Your thoughts on this year's Springwatch
Post categories: In depth
| 15:07 UK time, Thursday, 11 June 2009
This year we tried out lots of new things. We had a new presenting team. Simon went to Wales for the first time. Martin has been encouraging you to get some wildlife into your holidays this year. Gordon has been getting to know badgers and getting on the road to respond to stories that you've told us about. We gave you Springwatch Unsprung on Red button. We opened up the show and the website much more to you, the audience, and your own, incredible stories, experiences, home movies, photos, opinions and questions.
So how did we do? As I am sure you know, over the last five years we've been constantly evolving what we do and how we do it (that's what makes my job the most interesting and rewarding job in broadcasting!). So do please help us evolve further for many years to come by telling us what you think. After all, it's your show and your website. Let us know what you've liked - and not liked - by posting a comment below on this blog.
You may also have specific ideas about what subjects or stories we might cover in future TV series and websites. If you do, I've set up three special blogs to capture these ideas.
- If you have specific ideas for Autumnwatch, please click here
- If you have specific ideas for next year's Springwatch, please click here
- If you have specific ideas for our website, please click here
On behalf of the whole team, I really hope you've enjoyed this year's Springwatch. Don't forget that, although the webcams and the messageboards shut down soon, the rest of the Springwatch website stays up between Springwatch and Autumnwatch, and has loads of information on UK wildlife, links to other useful sites on the web, plus suggestions of things to do and places to go to connect with - or help out - our wonderful wildlife.
The In depth pages will remain up and allow you to continue to add to our collective knowledge of, and debate around, some of the big themes and issues that have arisen during Springwatch 2009. The TV shows may be over, but nature will continue to delight, amuse and amaze us all. Over to you to keep that feeling alive until we see you again for Autumnwatch.
Cheerio for now. Have a great summer.
Tim Scoones, Springwatch Executive Producer
Comments
Thank you Tim and all the team, in front of cameras and behind. This is the best SW series EVER - was just discussing it with someone else at work and they agreed.
More Unsprung.
More Gordon (yes I am biased)
A feature on puffins.
Return to the Farne Islands.
and
a much MUCH longer run of Springwatch.
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I would like to say how very much i've enjoyed watching springwatch. I have fallen in love with chris all over again. Martin is very charming and would be a good next door neighbour. Kate is brilliant as usual. Last but not least is Simon. He is responsible for my love of all wild creatures. I want to ask if he made Priddy the hedgehog,Kali the lion,Rush the fallow deer and unearthing the mole? The verdict on the whole show is that it has been fantabulous!!The filming has been of the highest quality. Springwatch unsprung has also been excellent,I have been in stitches laughing every evening. Thank you all so very much. Roll on Autumnwatch!!xxxxxoooooo =D
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How could I forget to mention Gordon and the badgers.Amazing camera footage as always and such a gentleman!!xxxxxxoooooo =D
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I was worried when I heard Bill Oddie was having to bow out for a while, his gnomish charm irreplaceable in my eyes. Thankfully my concern was allayed when Chris Packham was announced as the new addition, even if I may have treated the first episode with as much trepidation as the robin treats our neighbour's cat. In the days of the Really Wild show he was as much an inspiration to a young punk into nature as he has again been to an ageing goth still into nature, so much so we even came to see him open the new wildlife garden at Pensthorpe on Saturday!
But what has made it most for us is the chemistry between the current team. Martin is an absolute gem, a real sweetie, then there's Gordon with his rich Scottish tones, Chris the new anarchist on the block and Kate somehow trying to keep it all together. Poor woman! But when all is said and done, it's Simon whose star shines brightest. The passion he has for his subject, or more rightly his way of life is almost spiritual, his voice exuding such an acute awareness of what he preaches that surely few can remain unconverted. I would even stick my neck out and say that for me, he is the new David Attenborough.
My recommendation would be a few more mammals please (the yellow-necked mouse is a fabulous little critter to watch and well worth a glimpse of on Springwatch) and more on bees, as they really are so crucial to our own survival. And please, give us more Springwatch Unsprung! It's the bit my husband and I look forward to each night, proving to those who think nature lovers are a bunch of eccentric anoraked tree huggers that there is more to us than meets the eye, for boy do we have a sense of humour... and we know how to use it!
So yes, you can hang the dj, but don't diss the Springwatch team - they rock, man!!
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We have thoroughly enjoyed the 3 weeks of Springwatch and will really miss the programmes. The interaction of presenters has been most entertaining and enjoyable, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Thank you BBC for a quality programme and the webcams, which were addictive! Can't wait for Autumnwatch. Best wishes to Bill Oddie - a good time to hand over to Chris Packham - with Kate Humble, what a double act. Thank you Simon, we are looking forward to our holiday on Anglesey even more now!! Well done BBC - in my 55 years of watching the Beeb [started with the Coronation] this series has to be one of the highlights.
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Lovely show. I wath very little TV, but I haven't missed a show. Such fun and such a wealth of interest. Congratulations to Chris for stepping itno such illustrious boots - well done! He needs to swat up on his owls, though. The reason owls can turn theri heads round so far is not that they ahv such long necks. Giraffes have long necks and can't do it! The reason is that giraffes and humans have 7 cervical vertebrae, whereas owls have ( I think this is right) 14 - certainly a lot more. Therefore they can do a bigger turn, even when they have short necks.
thanks a lot, everyong! Bridgetroberta
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By far the best, most enjoyable and most informative Springwatch yet. Someone above made the point well...the chemistry of the team has developed very fast and it really, really works. It would be criminal not to keep them together for the next few Autumn/Springwatches.
All the team just know so much, impart it without patronising us, share it with fun and smiles and clearly respect each other. (Not something which was always there in previous shows).
With so many cameras in position, so many interviews and snapshots of nature around the UK and so much information, it's been a great success. Only negative comment is that there really is so much about birds...it does feel a little top heavy in that direction.
Best wishes and well done for pulling the best series ever together.
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This series has to be the best to date - getting withdrawal already!!
Loved Chris's Smiths references (in fact loved Chris full stop). Somehow always felt Bill was just a bit annoying (hope he gets well soon tho).
Birds and nests are fantastic! Think the balance is right - most people see birds in their own yards so it is accessible - who has ever seen a polecat? Not many I'd guess...
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I have to agree with everyone else. This has been the best Springwatch by far, thank you so much! In the past it hasn't mattered if I've missed the odd episode but this time I have been glued to the set, couldn't miss a single minute let alone an episode and looked forward to the next episode like a child looking forward to Christmas (that sounds really sad, doesn't it?)! As for Unsprung - sheer brilliance!
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Unsprung to be longer this was really enjoyable.
This series was much better than the last Chris breathed new life into it.
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Better than ever, this year. But has the cat got your tongue? I am puzzled by your reluctance to address the cat menace to wildlife. It was all 'hush, hush,''it's political' 'mustn't go there' 'there's a nice cat' etc. Is this censorship by the BBC, or are you allowing yourselves to be gagged by the cat lobby?
I think Springwatch should tackle this thorny issue head-on - because if you, with your nationwide profile and all your erudition(one for Chris!)can't stand up and be counted, what hope is there for the rest of us?
Cat owners need educating about the damage their pets do, as many owners seem to be in denial; and no doubt those who are also wildlife enthusiasts would appreciate help in limiting that damage, where possible.
It doesn't have to be all 'anti.' What about a national competition, next year, to design a cheap, practical (and harmless) cat-proof fence?
You are shooting yourselves in the foot, if you duck this issue. Why should your viewers shell out for nestboxes, feeders and mealworms, if all they are ultimately doing is fattening the neighbours' cat?
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Thank you very much for this year's programmes. Wonderful.
A special thanks for highlighting the leatherback turtle. I worked in Costa Rica with leatherbacks for two seasons and really appreciate the need for conservation, not just there but everywhere. I have produced several watercolours of the turtles and created postcards of them in order to raise funds to support conservation. I also produce watercolours of other creatures.
Once again - many thanks for an amazing series
Charlie Brown
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Loved this years Springwatch. It's the best one.
Loved Unsprung, Martin and Chris.
It should be on for longer. Maybe 4 weeks
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This years Springwatch was an absolute joy to watch. May I say well done to the entire team. Their knowledge and enthusiasm is awe-inspiring.
Please can somebody tell me name of the beautiful song played in the background of Simon King's final roundup at the end of the programme in episode 12.
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Thankyou to ALL the team for another brilliant series. Chris has done himself proud and came across very easy and knowledgable. Cant wait for Autumn Watch (unless you can all be persuaded to do a Summer Watch). Thanks again.
Dean Walton. (Rotherham).
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What a fabulous series i am at a loss of what to do now at 8pm, must be the best tv programme for a long time and congratulations to Chris, he was fab. I must say that Chris & Kate make a very good team, also well done to the camera crew, what a good job you have done, i really think that you all should be nominated for a "Best TV" award. Whilst i wish Bill a very speedy recovery i do hope that Chris will continue. Once again thanks for the enjoyable viewing.
Gwen (Hull)
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Well done Kate and Simon and the new long haired chap all good presenters, shame about the objectionable and opinionated new chap..........not everyone watches it to hear about the presenters dogs over and over again or to learn how many popsong titles can be slipped into the programme etc. or to see different t shirts, thought the programme was about wildlife. Yes it would be good to learn more about minibeasts, and plants too.
Thanks to the behind the scenes photographers but please edit out the unnecessary presenter moments.
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Loved everything about it- really enjoyed 'Unsprung' too. Didn't miss a minute and have been totally inspired!
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One of the most entertaining and informative SW seasons...thanks guys.
Loving unsprung....makes me want to be there with the team sharing the chat,laughs,tea and biscuits!
Chris is a genius..how much does that man know! (he is also fairly gorgeous which is always a plus and has relatively good taste in music and t shirts)and he can take a mean photo.
I feel like I learned a lot from this series and it made me want to get out and about and see more for myself.
Absolutely loved the team on the program now and the format is fab!
Keep up the good work, cant wait for Autumnwatch!
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Have to agree with the majority of posts, this Springwatch was the best yet.
Congratulations to the whole team both in front and behind the cameras.
The camera work was simply fantastic.
Springwatch Unsprung was a great idea too.
Looking forward to Autumn Watch.
Great programmes.
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Thank you all for a great show, cant wait for the next to start, just one thing, I would like to think I am abit of a boy around, and I can tell you all now, that I would have a few things said to me if my friends new I watched this program.
Anyway it was very good and I do think that there will be many more like me that watch you'r show , keep the good work up and why not have Bill on aswell as Chris???? in Autumn Watch.
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The show was superb in every aspect - I only wish it was on every week. I did wonder about Chris at first, but his knowledge and good humour (I've no idea what inspired the Smiths references, but they were sweetly funny, and I loved the fact that he appropriately presented Kate with gladioli) made me warm to him immensely - please keep him and the other presenters, as this team worked so well together. I think I would've enjoyed the show and the camaraderie even if I had no interest in wildlife. And speaking of wildlife, wasn't it a joy to have the beauty of slugs and wasps espoused - the types of creatures that many people don't appreciate enough or dislike. So refreshing.
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Well done to all of you - a great series. It would be great if it were a bit longer (it would never be long enough!).
The presenter mix was good - but I did miss Bill - any chance of him doing some pre-recorded features in future (when he's well again) if he's not coming back as a presenter?
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This was easily the best Springwatch ever, especially for the variety, so thanks to all involved. The cameramen did a fantastic job of finding and filming the wildlife around them.
I did find some of the humour a bit silly, though. I don't in any way mind fun and laughs in the programme, just thought some of it, especially the intros, a little juvenile.
I'm certainly looking forward to Autumnwatch and next year's Springwatch, though, even if you ignore me!
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I am from Inverness and enjoying Autumnwatch. Can you tell me anything about herons? I saw about eight this evening along the riverside. I have never seen their young. Where do they nest and how many eggs do they lay. I think they are lovely birds.
Bonarlass.
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GREAT SHOW VERY INTERESTING , WISH IT COULD BE LONGER SERIES
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hi found a creature today the size of a ladybird green with 3 black stripes on its back and the outer edges were black and yellow all the way round it had 6 legs and 2 an' on its head. what is it? This is for chris I have always stroked bees as they have been on a flower they are beautiful!x
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i didn't really like the show this year, im sorry to say. I think that this year there was more talking between Chris and Kate than there was actually watching wildlife. I would really like to see more about how the public can help the wildlife, as not everyone has a nature reserve as their back garden and I thought that this year there wasn't as many birds, which are my favourite bit. Maybe we could see more on things like mice, weasels, stoats, rabbits .. things that we don't normally see. Would also like to suggest that you do a segament once a week on Britians best wildlife garden. I would thoroughly enjoy seeing how much wildlife a regular persons garden would have. Thanks
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I was disgusted to hear a wildlife show like Autumnwatch read out a recipe for eating a grey squirrel on last Friday's Unsprung. I'm even more furious with the person who sent it,saying that just because the grey wasn't originally native to Britain,it deserves to be killed and eaten. What a disgraceful thing to say.
Had that type of attitude been applied to human immigrants,it would be racism at it worst. This is planet Earth - we ALL belong wherever we are able to live,regardless of colour and origin. Today's grey squirrels have only ever known Britain. This is their place of birth - their home.
Shame on the presenters for finding the recipe so amusing, and giving it air time. Richard,Cheshire
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