BBC Autumnwatch makes Westonbirt its October home

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, which is managed by the Forestry Commission, will host BBC Two's Autumnwatch Live and Autumnwatch Unsprung for four weeks of this year's series.

From the launch programme on Friday 7 October to the Cotswolds episode on 28 October, Autumnwatch Live will broadcast live from the arboretum's Great Oak Hall. This year Michaela Strachan will join Chris Packham and Martin Hughes-Games to present the shows. The three will also be joined by a host of roving reporters from around the country.

From exploring autumn colour to taking a closer look at traditional woodland coppicing and the work of The National Arboretum's tree team, Autumnwatch will delve into one of the country's most famous autumn locations.

Simon Toomer, Arboretum Director commented:

"Having the chance to host Autumnwatch Live in October is a fantastic opportunity for Westonbirt Arboretum. We will be able to share the excitement of autumn at the arboretum with many new people.

"Our team have been busy working with the producers to help take a closer look at how we manage the tree collection and explore the array of wildlife, trees and grassland we have here."

From their Westonbirt base, the Autumnwatch team of presenters will feature wildlife from across the UK and will also catch up with some of the stories featured on Springwatch.

In every programme, there'll be special features happening live, from science experiments to demonstrations of wild foraging cookery and countryside crafts. There'll be live quizzes the audience can take part in and live special guests adding depth and context to our stories.

Autumnwatch Unsprung will also be broadcast from Westonbirt. Chris, Michaela, Martin and special guests will discuss the big events and talking points of the week, as well as tackling viewer questions and solving wildlife mysteries.

The series will move on to its next Gloucestershire location, WWT Slimbridge, from 4 November.

Explore Gloucestershire
20 September

• Also see : Westonbirt Arboretum
• Also see : BBC Autumnwatch

OTHER NEWS