SPRING in her step

MICHAELA STRACHAN on the joys of peregrines, puffins and working with Chris Packham as her wildlife showcase returns

SPRINGWATCH
NEW HOL MON, TUE, WED & FRI, TIMES VARY, BBC2 NATURE

Many TV presenters might be daunted by the prospect of helming a live show in the great outdoors nearly every evening for three weeks, especially when nature famously doesn't stick to a script! But not Michaela Strachan, who is bursting with excitement that anything can happen as BBC2's wildlife celebration Springwatch returns to our screens this week.

'I love the surprises we get and the fact we can't control that,' enthuses the star - who has been part of the Watches team since 2011 - as she joins TV Times for an exclusive chat.

'We never know what's going to happen and there's something new all the time.' The new run will see Michaela and co-host Chris Packham based again at RSPB Arne, set against the backdrop of Poole Harbour in Dorset. From there, they will catch up on some of the stories featured in the 2023 series, such as Dorset's celebrity osprey pair, and introduce us to a fresh cast of characters.

With the reserve always coming alive at this time of year, the team hopes to spot some of its rare breeding birds, specialised heathland insects and all six of the UK’s native species of reptiles, as well as sika deer and foxes.

Meanwhile, fellow presenter Iolo Williams will be finding out more about the bountiful wildlife that neighbouring areas have to offer, including rare little terns nesting on the vastness of Chesil Beach and dormice snoozing in Garston’s tranquil ancient woodland. He’ll also take a look at the efforts by local farmers trying to turn the tide for our fastest declining bird – the turtle dove.

Here, Michaela, 58, tells us more…

What can we expect from the series this year, Michaela?