‘Autumn is dynamic!'

Chris Packham on the wildlife wonders that surround his beautiful New Forest home…

- Steven Perkins

AUTUMNWATCH

NEW TUE-FRI / BBC2 / 8PM / EPS 1-4 of 8 / NATURE

Back in May, this year’s Springwatch had a very different feel. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, rather than being based at a single location, presenters Chris Packham, Gillian Burke and Iolo Williams reported from places around their home turf. Meanwhile, Michaela Strachan, who lives in South Africa, was unable to take on her usual hosting duties.

Some restrictions are still in place, of course, but Autumnwatch hopes to resume something close to normal service on BBC2 over the coming fortnight. Chris will still be at home in the New Forest, but Michaela will be at Tentsmuir Forest in Fife, Iolo reports from the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales, and Gillian is at RSPB Old Moor in South Yorkshire.

Here, TV Times chats to Chris, 59, to find out more…

What stories can we expect from your neck of the woods?

I haven’t been away, so I’ve stayed in touch with all the wildlife that we were looking at in springtime. I’ve just been out in the woods – lots of deer have moved in for rutting, the badgers have been active last night digging, and I’ve been feeding the foxes all summer long.

How do you feel about being at home this autumn for the first time in many years?