BBC blames ‘challenging times financially’ as Autumnwatch is cancelled

The broadcaster said it planned to invest more money into sister programmes Springwatch and Winterwatch as they attract larger audiences.

A statement said: “These are challenging times financially and we need to make difficult decisions and focus our resources on content that has the highest impact.

“Sadly, this means that Autumnwatch will not be continuing. Instead, we are investing more money into Springwatch and Winterwatch, as they are most popular with audiences.

“We are incredibly proud of the Watches and would like to thank the presenters and production team who will continue on Springwatch when it returns in May for three weeks, and Winterwatch when it returns next year for one week, reduced from two weeks.”

Most recently Autumnwatch was presented by Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Iolo Williams and Gillian Burke.