Chris Packham delivered some bittersweet news at the start of Thursday’s (June 11) edition of BBC’s beloved Springwatch. Returning alongside co-host Michaela Strachan from the stunning National Trust Crom Estate in Northern Ireland, Chris announced that this episode would mark the end of the Springwatch 2026 series.
“Welcome to the final programme of Springwatch 2026, coming to you from the ever-picturesque Crom Estate,” Chris said. “It’s the last of our run but we’ve got some great stuff coming up.”
Fans quickly took to social media to express their sadness at the series coming to a close. One viewer commented, “Last Springwatch which is sad, but it has been fantastic as always,” while another wrote, “I am sad that Springwatch ends tonight, but glad that I will get to see it.”
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Many shared their disappointment that the show, often described as a comforting escape, was ending. “Final #Springwatch of the year. A really enjoyable three weeks of TV, but like the English summer it’s over in no time!” another fan posted. Some expressed hope for more nature programming throughout other seasons, with one saying, “We really need a summer or autumn series, not just to wait till winter.”
The emotional impact of the show’s finale was clear. “I always feel really sad when Springwatch finishes,” one viewer shared, while another said, “It’s been an oasis of nature for three weeks” amid a challenging world. “I’m going to really miss it,” echoed many others.
Although the cameras monitoring nests will soon be switched off, Michaela Strachan encouraged viewers to stay connected with Springwatch through its social media channels. “We’d like to say a big thank you to National Trust Crom Estate for hosting us and a big thanks to all the staff and volunteers for making us feel so welcome,” she said.
Chris added his own gratitude: “And to all of you for joining in, sending us your videos and photographs—some of which have been absolutely sensational. While we’re off air, remember you can stay engaged with us on Facebook and Instagram.”
The programme closed with a montage of highlights from the past three weeks, as Chris signed off, “It’s goodbye from Crom. See you soon, but in the meantime, have a look at this.”
Springwatch 2026 may have ended for now, but its enduring celebration of the natural world continues to inspire and comfort viewers nationwide.