Springwatch 2020 will return to BBC Two this May, with a special series of live programmes connecting households across the UK to nature and wildlife.
Despite the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the series will continue to broadcast live for three weeks on BBC Two from 26th May, offering real comfort viewing at a time of heightened uncertainty for the country. But, there will be some changes...
Springwatch presenters
While the presenters are no longer able to gather together in the Springwatch hub, they will be staying on home-turf and broadcasting live from their local areas across the country – except for Michaela Strachan, who is locked down in South Africa.
We’ll see the show presented by Chris Packham, live from his New Forest patch, Gillian Burke live from a Cornish base and Iolo Williams, from his home in mid-Wales. And as she's in South Africa, Michaela will be unable to join the team in person. She will, however, send a message of support to viewers and the series will revisit some of her favourite Springwatch highlights from over the years.
Across the three-week run, the team will also be joined by special guest presenters, Steve Backshall from his home patch on the Thames; ecologist Ellie Harrison from her Cotswold base; wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan will be covering nature stories from Scotland; and zoologist Megan McCubbin will join her step-father Chris Packham, with whom she is isolating with in the New Forest, sharing her fascination with animal science.
What will happen across the live BBC Springwatch shows?
After six weeks of coronavirus lockdown, some households – especially vulnerable people – have been without access to parks and green spaces. While for others, connecting to nature at this challenging time has never been so important and, valuing outdoor spaces like a garden, however big or small, has helped with our mental health and wellbeing.
This is the busiest time of the year for wildlife, and Springwatch will be documenting a spring like no other, as the native wildlife of the UK adjusts to life in both towns and in the country without the presence of people.
'With everyone in lockdown, the natural world has provided a soothing escape for so many people,' says Iolo Williams. 'It will be a pleasure to re-join the 'Watches team and bring the best of British wildlife into the nation’s living rooms.'
Chris Packham adds: 'This Springwatch will be a series like no other. As the country experiences lockdown the natural world offers solace to so many. I’m delighted that through the magic of modern technology, the Springwatch team will be able to share the splendour of spring with the nation again this year. And broadcasting live from the New Forest, I’m looking forward to showing viewers some of the best British wildlife from my neck of the woods.'
How to get involved with Springwatch 2020
Being confined at home doesn't mean you can't engage with nature, and the nation is encouraged to start taking photos of wildlife, even if it's from your window. 'We'd like to know what you're seeing from your windows, in your gardens or when you're taking your daily exercise,' says Chris Packham. 'But most importantly, stay home, stay safe and stick with us for inspirational stories about the natural world.'
Upload your photos to social media using #wildlifefrommywindow for a potential feature.
Why should you watch BBC Springwatch?
'We need Springwatch like never before,' says Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Science and Natural History at BBC. 'I can't think of a time when it's been more important to bring the joy and wonder of the UK countryside into viewers' homes. Getting this series to air in the midst of a global pandemic is a phenomenal achievement on the part of everyone involved – both onscreen and offscreen – and I'm delighted that Springwatch can continue to celebrate the best of British wildlife during the most beautiful season of the year.'
• Springwatch returns LIVE from across the UK on 26th May to 12th June, at 8pm on BBC Two.
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The best outdoor plant pots for your garden or patio this spring
This two-tone terracotta pot, with its rough-edged floral design, makes an uplifting style statement. It’s not perfectly weatherproof, so you should expect some natural wear and tear over years of use — but it kind of adds to the charm.
Bushy shrubs and homegrown lavender would look especially suited in this little iron bowl. Its elegant curves are bringing plenty of modern appeal.
As Sarah Raven says, smaller flowers and plants are best displayed clustered together, as shown here to brilliant effect. Use this Auricula stand to add some charm to patio corners, or as a statement tablescaping centrepiece for garden parties. You can buy with or without the terracotta pots.
Small spaces don't have to be drab. This inexpensive set of over-railing planters will add some cheer to even the most bijou of balconies.
The wood in this reclaimed oak planter was used to mature whisky in a former life. Now, it’s been beautifully prepared to house your plants.
This wide-brimmed bowl, made from 100 per cent recycled materials, will bring a more Mediterranean sensibility to your space.
You've got your plants, you've found the right pots, so now you need somewhere to show off all your hard work. This 'plant theatre', as the brand calls it, will showcase your shrubs and it's ideal for a herb garden.
This simple wall hung planter will turn a drab fence or unloved bit of wall into a feature in its own right. Stock up on several to amplify the effect.
It may look like stone, but this elegant pot is in fact made from frostproof clay. We love the ornamental ‘lugs’ on the sides — it’s all in the detail.
Ideal for a container garden, this woven basket effect planter is lightweight yet durable, and with the right plants, is great for zoning spaces in your garden.
Sleek, modern and ultra cool, this bench has a built-in planter for some added flair. Just finish with some comfy outdoor cushions to complete the look.
Although you wouldn't think it, these striking outdoor plant pots are made from recycled oil drums, so they're both eco-friendly and stylish.
Striking latticed decoration adds depth and interest to this handmade terracotta pot. The frostproof finish should ensure years of use — perfect for perennial plants.
This recycled plastic pot comes with a detachable set of wheels, allowing for easier movement of heavy plants (and compost). We like the frieze detail.
Keep baby plants safe with this set of 10 classic terracotta pots. We think they'd look great displayed on an outdoor plant rack.
With a deep reservoir tray, these inexpensive plant pots ensure you won't have to worry about needy plants wilting without frequent watering.
Use this versatile trough for herbs, as a window box, or even as an ice box for beers and wine bottles in the summer.
Once you've got your bigger planters sorted, layer up with some smaller ones like this to make a pretty eclectic display on the edge of your patio or garden steps.
For a European-style vibe, this roomy terracotta-style plant pot is the ideal accompaniment for fruit trees as well as your larger shrubs.
This is a great price for a set of three roomy planters — and you can paint or stain them however you like.
Make efficient use of outdoor space by installing this chic wall-mounted planter. You’ll need to use your own wall fixings.
