A new series by Sir David Attenborough focussing on the “extraordinary animal dramas and wildlife spectacles” of the British Isles is to feature Cornwall.
The five-part natural history series, titled Wild Isles, aims to emulate what the Planet series did for the wildlife of the world – inspiring people to “safeguard and restore nature for future generations.”
Filmed over three years, the BBC One series was shot using 4K technology and will explain the challenges nature faces and what can be done to make our wild isles wilder in the future.
Among the nature covered in it will be blue fin tuna, gathering off the coast of Cornwall.
Also shown will be black grouse and hen harriers courting in the Cairngorms; red deer stags rutting in one of Ireland’s wildest corners; mayfly hatching on a river in Wiltshire; foxes hunting rabbits at night; and a bee that rides a broomstick in Dorset.
The common puffin during filming of Wild Isles on Skomer Island Picture: Alex Board/Silverback Films/BBC/PA
Sir David, now aged 96, said: “In my long lifetime, I have travelled to almost every corner of our planet.
“I can assure you that in the British Isles, as well as astonishing scenery, there are extraordinary animal dramas and wildlife spectacles to match anything I have seen on my global travels.”
The natural history series will have an introductory episode explaining why Britain and Ireland are globally important for nature. The remaining four hour-long episodes will celebrate the Isles’ four key habitats – woodlands, grasslands, freshwater and marine.
The series will capture the British and Irish countryside using aerial photography, and motion controlled time-lapse photography will highlight the passing seasons.
Low light cameras will reveal the nocturnal lives of animal favourites and macro photography will uncover the miniature worlds of rock pools, ponds and grasslands.
Alastair Fothergill, executive producer, said: “I have always wanted to make a landmark series that really does justice to our own extraordinary wildlife.
“I am sure people will be amazed at what is happening right on their own doorstep."
The series is co-produced by The Open University, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
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