Wild Summer River Wild

Dawn over Devon's Dartmoor National Park.

It's early summer and Dartmoor's ponies are with their new foals.

It's on these moors where the River Dart begins.

550 metres above sea level, a gentle spring quickly gathers strength.

From here, it sweeps through the granite landscape,

carving a distinct 28-mile path from moor to sea.

It provides a home for a great variety of wildlife.

The dipper does well on the upper reaches of the Dart.

In early summer, it's busy gathering food for its nestlings.

The white water stirs up a rich mix of food.

Insect larvae and fresh-water shrimps are a dipper's preferred meal.

Further downstream, calmer waters offer the perfect creche

for the goosander and her chicks.

These handsome ducks feed on the river's trout.

Much of the countryside that surrounds the River Dart is protected.

It falls within an area of outstanding natural beauty

and today remains virtually untouched by development.

Soaring above the river, a buzzard scans the skyline for prey.

In early summer, they're not a welcome site for nesting birds,

and daring adults will vigorously defend their young.

Back on the banks of the river,

a jay, a woodland bird, enjoys a midday drink.

It's the mix of forests, moor and farmland the River Dart runs through

that brings such a range of wildlife to both its banks and its water.

The mandarin duck habits the more tranquil stretches of the river.

TRAIN APPROACHES

The peace is broken by the South Devon Railways steam train

travelling from Buckfastleigh to Totnes.

The train appears to pass by the wildlife unnoticed.

A kingfisher is one of the most colourful and spectacular sights along the river.

These little hunters nest in the soft banks.

And just like an electric flash, they dart over the water.

Summer in Devon is a beautiful time.

As the river widens at Totnes, the fresh water begins to mix with the salty sea water,

providing rich pickings for some.

The river's a relaxing playground for people.

There's plenty to see.

A curious seal reminds us how close we are to the sea,

while a cormorant dries its wings after a day's fishing.

The river bank holds one or two more surprises.

A hungry vixen in search of any goodies washed ashore.

With a young mouth to feed, she'll welcome whatever she can find.

He'd have been born in the spring, so is probably about ten weeks old.

He'll stay by his mum's side for most of the summer

before moving on to lead his own independent life.

Early evening is perhaps the prettiest time on the river.

There's a calmness about the end of a summer's day

that's always worth waiting for.

For the water birds, there's time for one last swim before nightfall.

On the banks of the river, a shadowy figure moves between the trees.

In summer, badgers wake before darkness.

All the family comes above ground to hunt for food, mainly worms.

For the cubs, the river bank offers a place to explore.

But best stick close to Mum,

and not to get too close to the water's edge.

Summer on the river.

Ah, what a glorious time!

Subtitles by Sarah Aitken BBC Broadcast 2004

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