Rare Earth - Love of a Cold Climate

What does the arrival of winter mean for plants and animals? In this programme Tom Heap and Helen Czerski find out how wildlife survives the freezing temperatures and short days of the winter months. In a time of climate change, they also ask how warmer weather patterns are affecting the natural world at this time of year. Do we have to get used to the idea of winters without snow and ice, and will winter scenes of robins on snowy branches and children sledging down hillsides only exist on Christmas cards?

Panel: Hugh Warwick, John Hammond, Val McDermid

Producer: Emma Campbell
Assistant Producer: Toby Field

Produced in association with the Open University

Published on Friday, 19th December 2025.

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