0:00:23 > 0:00:24Wolves,
0:00:24 > 0:00:28once hunted to near extinction, now roam the forests.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Birds, once scarce, fly high in the sky.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Hidden secrets can be discovered in the ocean depths.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52Even bears can be found high up in the mountain ranges.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04This is a country of extreme landscapes and dramatic backdrops.
0:01:12 > 0:01:17There's a whole array of diverse, unusual, and stunning wildlife...
0:01:22 > 0:01:26..in an ancient wilderness that is being rediscovered.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33This is one of our closest neighbours,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35France.
0:01:35 > 0:01:40We may be familiar with its fine wine, haute cuisine and rural beauty.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45But, there is another side of this land that may surprise.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51This is The Wild Side of France.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03France is more than twice the size of the UK.
0:02:03 > 0:02:04But, with a similar population,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07it has far greater expanses of wilderness.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15Parts of this wilderness are being returned to how they once were...
0:02:17 > 0:02:20..with the re-introduction of some iconic species.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27This film will give an impression of France's wild side.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39Once, many years ago, brown bears would have existed
0:02:39 > 0:02:41across the whole of France.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51Just imagine the sight of this magnificent creature
0:02:51 > 0:02:54roaming across the land.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04They were once a hunter's prize trophy, and by the 1930s,
0:03:04 > 0:03:09these fearsome bears had all but gone from the French forests.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12But, in recent years a small number of brown bears have been
0:03:12 > 0:03:15reintroduced to the Pyrenees, in the south of France.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Bears need a seasonal abundance of high energy foods.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26They will eat insects, berries, plants, and fish.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51Naturalists would like to re-introduce more
0:03:51 > 0:03:53of these top predators.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57They believe it would bring a more natural balance back
0:03:57 > 0:03:59to the French countryside.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15Across the whole of France, there is a great variety of wildlife,
0:04:15 > 0:04:17some of which may surprise.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26We journey from the Pyrenees to the far east of France
0:04:26 > 0:04:28to a famous mountain range... the Alps.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36Well known for its ski resorts and stunning scenery,
0:04:36 > 0:04:38there is also plenty of space for wildlife.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46This is Ecrins National Park.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Its high mountain summits form a dramatic skyline
0:04:50 > 0:04:52full of snowy glaciers.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58From the top of these, water floods down
0:04:58 > 0:05:01forming icy, fast flowing rivers.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05Within the lower torrents is a small bird with unique abilities.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13The dipper feeds on insect larvae that live in the river beds.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Despite the freezing temperatures, it dives deep into the glacial water.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28Using its wings to swim, it can reach depths of two metres
0:05:28 > 0:05:31and remain there for up to 15 seconds.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37It will do this several times a day in order to feed its young.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Moving up to the high altitude pastures of these mountains,
0:05:59 > 0:06:01there is an animal that lives below ground
0:06:01 > 0:06:04in a deep system of underground burrows.
0:06:05 > 0:06:06These are alpine marmots.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12They come up to the surface to play, mate, and to feed.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17They're social creatures, and live in small family groups.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26Alpine marmots used to be widely hunted due to the belief
0:06:26 > 0:06:30that their fat would ease rheumatism when rubbed on the skin.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33In some areas of France, they have been successfully introduced
0:06:33 > 0:06:35and are a common sight.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Marmots are highly defensive animals
0:06:49 > 0:06:52and have developed a kind of collective surveillance system.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Sentinels take turns to guard their territory.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58With a range of different calls they can warn others
0:06:58 > 0:07:00of any potential danger.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03A short single whistle sees everyone take cover.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05WHISTLING
0:07:05 > 0:07:06And, there's good reason...
0:07:08 > 0:07:10the legendary Golden Eagle.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19The eagle's eyesight is far superior to ours.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22The marmots' warning system has to be good
0:07:22 > 0:07:24as it is, indeed, a fearsome predator.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37Eagles have existed here for hundreds of thousands of years,
0:07:37 > 0:07:40far longer than any human settlers.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44They have built their homes in the highest parts of the mountains.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59To protect their nests, they can be fiercely territorial.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03If another eagle gets too close, they will fight...
0:08:03 > 0:08:05sometimes to the death.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18The eagle rules the skies, but they're not alone at the summit.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28Amazingly, these chamois thrive on a vertical existence.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39And, there are other animals that have managed to carve out a life
0:08:39 > 0:08:41in such seemingly inaccessible cliff tops.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49Further south in the peaks of the Verdon Canyon,
0:08:49 > 0:08:52a small creature can be found that seems to almost defy
0:08:52 > 0:08:53the laws of gravity.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06The Wallcreeper, known locally as the butterfly bird.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Arnaud Petit and Stephanie Bodet share a passion
0:09:11 > 0:09:14with this small bird for terrifying heights.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22They are leading European climbers.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41They brave the sheer and frightening cliff faces
0:09:41 > 0:09:44to catch a glimpse of these delicate birds.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52The butterfly bird has large feet with solid curved claws...
0:09:54 > 0:09:57..which enable it to stand with perfect balance.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17It gets its name because of the way it scales the cliffs
0:10:17 > 0:10:19by fluttering it's colourful wings.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29Its wide wings enable it to take advantage of the rising currents
0:10:29 > 0:10:31and effortlessly reach great heights.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48More effort is required by the climbers,
0:10:48 > 0:10:52and occasionally their balance is not quite as perfect.
0:10:52 > 0:10:53Ah!
0:11:02 > 0:11:07Arnaud and Stephanie share the nesting choice of the butterfly bird.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10They pitch their portaledge into the side of the cliff,
0:11:10 > 0:11:12high above the huge emptiness below.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Sleeping at such a great height is like being suspended
0:11:27 > 0:11:29momentarily out of time.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Far below the mountain tops,
0:11:48 > 0:11:51it's the depths of the forest that can be a frightening place for some.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39It's early spring and these two wolf cubs are just three weeks old.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45It's the first time they've ventured out of their dark den
0:12:45 > 0:12:47to see their surroundings.
0:12:48 > 0:12:53They'll need to learn who is friend and who is foe in their forest home.
0:13:00 > 0:13:01As daylight comes, there is
0:13:01 > 0:13:04a whole new world above their den to explore.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07BIRDSONG
0:13:15 > 0:13:18Their mother returns to check on them.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35The pups are cared for by all members of the pack,
0:13:35 > 0:13:37but the mother is the dominant figure.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48Wolves were hunted almost to extinction in France in the 1930s.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52Now, as a protected species, their numbers are growing.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08By winter, the small cubs will be almost fully grown
0:14:08 > 0:14:10and ready to travel with the pack.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Heading further north and past the Alps,
0:14:29 > 0:14:33there is another mountain chain which borders Germany -
0:14:33 > 0:14:35the Vosges mountains.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46Across these, geese can be seen in the autumn as they make their way
0:14:46 > 0:14:49to southern climes to spend the winter.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57For thousands of years, the adults have been guiding their young
0:14:57 > 0:14:59along these airborne routes.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Geese have a remarkable homing instinct,
0:15:02 > 0:15:06allowing them to return to the same area year after year,
0:15:06 > 0:15:09even when their migration takes them halfway around the world.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17The youngsters in the family group follow their parents,
0:15:17 > 0:15:21taking advantage of the current and flying as if part of a platoon.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32The young will stay with their parents
0:15:32 > 0:15:34until the next breeding season.
0:15:34 > 0:15:35They have an innate knowledge
0:15:35 > 0:15:38of the direction and distance they should travel,
0:15:38 > 0:15:41but not necessarily where they should be aiming for.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48So, following their parents for their first migration
0:15:48 > 0:15:51means they will reach their winter breeding ground.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09Adult geese will use visual references,
0:16:09 > 0:16:12including rivers and mountains, to guide themselves.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28GEESE HONKS
0:16:58 > 0:17:03They stop at night to rest in marshlands, by rivers or by lakes.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Come dawn, they'll have to wait for the fog to lift
0:17:23 > 0:17:26before taking to the air again.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35When the sun's rays are strong enough to create rising winds
0:17:35 > 0:17:38they will set off, knowing that they can now be carried along.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19En route to their winter home,
0:18:19 > 0:18:22geese can cover up to 300km in just one day.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28By next year, the youngsters will be able to take this journey alone.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43We travel now across the country to the north of France
0:18:43 > 0:18:45to a very special place not far from Paris.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55Here lies one of the largest forests in the country.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Covering more than 50,000 acres,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01this is the forest of Fontainebleau.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04This legendary and ancient forest
0:19:04 > 0:19:07has been the playground of kings for centuries.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11There is a proud history of deer hunting in France.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Generations have driven hounds through this forest.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Their dogs have scoured the thick undergrowth
0:19:19 > 0:19:24and rocky outcrops hundreds of times, hoping to catch a scent of prey.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03The forest of Fontainebleau, full of oaks, pine, and beech trees,
0:20:03 > 0:20:07is home to a huge variety of animals.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17One of those is the red deer.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23These two ten pointer stags are seven years old
0:20:23 > 0:20:25and have been together all their lives.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31It's not uncommon for stags to form partnerships,
0:20:31 > 0:20:34but these particular two have become almost inseparable.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45They work as allies warning each other of danger...
0:20:45 > 0:20:48and sharing food...
0:20:51 > 0:20:53..such as tender ivy or willow leaves.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07In the hot weather they will linger in water to keep cool
0:21:07 > 0:21:10and get rid of annoying midges.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17It's rare for these two males to be out of each other's sight.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39They know their territory very well
0:21:39 > 0:21:42and have a network of trails to follow.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50This comes in useful should they need to escape from hunting dogs.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55There are hundreds of red deer in Fontainebleau.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59They have no natural predators, so are fair game for hunters.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12HOUNDS HOWLING
0:22:15 > 0:22:19When they sense danger, they will flee as quickly as possible.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55BARKING GETS LOUDER
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Their long legs give them an advantage
0:23:09 > 0:23:12as they plunge into the river water and out of sight.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30BARKING GROWS FAINTER
0:23:30 > 0:23:33The water also helps to dilute their scent
0:23:33 > 0:23:36which dogs can trace for hours.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23These two stags will spend the winter, spring,
0:24:23 > 0:24:25and summer together.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34But, when autumn arrives it's a different story.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43Their antlers have lost their velvet texture.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46Their coats have grown and darkened.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50They're now full of testosterone and can only think only of one thing...
0:24:50 > 0:24:53the female deer, or hinds.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09They mingle with the hinds to get their scent.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13In turn, their calls excite the females
0:25:13 > 0:25:16and help stimulate their ovulation.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21HE BELLOWS
0:25:21 > 0:25:24HE RETURNS THE CALL
0:25:29 > 0:25:34From this moment, there will be no more sharing between the males.
0:25:34 > 0:25:35There can only be one winner.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40This is a battle without compromise.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44It will only end when one of the males backs down and surrenders.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15The hinds can only watch and wait.
0:26:25 > 0:26:26HE BELLOWS
0:26:27 > 0:26:31Finally, the cry of victory.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33The females gather around their triumphant hero.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50The champion will stay with his harem for about a month,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53fighting off any male who tries to enter his territory.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02But then, when the mating season is
0:27:02 > 0:27:05over, all will change once again.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08Battles will be forgotten, and the two stags of Fontainebleau
0:27:08 > 0:27:11will once again become close allies.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19Our journey now takes us to the west of France.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23Near the Atlantic Sea is the region of Poitou Charentes.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32It's home to one of the largest wetlands in France,
0:27:32 > 0:27:34known as the Poitevin Marshes.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Here, sea water meets fresh water.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44In this unusual habitat,
0:27:44 > 0:27:46the wildlife flourishes...
0:27:47 > 0:27:50..and in the spring it is teeming with new life.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00There's one creature here
0:28:00 > 0:28:03who has to undergo an incredible transformation.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17The dragonfly.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24This small larva has spent more than a year under the water.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27Tonight, it will undergo an amazing metamorphosis.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37It appears to almost inflate its new body
0:28:37 > 0:28:40so that it can break out of its old skin.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06Its new feet emerge, but the dragon fly can't use them yet,
0:29:06 > 0:29:08as they're still too soft.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11It must wait for them to harden.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14In this position it's vulnerable.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17Falling now would be certain death.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33Not far from the dragonfly's precarious perch,
0:29:33 > 0:29:36another new birth is about to happen.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40These are greater horseshoe bats,
0:29:40 > 0:29:42a protected species across Europe.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47The bats will often roost in old disused buildings
0:29:47 > 0:29:49in the late spring and summer...
0:29:50 > 0:29:53..going out after sunset to hunt and feed.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02This is a maternity roost and it's time for the new babies to be born.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24For this female, the contractions have begun.
0:30:30 > 0:30:31The head appears first.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36The mother begins by cleaning her newborn.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40She licks it and frees its ears which were stuck to its head.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47Once the baby is free, it begins to suckle,
0:30:47 > 0:30:49and will do so for the first month of its life.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55The mother wraps her wings around her precious bundle,
0:30:55 > 0:30:56protecting it from any danger.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Back on the moonlit water, the dragonfly's feet
0:31:19 > 0:31:21are at last hard enough.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Finally, it can leave its former body.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Now the miracle can happen.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37It's soft and intricate wings unfurl gradually.
0:32:13 > 0:32:18Early morning has arrived and the transformation is complete.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27Four independent wings on a perfectly aerodynamic body.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46The small larva that came out of the water last night has become
0:32:46 > 0:32:49one of the most sophisticated flying creatures in the world.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00Soon, it will find a partner and the cycle will begin again.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20The Poitevin Marshes is a fascinating area.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24It was once completely covered with wetland full of insects.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30Around the tenth century,
0:33:30 > 0:33:33monks started the process of drying up the swamps.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36They built dams to stop the water rising...
0:33:37 > 0:33:40..and dug canals to evacuate rainwater,
0:33:40 > 0:33:43and to free up the fertile soil.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50The land could then be used for agriculture.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54But, some areas were left untouched.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Many species of birds come to nest here.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11Within this area is a dense, hidden forest
0:34:11 > 0:34:15which serves as a nursery for a colony of herons.
0:34:26 > 0:34:31These fledglings are three weeks old and are constantly hungry.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40SQUAWKING
0:34:44 > 0:34:48One of the three youngsters stands back while the other two devour
0:34:48 > 0:34:51everything their mother regurgitates.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57Usually, both parents will help feed the offspring,
0:34:57 > 0:34:59but here the male has disappeared,
0:34:59 > 0:35:03so the mother has to work twice as hard to feed her young.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18She will fly up to 30km hunting for food in the swamps,
0:35:18 > 0:35:21and competition can be fierce.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36Competition within the nest is also fierce.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40The two strongest chicks have united against the weakest and smallest.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47More frail and less active, he can only eat the leftovers.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49The problem is, there aren't any.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53A single parent cannot possibly feed all three.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58Instinctively, they attack their little brother,
0:35:58 > 0:36:01in what is a struggle for survival.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17The weakest of the three will die so that the other two can live.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21The laws of nature can often seem cruel.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Moving back down to the south of France,
0:36:30 > 0:36:32there is an area known as the Cevennes.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38A maze of mountains, deep valleys, and winding rivers.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52The river water descending from the granite mountains
0:36:52 > 0:36:55has carved out the distinctive contours of this stunning area.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00Over time, the water has dug out canyons hundreds of meters deep.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07In the cliffs of these spectacular canyons
0:37:07 > 0:37:10there is an extraordinary animal.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12The Griffon vulture.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17Until recent years, vultures had almost completely disappeared.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22Successful re-introduction programmes have dramatically increased
0:37:22 > 0:37:24the number of these formidable birds.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31Vultures live in colonies and they work together to scavenge for food.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34Its 6:00 in the morning,
0:37:34 > 0:37:38and the sun hasn't as yet penetrated the depth of the canyons.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46Without the warmth of the sun, the vultures do not fly.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53In spite of hunger there's no question of moving yet.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02At last, the air can carry them.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30Like an air squadron, dozens of vultures fill the sky.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36The warm currents help them gain height.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45As part of their scavenging strategy, they divide up the territory.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49The large birds fly over several kilometres
0:38:49 > 0:38:52scanning every inch of their land...
0:38:52 > 0:38:54but never losing sight of the other vultures.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59If one of them spots something, it immediately dives down.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04The other vultures haven't seen it,
0:39:04 > 0:39:07but they've noticed the absence of one of them.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10This means there's something to eat down below.
0:39:29 > 0:39:34In a matter of seconds the entire colony gather around for the feast.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36The work of one benefits all.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38SQUAWKING
0:39:38 > 0:39:41Sharing is the price to pay for the colony's survival.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Each bird can now return to its nest
0:39:51 > 0:39:53with a share of the spoils for its youngsters.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03The return of these imposing birds across this region
0:40:03 > 0:40:05is widely celebrated.
0:40:10 > 0:40:11Vultures eat rotting carcases,
0:40:11 > 0:40:14helping to prevent the spread of disease,
0:40:14 > 0:40:17cleansing the wilderness.
0:40:22 > 0:40:27To the north of the Cevennes mountain range is a region called the Lozere.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36With its high plateaus, it is famous for its dramatic scenery...
0:40:40 > 0:40:41..and numerous pretty villages.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56The source of many rivers can be found here,
0:40:57 > 0:40:59the most famous of which is the River Tarn.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13In the spring, the Tarn is at its most powerful with exciting,
0:41:13 > 0:41:15fast flowing torrents.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26Within this river is a creature
0:41:26 > 0:41:28which is beginning to make a comeback in France.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36The otter.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43With its streamline body, the otter is a skilful predator.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51It has powerful, webbed feet...
0:41:55 > 0:41:58..and whiskers which help it detect the slightest movement
0:41:58 > 0:41:59of any underwater prey.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18The otter's habitat stretches over 40km of river.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22Otters are a threatened species across Europe,
0:42:22 > 0:42:26but with the help of protection laws and water quality improvement,
0:42:26 > 0:42:30there is evidence that its numbers are gradually recovering.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33OTTER SQUEAKS
0:42:34 > 0:42:37As a hunter, the otter is fearsome.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39Everyone goes into hiding.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47If a fish sees an otter, it's already too late.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05In this river, the otter reigns supreme.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17The mountains of the Lozere are home to an insect
0:43:17 > 0:43:18which is unique to this area -
0:43:18 > 0:43:20a black bee.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25It is only thanks to intensive conservation efforts
0:43:25 > 0:43:28that the pure breed of this bee can still be found here.
0:43:33 > 0:43:36This flower-loving insect is a workaholic.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39Its short life is dedicated to the good of the hive
0:43:39 > 0:43:41and the production of honey.
0:43:46 > 0:43:49Yves Elie is an expert beekeeper.
0:43:49 > 0:43:52He's spent years helping to protect the bees of this region.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57He follows in a longstanding tradition of this area.
0:44:13 > 0:44:17To house his bees, Yves builds them traditional trunk hives,
0:44:17 > 0:44:19which are similar to their natural habitat.
0:44:23 > 0:44:25In these chestnut tree trunks,
0:44:25 > 0:44:28thousands of workers live around their queen.
0:44:28 > 0:44:31BUZZING
0:44:36 > 0:44:38They feed and groom each other.
0:44:38 > 0:44:40In the process they pass on pheromones,
0:44:40 > 0:44:43chemical signals which reveal information
0:44:43 > 0:44:47about the health of their queen and the state of the colony.
0:44:47 > 0:44:49Chemical signals also help with foraging.
0:44:49 > 0:44:53Honeybees use scent to locate flowers from a distance.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02When a successful forager returns to the hive,
0:45:02 > 0:45:05it passes the scent of the flowers to its nest mates
0:45:05 > 0:45:08to help them find the same patch of flowers.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11Through a series of dances, it indicates the direction,
0:45:11 > 0:45:14distance, and even the quantity of pollen available.
0:45:22 > 0:45:24To help conserve the black honeybee,
0:45:24 > 0:45:26Yves attempts to create a new swarm every year.
0:45:28 > 0:45:30It's a skilful operation.
0:45:30 > 0:45:34He coaxes the queen bee into entering the trap just above the hive.
0:45:47 > 0:45:50Almost immediately after she's left the hive,
0:45:50 > 0:45:52a new queen bee will take over.
0:46:14 > 0:46:17To avoid inbreeding and preserve the species,
0:46:17 > 0:46:20Yves takes the old queen to a faraway site
0:46:20 > 0:46:22where there are no other species of bee.
0:46:40 > 0:46:44During its life, a bee will have to fulfil several roles...
0:46:44 > 0:46:47cleaner, nursemaid, builder...
0:46:47 > 0:46:49before they are finally promoted to nectar gatherer.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01Then, after only 30 days, it will fall to the ground,
0:47:01 > 0:47:03struck down by exhaustion.
0:47:03 > 0:47:07During its short life a bee can produce several grams of honey.
0:47:08 > 0:47:11Yves is hopeful that these colonies will continue
0:47:11 > 0:47:15to produce honey for many years to come.
0:47:19 > 0:47:22170km off the south eastern coast of France,
0:47:22 > 0:47:26in the Mediterranean Sea, lies the island of Corsica.
0:47:33 > 0:47:36Two thirds of this majestic island is made up of mountains,
0:47:38 > 0:47:41which form a single chain along its entire length.
0:47:49 > 0:47:54Famous for its high red cliffs, sandy beaches, and headlands -
0:47:54 > 0:47:57this the Scandola Reserve.
0:48:13 > 0:48:15GULLS CRY
0:48:23 > 0:48:26Scandola is one of the oldest reserves in France,
0:48:26 > 0:48:29and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
0:48:30 > 0:48:34As a protected site, it's home to some stunning and rare wildlife,
0:48:34 > 0:48:37including osprey.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53The sea conceals another, extraordinary landscape.
0:48:59 > 0:49:02Jean Marie Dominici is the curator of this site,
0:49:02 > 0:49:05and has spent his life protecting the wildlife here.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26Teeming with life, the waters are home to a whole variety of fish.
0:49:28 > 0:49:30Some quite rare.
0:49:37 > 0:49:39It's a diver's paradise.
0:49:49 > 0:49:51As well as fish,
0:49:51 > 0:49:54the reserve is full of unusual plant life, seaweed, and coral.
0:50:07 > 0:50:10Scandola Reserve is one of the Mediterranean's
0:50:10 > 0:50:13most important ecosystems -
0:50:13 > 0:50:16an extensive and extraordinary underwater prairie.
0:50:21 > 0:50:25It's a favourite spot for many fish species to spawn their eggs.
0:50:25 > 0:50:29The eggs laid here are carried by the current outside the limits
0:50:29 > 0:50:33of the reserve and help nurture all the neighbouring marine sites.
0:50:35 > 0:50:38There is one particular and strange-looking fish
0:50:38 > 0:50:39that fascinates Jean Marie...
0:50:42 > 0:50:43..the grouper.
0:50:45 > 0:50:47The grouper would normally live on the sea floor,
0:50:47 > 0:50:51at depths of up to 300m, but here, in this protected area,
0:50:51 > 0:50:54it can be seen much closer to the surface.
0:50:57 > 0:50:59Jean Marie is able to study it in close-up.
0:51:13 > 0:51:16The grouper is a hermaphrodite.
0:51:16 > 0:51:18It's born as a female,
0:51:18 > 0:51:21but by the age of 16, it changes sex to become a male.
0:51:23 > 0:51:27Males and females come together in the early summer to reproduce.
0:51:36 > 0:51:37As part of their courtship,
0:51:37 > 0:51:40the males change colour as a means of seduction.
0:51:50 > 0:51:54The grouper almost disappeared from the Mediterranean coasts,
0:51:54 > 0:51:58but, now, thanks to reserves like Scandola, it once again thrives.
0:52:06 > 0:52:08Close to the Scandola Reserve
0:52:08 > 0:52:11is a beach where fresh water joins the sea - the Fango delta.
0:52:14 > 0:52:16In these natural ponds lives an animal
0:52:16 > 0:52:18that has existed for millions of years...
0:52:20 > 0:52:22..the turtle.
0:52:24 > 0:52:27Although found in many different places,
0:52:27 > 0:52:30the European pond turtle is under threat from water pollution
0:52:30 > 0:52:34and habitat destruction, and its numbers have been declining.
0:52:34 > 0:52:37Here, though, it appears to be flourishing.
0:52:37 > 0:52:41As a cold blooded reptile, it needs the sun's rays for energy.
0:52:42 > 0:52:46During the day it will bask on the shore or on rocks.
0:52:46 > 0:52:49But this shy species will dive back into water if disturbed.
0:52:59 > 0:53:01Underwater it will hunt for fish,
0:53:01 > 0:53:02insects, or molluscs.
0:53:08 > 0:53:10It's the mating season,
0:53:10 > 0:53:13and the courtship technique of the turtle is a curious one.
0:53:14 > 0:53:16The male approaches the female suddenly.
0:53:20 > 0:53:24Pinning her in place as he bites her face and neck as they mate.
0:53:24 > 0:53:26If not careful, the technique
0:53:26 > 0:53:28can inflict serious injuries on the female.
0:53:32 > 0:53:36It's a brutal affair, but necessary in order to continue the line.
0:53:46 > 0:53:49Moving inland towards the centre of Corsica,
0:53:49 > 0:53:52the terrain is full of dense, thorny bushes.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56To survive in this prickly environment,
0:53:56 > 0:53:58you need a very thick skin.
0:54:07 > 0:54:10The king of this terrain is the wild boar.
0:54:15 > 0:54:19Most wild boars live in close-knit groups of around 20.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25They mainly consist of females and their young.
0:54:28 > 0:54:31Females will normally have between four and eight babies,
0:54:31 > 0:54:34and they are very protective of them.
0:54:49 > 0:54:53Boars are scavengers and eat almost anything they come across,
0:54:53 > 0:54:55including grass,
0:54:55 > 0:54:57nuts, roots,
0:54:57 > 0:55:00even small reptiles.
0:55:03 > 0:55:06Older males do not usually stay in the group.
0:55:06 > 0:55:08They lead a largely solitary life.
0:55:25 > 0:55:28To keep cool, they will roll in mud.
0:55:28 > 0:55:30Covering their body in a thick layer
0:55:30 > 0:55:33also helps get rid of irritating ticks.
0:55:59 > 0:56:02During the mating season, large solitary males
0:56:02 > 0:56:05will travel across the countryside in search of female groups.
0:56:07 > 0:56:09They're capable of covering several kilometres
0:56:09 > 0:56:11of varied terrain every day.
0:56:35 > 0:56:39This breeding strategy helps to maintain a strong population,
0:56:39 > 0:56:42not just here on the island of Corsica,
0:56:42 > 0:56:45but across the whole of France.
0:56:50 > 0:56:54The wild side of France is extensive and can be extraordinary.
0:57:01 > 0:57:05There is rural beauty where time seems to have stood still.
0:57:13 > 0:57:17Alongside this is a rugged wilderness which can push nature to the limit.
0:57:23 > 0:57:26Here, formidable birds soar above the mountains.
0:57:29 > 0:57:31Wolves have made their home in the forests.
0:57:34 > 0:57:37And even bears can be seen in their natural habitat.
0:57:40 > 0:57:42From coastline to mountain top,
0:57:44 > 0:57:47France is a country of extreme and surprising beauty,
0:57:49 > 0:57:52with wildlife that never ceases to feed our imagination.