Springwatch
Gillian Burke reveals she’s planning a wildlife road trip going the length of the UK for the new series…
Springwatch Holiday Mon-Thu, 8pm BBC2 Factual
Q Where are you going on your Springwatch travels? A It’s a very big road trip, starting in Shetland.
I’m in the Yorkshire Dales in the second week, and then Cornwall for the final week.
Q Does a Springwatch road trip take a lot of planning?
A It’s full-on! We set off to the place we’re going to broadcast from, set up, and base ourselves there. Stuart the producer has to think of all the amenities and they’re not always easily available in the middle of nowhere!
Q So are you looking forward to the adventure?
A I’m really excited. It will be interesting going to Cornwall, where I’m from, and bumping into my buddies while I’m trying to do my Springwatch thing!
Q What wildlife are you hoping to spot?
A I’m looking forward to visiting a gannet colony in Shetland. In Yorkshire we’re planning to see the rare, endangered willow tits, and in Cornwall, peregrines and choughs. But the show is so unpredictable, and that’s what everyone enjoys!
Q We’ve had unusual Spring weather, including snow and a mini heatwave. Has it affected British wildlife?
A Something I’ve seen along the coastline was the mass stranding of spiny starfish. We tend to think about the effect weather has on the land, but it also has an effect underwater.
Q Will you focus on plastic pollution this year?
A Yes, it’s a big issue. There’s so much in the press, which is fantastic, so we’re offering solutions – really practical, everyday changes you can make. We hope to inspire people into thinking a bit more about the products they buy.
Q Is it possible to make a significant difference?
A Plastic is an amazing substance, but it’s being misused – it’s a waste to use a product that’s designed to last in a disposable fashion. As a society, some of us do the cleaning and some do the littering – tidy-ups have become popular in seaside communities, and in Shetland something like 80 per cent of the population do beach clean-ups! n