how quickly the past three weeks had passed, with the team providing a comprehensive summary of various nests and their development. Following last year's cancellation of Autumnwatch due to budgetary constraints, this year's Springwatch kicked off on May 26, airing four times weekly from Monday to Thursday. One viewer lamented on X, "Last episode of #Springwatch tonight, I'm so sad," and another shared, "Last episode of #Springwatch tonight, three weeks have gone quick." Another fan commented, "I cant believe it's the last one already #springwatch," reports the Express. Additionally, a fourth enthusiast suggested online, "We do need a one-off special to celebrate 20 yrs of #Springwatch. With no #Autumnwatch, the savings the BBC have could be used for a one-off special to welcome back all the team & crew for a superb party and memories! Maybe aired across Xmas!". Springwatch has come under fire this week for broadcasting what some viewers have described as "savage" and "distressing" scenes involving a tawny owl and songthrushes. Chris Packham informed the audience that on May 28th, two songthrushes were seen caring for their chicks, which had grown significantly by the end of the week. Chris issued a cautionary note when one thrush left the nest, calling it a "big mistake." The programme then showed harrowing footage of a tawny owl preying on one of the songthrushes, followed by another clip where the owl was seen using its talons to kill the chicks in their nest. The graphic nature of these scenes did not sit well with many viewers, prompting strong reactions on social media. One disgruntled viewer expressed their hope for karmic retribution on X: "Hopefully owl falls out tree and dies #springwatch." Another lamented the fate of the thrushes with a sad post: "Oh no not the thrushes :( #springwatch." A third viewer criticised the show for causing upset among younger audiences: " Well done #springwatch Tens of thousands of children now crying and in distress! They're not all heartless like you. Horrible BBC."
Scottish Sun
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Springwatch viewers furiously slam show as they demand bosses warn them before grisly scenes
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SPRINGWATCH viewers have slammed the show and demanded bosses warn them before grisly scenes. Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan updated fans on a short-eared owl's next - which was first shown last week. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Countryfile featued an update on a short-eared owl's nest Credit: BBC 4 Viewers have demanded a warning before grisly scenes Credit: BBC 4 Chris and Michaela revealed the developments to viewers Credit: BBC However, the BBC show faced viewer backlash following scenes of one animal's demise. Chris explained: "There were six youngsters in the nest" and added: "Last night there were only two left in the nest." The other four had spread out in a bid to avoid capture by predators. Meanwhile, Michaela admitted the team was "really surprised" upon telling viewers how one chick ate its sibling. This occurred after "nights of hunger" and the younger chick became "weak and defenceless". Viewers were horrified by the disturbing scenes and soon shared their reactions on social media. One wrote: "Baby owl eating its sibling alive ffs. Give us a 5-minute warning next time." Another penned: "Ffs that was didn't die and get eaten, it was pulled apart alive poor thing." A third chimed in: "Oh no, the owl chick eating its sibling whilst still alive. Horrible." While a fourth commented: "Oh my was grim, poor baby." Michaela Strachan looks worlds away from Springwatch as she celebrates family wedding Earlier this year, Michaela, 59, opened up about an off-screen row with Chris, 64. Admitting they are sometimes opposites in their presenting styles, Michaela said in an interview with The Times: 'He has all the facts, whereas I love the stories surrounding a particular nest. "Last year I had to really fight my corner — a buzzard pecked its sibling to death and chucked it out of the nest onto the ground. "Chris and the team wanted to put a camera on all the beasts that were eating it. Everything you need to know about Springwatch Springwatch began in 2005 and showcases British wildlife during the changing of the seasons in the United Kingdom It's presented by Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Iolo Williams and Megan McCubbin Chris and Michaela joined the show from 2009 and 2011 onwards, respectively Just like last year, the long-running series is broadcasting live from RSPB Arne in Dorset A total of 19 series have aired to date, with the 20th edition now on air on BBC Two The show's popularity over the years spawned spin-offs Autumnwatch and Winterwatch Autumnwatch began as a one-off, but was expanded into its own series from 2006 to 2022 Last year, the Beeb cancelled Autumnwatch citing budget concerns and having a smaller audience than its counterparts The original presenting line-up for Springwatch included comedian and conservationist Bill Oddie, television presenter Kate Humble and naturalist Simon King Bill, known for his work with The Goodies, exited the programme in 2008, followed by Simon in 2010 and Kate in 2011 "He was saying, 'It's really interesting.' I said, 'Yes, but it's a step too far. Our audience has invested in that little chick, we don't need to see it now being decimated with a slow-mo camera.' "In the end we didn't have room for the footage." Michaela added: "You've got to keep it a little bit positive.' Springwatch airs on BBC Two and iPlayer.
The Irish Sun
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Springwatch viewers furiously slam show as they demand bosses warn them before grisly scenes
SPRINGWATCH viewers have slammed the show and demanded bosses warn them before grisly scenes. next - which was first shown last week. Advertisement 4 Countryfile featued an update on a short-eared owl's nest Credit: BBC 4 Viewers have demanded a warning before grisly scenes Credit: BBC 4 Chris and Michaela revealed the developments to viewers Credit: BBC However, the BBC show faced viewer backlash following scenes of one animal's demise. Chris explained: "There were six youngsters in the nest " and added: "Last night there were only two left in the nest ." The other four had spread out in a bid to avoid capture by predators. Meanwhile, Michaela admitted the team was "really surprised" upon telling viewers how one chick ate its sibling. Advertisement Read more on Springwatch This occurred after "nights of hunger" and the younger chick became "weak and defenceless". Viewers were horrified by the disturbing scenes and soon shared their reactions on social media. One wrote: "Baby owl eating its sibling alive ffs. Give us a 5-minute warning next time." Another penned: "Ffs that was didn't die and get eaten, it was pulled apart alive poor thing." Advertisement Most read in News TV A third chimed in: "Oh no, the owl chick eating its sibling whilst still alive. Horrible." While a fourth commented: "Oh my was grim, poor baby." Michaela Strachan looks worlds away from Springwatch as she celebrates family wedding Earlier this year, Michaela, 59, Admitting they are sometimes opposites in their presenting styles, Advertisement "Last year I had to really fight my corner — a buzzard pecked its sibling to death and chucked it out of the nest onto the ground. "Chris and the team wanted to put a camera on all the beasts that were eating it. Everything you need to know about Springwatch Springwatch began in 2005 and showcases British wildlife during the changing of the seasons in the United Kingdom It's presented by Chris and Michaela joined the show from 2009 and 2011 onwards, respectively Just like last year, the long-running series is broadcasting live from RSPB Arne in Dorset A total of 19 series have aired to date, with the 20th edition now on air on BBC Two The show's popularity over the years spawned spin-offs Autumnwatch and Winterwatch Autumnwatch began as a one-off, but was expanded into its own series from 2006 to 2022 Last year, the Beeb cancelled Autumnwatch citing budget concerns and having a smaller audience than its counterparts The original presenting line-up for Springwatch included comedian and conservationist Bill Oddie, television presenter Kate Humble and naturalist Simon King Bill, known for his work with The Goodies, exited the programme in 2008, followed by Simon in 2010 and Kate in 2011 "He was saying, 'It's really interesting.' I said, 'Yes, but it's a step too far. Our audience has invested in that little chick, we don't need to see it now being decimated with a slow-mo camera.' "In the end we didn't have room for the footage." Advertisement Michaela added: "You've got to keep it a little bit positive.' Springwatch airs on BBC Two and iPlayer. 4 Fans shared their horrified reactions on social media Credit: BBC
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
UK's oldest wild White-tailed Eagle dies aged 32
The UK's oldest wild White-tailed Eagle has died aged 32, RSPB Scotland has announced. The eagle, a female named Frisa, hatched in Mull in 1992, where she spent almost three decades raising chicks, becoming a regular on TV nature programmes. She was the daughter of Blondie, who successfully raised the first White-tailed Eagle chick to fledge in Scotland following the reintroduction of the species in 1975. Frisa paired up with her long-time mate Skye in 1997, with the pair raising their first chick in Mull the following year. They went on to raise 25 chicks during 28 years of partnership. In May 2005, Frisa and Skye made their television debut on the first ever episode of BBC's Springwatch alongside their chicks Itchy and Scratchy – named by the pupils of Dervaig Primary School in Mull. Over the next two decades they made many more appearances on the programme, as well as featuring on Autumnwatch, Winterwatch, Blue Peter, Eagle Island with Gordon Buchanan, Countryfile and The One Show. Frisa's death was announced on the latest episode of Springwatch on Monday. RSPB Ambassador Dave Sexton, who spent 21 years working with White-tailed Eagles in Mull, said Frisa had been "a very special bird who had touched the hearts of millions who saw her both on TV and in the wild". He added: "As Frisa got on in years, I dreaded the day I would visit her territory and find her gone. "Sadly, that day has come and I feel like I've lost a friend. "She was a true icon for White-tailed Eagles and she'll always hold a special place in my heart." Frisa has not been seen since last year, leading experts to believe that died of either natural causes or following an altercation with another eagle. Skye has been spotted with another younger female eagle in Mull, which is strong evidence of Frisa's death as White-tailed Eagles usually mate for life. It means that Skye, who hatched in 1994, is now the oldest wild White-tailed Eagle in the UK at 31-years-old. The species became extinct in the UK in 1918, when the last known native wild bird was shot in Shetland. However, a reintroduction project by NatureScot in the Isle of Rum, which began in 1975 using chicks donated from Norway, has seen White-tailed Eagles re-establish a self-sustaining population in Scotland. There are now estimated to be up to 200 pairs in the UK. White-tailed eagles spend a year caring for injured chick Rare white-tailed eagles thrill nature lovers Footage reveals 'miracle eagle chick' in flight
