Wild Isles episode 2 – Woodland – Sir David Attenborough explores the incredible diversity of Britain’s woodlands, taking us on a seasonal journey through our forests, and revealing a host of spectacular animals and the hidden dramas that rule their lives. In an ancient pine tree in the Cairngorms, two eagle chicks are on the verge of fledging their gargantuan nest. In winter in the Forest of Dean, the reintroduction of wild boar has given the robin a lifeline. As they root through the thick snow, the boar unearth the worms with their snouts, which the robins otherwise couldn’t find.
Back in Scotland, a male capercaillie displays to gathering females. These birds are on the edge. With only around 500 left, they are some of the rarest and most threatened in the British Isles. In a beech woodland outside London, the deciduous trees burst to life in spring, and huge colonies of wood ants awaken and go looking for food. Also looking for sustenance is a female roe deer. With no large predators left in our woods, the deer are free to browse on new growth to the extent that they can damage the woodland itself.
In Sussex is an ancient-looking landscape, but one that has only been recreated in the past 20 years. This is the wood pasture of Knepp, created by using old grazing methods that generate a mix of scrub, open areas and ancient trees. In the Scottish Highlands, red squirrels battle it out for access to ripe pine cones at the top of a tree. It’s an acrobatic and energetic encounter, with more than a little cunning required to win the day. As the summer finally fades, we encounter a honey buzzard nest, where two chicks feast on wasp grubs, squabble between themselves and grow up before our eyes.
Autumn brings the fallow deer rut. The woods resonate with their calls, and bucks fight for supremacy. The season also brings colour, both in the leaves but also in the fungi that fruit at this time of year. The mushrooms are just a tiny part of their story, however, and we travel underground to see how the wood-wide web connects the whole forest together.
Wild Isles episode 2 – Woodland
Sir David Attenborough is a renowned British broadcaster and natural historian who has dedicated his life to exploring and documenting the wonders of the natural world. His contributions to the field of natural history are immeasurable, and his work has inspired generations of people to appreciate and protect our planet’s biodiversity. In this article, we will explore Sir David Attenborough’s life, his achievements, and his lasting impact on the world.
Born in London in 1926, Sir David Attenborough developed a fascination with the natural world at a young age. He went on to study geology and zoology at the University of Cambridge before embarking on a career in broadcasting. Sir David’s breakthrough came in the 1950s when he became a producer and presenter for the BBC’s “Zoo Quest” series. This program took viewers on a journey around the world to explore exotic species in their natural habitats. Sir David’s unique ability to connect with audiences and convey his passion for the natural world made him a household name in the UK and beyond.
Sir David Attenborough’s career as a broadcaster and natural historian spans more than six decades. He has produced hundreds of documentaries, written numerous books, and won countless awards for his work. One of his most significant contributions is the “Life” series, which explores the diversity of life on earth in stunning detail. The series has been a huge success and has been translated into dozens of languages, reaching millions of people worldwide.
Sir David Attenborough’s impact on the world goes far beyond his work in broadcasting. He is a passionate advocate for conservation and has used his platform to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect our planet’s biodiversity. He has been involved in numerous conservation projects around the world and is a vocal supporter of efforts to tackle climate change. His tireless work in this area has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious UN Global Leadership Award.
Sir David Attenborough is a true giant of the natural history world. His passion, dedication, and unique ability to communicate the wonders of the natural world have inspired millions of people around the globe. His impact on the field of natural history, as well as his tireless work in conservation, will be felt for generations to come.
This video is about:
- Rare and threatened bird species in the UK
- Woodland conservation efforts in Britain
- Wildlife diversity in British forests
- Red squirrel behavior in pine trees
