0:00:21 > 0:00:24Dawn over Devon's Dartmoor National Park.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37It's early summer and Dartmoor's ponies are with their new foals.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48It's on these moors where the River Dart begins.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52550 metres above sea level, a gentle spring quickly gathers strength.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56From here, it sweeps through the granite landscape,
0:00:56 > 0:01:00carving a distinct 28-mile path from moor to sea.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18It provides a home for a great variety of wildlife.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21The dipper does well on the upper reaches of the Dart.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24In early summer, it's busy gathering food for its nestlings.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51The white water stirs up a rich mix of food.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Insect larvae and fresh-water shrimps are a dipper's preferred meal.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29Further downstream, calmer waters offer the perfect creche
0:02:29 > 0:02:31for the goosander and her chicks.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39These handsome ducks feed on the river's trout.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51Much of the countryside that surrounds the River Dart is protected.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54It falls within an area of outstanding natural beauty
0:02:54 > 0:02:57and today remains virtually untouched by development.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03Soaring above the river, a buzzard scans the skyline for prey.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14In early summer, they're not a welcome site for nesting birds,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17and daring adults will vigorously defend their young.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31Back on the banks of the river,
0:03:31 > 0:03:35a jay, a woodland bird, enjoys a midday drink.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40It's the mix of forests, moor and farmland the River Dart runs through
0:03:40 > 0:03:44that brings such a range of wildlife to both its banks and its water.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48The mandarin duck habits the more tranquil stretches of the river.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54TRAIN APPROACHES
0:03:54 > 0:03:59The peace is broken by the South Devon Railways steam train
0:03:59 > 0:04:02travelling from Buckfastleigh to Totnes.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23The train appears to pass by the wildlife unnoticed.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56A kingfisher is one of the most colourful and spectacular sights along the river.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03These little hunters nest in the soft banks.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13And just like an electric flash, they dart over the water.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23Summer in Devon is a beautiful time.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28As the river widens at Totnes, the fresh water begins to mix with the salty sea water,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31providing rich pickings for some.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49The river's a relaxing playground for people.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55There's plenty to see.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00A curious seal reminds us how close we are to the sea,
0:06:00 > 0:06:05while a cormorant dries its wings after a day's fishing.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11The river bank holds one or two more surprises.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22A hungry vixen in search of any goodies washed ashore.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34With a young mouth to feed, she'll welcome whatever she can find.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48He'd have been born in the spring, so is probably about ten weeks old.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57He'll stay by his mum's side for most of the summer
0:06:57 > 0:07:01before moving on to lead his own independent life.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20Early evening is perhaps the prettiest time on the river.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23There's a calmness about the end of a summer's day
0:07:23 > 0:07:25that's always worth waiting for.
0:07:35 > 0:07:40For the water birds, there's time for one last swim before nightfall.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06On the banks of the river, a shadowy figure moves between the trees.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12In summer, badgers wake before darkness.
0:08:12 > 0:08:17All the family comes above ground to hunt for food, mainly worms.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23For the cubs, the river bank offers a place to explore.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27But best stick close to Mum,
0:08:27 > 0:08:30and not to get too close to the water's edge.
0:08:42 > 0:08:43Summer on the river.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Ah, what a glorious time!
0:08:51 > 0:08:53Subtitles by Sarah Aitken BBC Broadcast 2004
0:08:53 > 0:08:57E-mail us at subtitling@bbc.co.uk