Wild Summer River Wild


Wild Summer River

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Dawn over Devon's Dartmoor National Park.

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

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

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

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From here, it sweeps through the granite landscape,

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

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It provides a home for a great variety of wildlife.

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

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

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The white water stirs up a rich mix of food.

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

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Further downstream, calmer waters offer the perfect creche

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for the goosander and her chicks.

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These handsome ducks feed on the river's trout.

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

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It falls within an area of outstanding natural beauty

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and today remains virtually untouched by development.

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

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

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and daring adults will vigorously defend their young.

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Back on the banks of the river,

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

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

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

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

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TRAIN APPROACHES

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The peace is broken by the South Devon Railways steam train

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travelling from Buckfastleigh to Totnes.

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The train appears to pass by the wildlife unnoticed.

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

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These little hunters nest in the soft banks.

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

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Summer in Devon is a beautiful time.

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

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providing rich pickings for some.

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The river's a relaxing playground for people.

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There's plenty to see.

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

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

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The river bank holds one or two more surprises.

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A hungry vixen in search of any goodies washed ashore.

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

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

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

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before moving on to lead his own independent life.

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Early evening is perhaps the prettiest time on the river.

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

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that's always worth waiting for.

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

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

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In summer, badgers wake before darkness.

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

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

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But best stick close to Mum,

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

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Summer on the river.

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Ah, what a glorious time!

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Subtitles by Sarah Aitken BBC Broadcast 2004

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E-mail us at [email protected]

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