Season 14

Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Iolo Williams return for Winterwatch 2026, broadcasting live from the beautiful Mount Stewart estate on the shores of Strangford Lough. Wrapped in winter light, Mount Stewart is a haven for wildlife during the colder months, where land and sea meet in spectacular fashion. The team slow down and discover the quiet wonders of winter, from wading birds gathering along the lough to the hardy woodland residents thriving among ancient trees. Featuring expert insight, intimate encounters and those first magical moments of the season.

Winter is in full swing at Mount Stewart as Winterwatch 2026 returns for its second evening on the shores of Strangford Lough. As the days grow shorter and the nights draw in, the estate’s wildlife reveals how it copes with the challenges and quiet opportunities of the season. Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Iolo Williams observe secretive badgers emerging after dusk, as well as some elusive pine martens, who have been reclaiming their place in Northern Ireland’s woodlands. Plus the hidden lives unfolding beneath the winter canopy. Alongside the stories from Mount Stewart, there are stories from across the UK, capturing the rich variety of wildlife that makes winter such a compelling time to watch and wonder.

In this completely music-free episode, every part of the programme - from live moments at Mount Stewart to specially filmed reports from across the UK - is accompanied only by the authentic sounds of nature. At Mount Stewart, the team are keeping their eyes and ears peeled for the fleeting presence of an elusive otter, which moves silently through the winter landscape.

As Winterwatch 2026 draws to a close, Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Iolo Williams spend a final evening at Mount Stewart, celebrating the very best of the winter season. From memorable moments at Mount Stewart to standout films from across the UK, they celebrate the resilience and beauty shown by wildlife during these cold winter weeks.