BBC Winterwatch presenters say a daily digital detox could help wellbeing

Presenters Michaela Strachan, Chris Packham and Iolo Williams highlighted the show's silent 'mindfulness moments' and urged daily screen-free time; the four-night Winterwatch series is set at Mount Stewart and begins on 20 January.

BBC Winterwatch returns next week from the National Trust's Mount Stewart estate and the presenters have emphasised the value of quiet, screen-free time. The programme will include its familiar 'mindfulness moments'—brief segments of uninterrupted nature footage with natural sound. Presenters Michaela Strachan and Chris Packham spoke about consciously disconnecting from screens and social media. Iolo Williams suggested spending short periods in local green spaces and described those moments as beneficial. What is reported: - The show will run for four nights from Tuesday 20 January at 7pm on BBC2, with episodes also available on BBC iPlayer. - 'Mindfulness moments' are short clips of nature with no presenter or music, intended as a mental break from busy lives. - Michaela Strachan and Chris Packham encouraged viewers to make time daily for a digital detox and to focus on simple aspects of nature. - Iolo Williams recommended spending around 15 minutes a day in local outdoor spaces, described as helpful for reconnecting with nature. - The Mount Stewart location may allow sightings of species such as red squirrels, pine martens, long-eared owls, badgers and various birds, including migratory geese. Summary: The presenters say regular, digital-free encounters with nature are intended to help people reconnect and find brief moments of calm. The Winterwatch four-night series begins on 20 January at Mount Stewart and will include the programme's silent nature segments; Undetermined at this time.