Steve Backshall says filming ‘Springwatch’ in different parts of the country due to the coronavirus pandemic has "positive aspects".
The BBC wildlife show will be back on screens tonight (26.05.20) but presenters, Chris Packham, Gillian Burke, Iolo Williams – and guests Ellie Harrison, Gordon Buchanan and Megan McCubbin – are appearing from their own gardens via Zoom.
The team are usually altogether at one hub, but Steve has admitted the benefit of being spread across the UK is that they can all have a more "intimate" look at one area.
Speaking on ‘Good Morning Britain’, Steve said: "I think we’re feeling our way through this.
"One of the joys of ‘Springwatch’ normally is that you all work together from one central hub.
"Instead, we’re doing all of that on Zoom, but the positive aspect is we will be coming from all over the country. All of us have had that intimate focused look on a narrow area we probably wouldn’t have done."
Unfortunately host Michaela Strachan will be missing from the series, as she is in South Africa.
However, viewers will get to see Steve from the Thames, ecologist Ellie in the Cotswolds and cameraman Gordon in Scotland, while Chris is set to be joined by his step-daughter, zoologist Megan, from the New Forest, where they are in isolation.
He’ll also be joined by Gillian Burke and Iolo Williams for their segment.
Chris has teased that the series will be "like no other".
In a video announcing the return of ‘Springwatch’ via Zoom, he said: "This ‘Springwatch’ will be a series like no other.
"As the country experiences lockdown the natural world offers solace to so many.
"I’m delighted that through the magic of modern technology, the ‘Springwatch’ team will be able to share the splendour of spring with the nation again this year."
‘Springwatch’ airs from 8pm on BBC Two.