The Autumnwatch team will be teaming up with The One Show at the end of October to produce a series of three short films and live link ups on location, to bring audiences their much-loved autumn nature fix.
The news the BBC was cancelling Autumnwatch for the foreseeable future caused outcry across the country with many calling for the BBC to change their mind on social media and a petition was presented to the BBC.
The new films, specially shot for The One Show, will be shown on Tuesday 24, Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 October, the nature series will showcase a season rich with colour and vibrant activity.
The Autumnwatch team of Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Gillian Burke will be on location across the country, capturing some of the stunning behaviour and seasonal changes of British wildlife.
Across three different VTs, viewers will see a variety of natural wonders, including the largest colony of Greater Horseshoe Bats in the UK, the annual red deer rut in the New Forest and the sounds of Tawny owls in Kielder Forest, Northumberland. Each VT will highlight the annual changes in animal behaviours throughout Autumn, as well as the work being done to protect the environment and local wildlife.
The One Show presenters will also be live linking to Iolo Williams who will have Autumnwatch live cameras on one of the richest wildlife habitats in the UK – RSPB Arne in Dorset - bringing the very best Autumnal stories in Arne over the course of three nights.
Known to many as the current home of the Watches, Iolo hopes to bring live footage of the sika deer, foxes, hares and wading birds using thermal camera technology, plus live action from a barn owl box.
Head of Commissioning for Specialist Factual, Jack Bootle says: 'I’m delighted that we’ve been able to join forces with The One Show to bring back Autumnwatch for these three seasonal specials. Alongside Springwatch and Winterwatch, these specials give us another opportunity to showcase the wonders of British wildlife across the UK with our audience.'
Presenter Michaela Strachan says: “Autumn marks a beautiful transition in nature’s calendar and I’m delighted we can continue to bring this seasonal event to viewers across the UK and capture the wonders of British wildlife.”
The special Autumnwatch films will be shown on The One Show from Tuesday 24 to Thursday 26 October at 7pm. Audiences can also catch up on BBC iPlayer.
Main image: Autumnwatch team of Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Lolo Williams and Gillian Burke © BBC