Jack Baddams
We speak to the Winterwatch wildlife researcher about what his role on the programme involves
How did you first get involved in ‘The Watches’?
I have my mum to thank! I’d always been a huge fan of the show and she simply encouraged me to find the email address of the series producer and drop them a message asking if there was anything I could do on the show. I had no faith in her plan but, lo and behold, I ended up getting a job as a ‘story developer’ (someone who monitors the wildlife cameras) on the show for four series, before being taken onboard as the wildlife researcher. Moral of the story: if you don’t ask, you don’t get!
What does your research involve? Largely it’s working on the content of the show – whether that be the pre-recorded films or the ‘live items’. In the case of the films, we’re working on them months ahead of time, so there’s always something to keep busy with. My role also involves researching the locations that the programmes use as a base, and I’m very lucky that I get to explore the best wildlife spots in the country and speak to the people who know them best!
What does your role involve during the live weeks?
As the wildlife researcher, it’s about being across all the wildlife action that’s happening on and around our main location. I talk to a network of local naturalists to find out the interesting stories or species, and then make sure we try to get them filmed. So whether it’s footage we’ve captured on our remote cameras or with our long lens operators, it’s my job to be across it all and work with the producers to make sure we’re getting the best moments on screen.
Are there any animals or plants you’d like to get featured, but haven’t found a way to do so yet?
Moles! I would absolutely love to find a way to do a feature on moles. They’re a species I’ve looked into a couple of times, but they’re not animals that make themselves easy to film, given that they spend their entire life underground. I think they’re one of the most fascinating creatures we have in the UK, and the idea that they’re just busying away with their lives under our feet amazes me.
What is the most unusual aspect of your role?
Being on location throws up all sorts of situations. I’ve been involved with setting out weightlifting courses for badgers, been trained in the art of frog tickling, and calculated the air speed velocity of a laden great spotted woodpecker!