Autumnwatch fans have accused the BBC of ‘dumbing down’ the iconic nature show in a comeback they have called ‘appalling and an insult to viewers’.

The seasonal wildlife programme was dramatically axed by bosses in February 2023 after 17 years with the Beeb citing ‘challenging times financially’ as the cause.

However, it made a comeback at the end of October on The One Show in the form of short, five-minute segments presented live by beloved host Chris Packham from various nature reserves up and down the country.

But Autumnwatch lovers, who once enjoyed hour-long episodes, have been left feeling snubbed by the overhaul.

During yesterday’s episode of Points of View, three viewers gave their opinions on the revival.

Chris Packham hosting the first instalment of Autumnwatch on The One Show on October 29

The segment was first introduced by One Show hosts Roman Kemp and Clara Amfo on October 29 

The duo explained that they had teamed up with Autumnwatch as it ‘made its home’ on The One Show with three instalments, including a Halloween special, which were presented live by Chris Packham 

Glenis from Leeds said: ‘I think it’s appalling. I think it’s an insult to everybody who used to watch it. I just think it’s so dumbed down, I really do. To go from an hour around the country to six minutes including intros. It’s just not adequate, it really isn’t.’

Stef, a loyal Autumnwatch fan from Brecon, said: ‘Well, we’ve been watching it for an awfully long time and we love the programme in that it that it takes you out into places that you might not have the opportunity to go.

Read More Autumnwatch fans call show’s return ‘pathetic and pointless’ and BBC should ‘hang heads in shame’

‘But I’m rather disappointed because I don’t think you can really engage with the content of wildlife in the countryside in really, really small snippets.’

Julie from Leicester added: ‘It was nicer to see it than not see it at all. It was good but I would have much preferred a longer programme.’

Marion from Kent pointed out: ‘It isn’t Autumnwatch, it’s paying lip service to the watchers by using its name. But basically it’s just three five-to-seven-minute clips within The One Show.

‘Five minutes, by the time you’re interested in something, it’s gone. We want it back, we want Autumnwatch back. We’d like a longer programme back.’ 

The backlash prompted the BBC to release a statement which said: ‘Following our announcement last year that unfortunately Autumnwatch was coming to an end, we’ve been delighted to be able to bring the strand back as seasonal specials on the One Show for the last two years.

‘We think this is an amazingly exciting collaboration between two great British brands, and a brilliant way of bringing British wildlife and nature to a wide BBC audience during Autumn.

‘We remain committed to natural history programming and Springwatch and Winterwatch have continued – look out for Winterwatch which is returning to RSPB Arne in January.’

The seasonal wildlife programme was dramatically shelved by bosses in February 2023 after 17 years amid ‘challenging times financially’ (Chris, Michaela Strachan, Gillian Burke, Iolo Williams pictured on show in 2020)

Chris Packham hosting the latest instalment of Autumnwatch on The One Show on Thursday

The latest clip focused on a wildlife book that was written by a prisoner of war during WWII

It comes after fans initially took to social media to bemoan the new set up when the segment was first introduced by One Show hosts Roman Kemp and Clara Amfo on October 29. 

The duo explained that they had teamed up with Autumnwatch as it ‘made its home’ on The One Show with three instalments, including a Halloween special, which were presented live by Chris Packham.

At the time, fans took to social media to rage: ‘What a dreadful disappointment. Autumnwatch now reduced to a few minutes on the One Show? Shame on you BBC, that was one of my absolute must-watch programmes every year. Wasting your money on Kuenssberg and Question time instead. Do better, BBC.’

Another fumed: ‘Autumn Watch needs to come back properly. Not this 5 minute segment malarkey. The one show is unbearable and not worth the the pain for 5 minutes of actual interesting TV.’

There has only been one more instalment since then which aired on Thursday, ahead of Remembrance Sunday, and focused on a wildlife book that was written by a prisoner of war.

 The One Show airs weekdays on BBC One from 7pm.