Autumnwatch returns...

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by pressld2

I was out all weekend and only caught up with the programme last night (still haven't watched Unsprung). I can sympathise with both viewpoints. There was much about the programme that grates but there was also some wonderful wildlife footage, the highlight for me being the lesser horseshoe bats.

The BBC are in a difficult position. Wildlife shows are notoriously expensive to make and if SW/AW are to survive they have to have a "mass audience" appeal - not just the people like us that are already into wildlife in a big way. Lovely as we all are, there just aren't enough of us. Yet! So a certain amount of larking about and dumbing down is inevitable. It's the price we have to pay if we want to see such programmes on our screens.

But there is a limit. And it's important that the viewing public let the BBC know, either directly or through fora like this, when they've gone too far. In my view they're currently teetering on the brink and need to tone it down considerably in the rest of the series. Otherwise they risk driving all the discerning viewers away which would be just as damaging to the long-term viability of the show. Even worse, they risk putting off some of the outstanding naturalists, amateur and professional, that the programme has featured in the past.

Dave P.

Well said Dave, totally agree..

[srenton]

Bring back Bill Oddie so cute !

[Goatboy]

I'm sure others will disagree but there does seem to be a slight change in style tonight. More effort to discuss facts and issues in between clips. Or is it just my imagination? Maybe the production team have taken the decision to keep the larking about for Unsprung.

Whatever you say about this program, I will go into work on Monday morning and people who normally express no interest about wildlife will talk to me about tonight's program. And they will also go on to tell me about what birds they've seen in their gardens over the weekend etc. It does seem to have a positive effect.

[lilyrose]

I agree with Goatboy - maybe they have read the forums and taken note.
Michaela has a cold and I think Chris is suffering a bit too, maybe it was the trip oop north that did it - get well soon both of you. A much better programme tonight imo.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Goatboy

I'm sure others will disagree but there does seem to be a slight change in style tonight. More effort to discuss facts and issues in between clips. Or is it just my imagination? Maybe the production team have taken the decision to keep the larking about for Unsprung.

Whatever you say about this program, I will go into work on Monday morning and people who normally express no interest about wildlife will talk to me about tonight's program. And they will also go on to tell me about what birds they've seen in their gardens over the weekend etc. It does seem to have a positive effect.

I have thoroughly enjoyed tonight's program, I didn't reach for the mute button once what a breath of fresh air it was...
Loved it..
well done AW..

Wonder if they read this..

[PMG]

Full marks AW - a very enjoyable prog tonight - thoroughly enjoyed the calm presentation - spot on

Pauline

[Deb London]

I really enjoyed tonight's programme.

[pressld2]

Sounds very promising - I shall watch it tomorrow night with a bit of luck.

Dave P.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Yay! I got all 4 migration routes correct!

[Alestorm]

Thoroughly enjoyed tonight's Autumnwatch and I'm pleased that many of you who had almost given up on the program last week have given it the thumbs up tonight. Cheers folks.