With its woodlands, hedgerows, fields, and ponds—home to around 10,000 recorded species—the estate offers an ideal location for observing winter wildlife. Its position along Strangford Lough makes it particularly rich in biodiversity.

The National Trust site experienced severe tree loss during Storm Éowyn in January 2025. In response, the estate’s team has developed plans to safeguard its plants and gardens against the impacts of climate change.

The Springwatch 2025 team has already spent time at Mount Stewart and will return in early January for four nights of Winterwatch programming.

Presenters Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, and Iolo Williams will guide viewers through the latest wildlife updates. Species expected to feature include red squirrels, pine martens, badgers, and songbirds such as linnets, goldfinches, and redwings, which visit the estate for its berries and seeds.

Jack Bootle, the BBC’s head of specialist factual commissioning, described Mount Stewart as “beautiful and teeming with wildlife,” calling it the perfect location for Winterwatch. “We’re thrilled to be working with the National Trust and the Open University to showcase this incredible part of Northern Ireland,” he said.

Live cameras will be installed across the site, allowing viewers across the UK to experience the wildlife in real time.

Adam Smyth, director of BBC Northern Ireland, said: “We’re excited to help bring Mount Stewart to audiences and to work alongside BBC Studios and the Natural History Unit on this major broadcast.”

Mount Stewart’s general manager, Jenny Ferguson, said her team is “thrilled” to welcome Winterwatch back. “We’re eager to tell more stories about the wildlife that thrives here and the challenges we face as the climate continues to change,” she said.