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0:00:30 > 0:00:33- Everyone wants to escape sometimes. - Everyone wants peace and quiet.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- Even the Royal Family. - Maybe them, more than most.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- And ever since Queen Victoria - and Prince Albert...
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- ..bought this castle - in Scotland in 1848...
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- ..this is the Royals' - summer home - Balmoral.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- But Balmoral is more - than just a castle.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- It's a huge estate which - protects the area's wildlife.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59- To run an estate this size, - a large staff is needed.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- One of these - is Glyn Jones from Anglesey.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- I like working on Balmoral a lot.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10- I've come to know everyone here. - I enjoy the work.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18- Very often, when I drive home - around five o'clock...
0:01:18 > 0:01:24- ..I listen to traffic reports - about traffic jams on the M25.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28- I always feel happy. - All I have to worry about...
0:01:28 > 0:01:31- ..is that a deer might - leap across the track.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- The Balmoral estate, in - Aberdeenshire, northern Scotland...
0:01:55 > 0:01:58- ..is in the Cairngorms - National Park.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- High in these mountains, the River - Dee begins its journey to the sea.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07- Albert might have been - Victoria's first love...
0:02:08 > 0:02:10- ..but this part - of Scotland was her second.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- Since buying Balmoral, the area - has been called Royal Deeside.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25- This is Easter Balmoral, - the estate village.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27- There are about 20 houses here.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30- Most are homes of estate staff.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- Looking across, - we can see the golf course.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40- I think this is the fourth fairway.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- At the top of the golf course - is Craigowan House...
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- ..where members of the Royal Family - stay from time to time.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- The Queen is there - usually at Easter.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- Over there, that's Craigowan Hill.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01- There's Purchase Cairn, made - of stones, on top of Craigowan.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06- The Royal Family, in Queen - Victoria's day, built the cairn.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- Queen Victoria and the children - placed the foundation stones.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13- Then, the estate staff built it.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- Prince Albert placed - the stone on top of the cairn.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20- Then, they had a party up there, - a ceilidh, with a fiddler...
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- ..and a few drams of whisky.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- Down there is quite a large house.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- It's called Baile-na-Coille.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32- It was built for John Brown...
0:03:32 > 0:03:36- ..one of the estate staff - in Queen Victoria's day.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- These days, the Factor, the chap - who runs the estate and my boss...
0:03:41 > 0:03:42- ..lives in Baile-na-Coille.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- John Brown was rather more - than just a member of staff.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- He became a close friend - of Victoria's.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- The story was told - in a film 'Mrs Brown'...
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- ..with Billy Connolly - and Judi Dench in the leading roles.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- They didn't win any Oscars, but - there was one for Helen Mirren...
0:04:00 > 0:04:04- ..for the film 'The Queen' recently, - also set in Balmoral.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12- The estate is huge - 50,000 acres...
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- ..with seven mountains - higher than Snowdon.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- Thousands of people - come here to walk and climb.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- But tourism isn't the most - important concern on the estate.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25- It's caring for wildlife.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- Many species of rare birds, animals - and plants are protected here.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- The Rangers - who look after the land...
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- ..are wildlife shepherds, in a way. - And Glyn is the Chief Ranger.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- After leaving school, I went - to Imperial College, London...
0:04:46 > 0:04:48- ..and took a degree in Zoology.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53- Then, I went to Bangor University - to do a higher degree...
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- ..in Countryside Management.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00- My first job was - with the RSPB on Anglesey.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- Later, I moved to a post with - the National Trust in Snowdonia.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- I worked there - for four years as a warden.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11- Then, I saw this job advertised.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- I've been here for - just over four years now.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- The main attraction - is the mountains.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- I like working on the mountains.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29- Lochnagar, and the other mountains - nearby, are very nice mountains.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32- But since we are so far north...
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- ..the weather can be - very challenging...
0:05:37 > 0:05:39- ..especially in the winter months.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- Do the roads also pose a challenge?
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- Do the roads also pose a challenge?- - Yes, they are quite challenging.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- But once you've driven along them a - couple of times, you get used to it.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- One of the main parts of my job - is to monitor rare birds.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- There are all kinds of birds here.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- It's a marvellous place for birds.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- The habitat on Balmoral - is very healthy.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- We have many birds of prey - - all the kinds you'd expect to see.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- So, if you enjoy birds, - it's a great place to work.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- There's an old house - here in the trees.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- Queen Victoria had this house built - after Prince Albert died.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30- There are usually four black - grouse cocks on the front lawn.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- Hopefully, I can creep up - slowly towards the cocks...
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- ..so we can have - a closer look at them.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- Yes, there is one on the lawn.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- There are two displaying now.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- These are cocks - - they're showing off.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- There are hens here - somewhere, watching.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05- The hens are totally different. - Their camouflage works much better.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- They watch what's happening...
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- ..decide which male they like...
0:07:11 > 0:07:16- ..then that cock will breed - with all the hens in the wood.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- If you look carefully - at the cocks...
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- ..you see a bit of red skin - above their eyes.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- The size of that skin tells you - how much testosterone that cock has.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- The bigger the piece of skin, - the more testosterone they have.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- And the more testosterone there is, - the more aggressive the cock is.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43- We've planted some trees - in front of the house.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- We haven't used wire fencing - - we've put up wooden fences.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52- The problem with wire fences is - that the birds can't see the wire...
0:07:52 > 0:07:53- ..when the light isn't strong.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- So there's a problem, they fly - into the wire and kill themselves.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- There are four, one has just - flown off - so, five, in all.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- It's the first time - I've seen five here.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- We're one up which is good.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- An important part of Glyn - and the team's work...
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- ..is counting and monitoring - rare birds every spring.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- But birds aren't always - so easy to find.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- This is the season when - the birds are starting to breed.
0:08:38 > 0:08:43- It's the time we try to monitor and - count the various species of bird.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- Black grouse, ptarmigan, - capercaillie, birds of prey...
0:08:49 > 0:08:53- ..like peregrine falcons, - eagles and ospreys, too.
0:08:53 > 0:08:54- Can you see the cliffs?
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- It sort of snakes around the curves - and comes underneath the cliffs.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- Walk below the cliffs - and stick to the track.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- There's a radio. It's on Channel 1.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- Just keep it on Channel 1. - Press that to speak.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- I'll give you a shout - later on this morning.
0:09:10 > 0:09:11- OK.
0:09:11 > 0:09:12- OK.- - Good luck. See you later.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- I've often lost people doing this.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21- The place is so huge.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- You drop someone off and you think - you know where they'll turn up.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- Sometimes, they're not there, - and you have to search for them.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- Hopefully, everything will - run smoothly this morning...
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- ..and we can pick everyone up - quickly the end of the morning...
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- ..and go back to the office for tea.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- But I'm ready for the possibility - that I'll have to drive around...
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- ..or go into the forest - to look for them later.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- But there were no problems today. - Everyone came back safely.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- Hi, Fraser. How did you get on?
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- I think there's about - four grey heron overall.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- There was one over by Craigdoyne, - just as I was coming up the hill.
0:10:14 > 0:10:15- I pushed the black cock into there.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- So I'll include the one - I flushed in my count.
0:10:18 > 0:10:19- Yes.
0:10:19 > 0:10:20- Yes.- - OK, cheers.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- I spend about half my time - in the office...
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- ..and the rest out on the mountain.
0:10:37 > 0:10:42- I prefer to be out, but there's a - also lot of paperwork with the job.
0:10:42 > 0:10:48- Loads of papers to read, e-mails - to answer, letters arriving daily...
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- ..from people asking about doing - all kinds of things on the estate.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- It was about 7.30 - by the time we got to the site.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- What I like about - the job is the variety.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- There's no typical day.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- You never know what will happen next - on an estate like this.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- Throughout the seasons, - the work varies too.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- If it's raining - and not very nice outdoors...
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- ..I can come here, have a cup - of tea and catch up on paperwork.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- When the weather improves, I go out.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- There's always something - that needs attention outdoors.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38- Yes, it's still spring.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- It's May, and it's still the season - for counting and monitoring birds.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- But not on the lawn - or in the forest, this time.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- Today, we're going - to count ptarmigan...
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- ..high up on Lochnagar.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- Some of the lads are coming with us.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- It looks rather rough now...
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- ..and the forecast is - for worse weather this afternoon.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- What happened to the idea of tea - and paperwork in the office...
0:12:07 > 0:12:09- ..if the weather's bad?
0:12:09 > 0:12:14- Ptarmigan are a kind of grouse which - live on high mountainous ground.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- In this country, - they're only found in Scotland.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- You won't usually find ptarmigan - lower than 1,000 metres.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- So we have quite a walk - before we can start counting.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- We've just arrived at the habitat - where we'd expect to find ptarmigan.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- We've found ptarmigan droppings - straightaway.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- There are quite a lot.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50- I think what has happened is - that a pair spent the night here.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- Five, seven, three, four.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59- The main thing that tells me that - these are ptarmigan droppings...
0:13:00 > 0:13:05- ..is the high altitude here - at almost 900 metres.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09- The other thing that tells me - that it's ptarmigan...
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- ..is the droppings' bore diameter.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- Ptarmigan are smaller - than red grouse.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- Enough droppings to show that - they are around somewhere...
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- ..but the question is, where?
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- So they carry on climbing - in the hope the rare bird appears.
0:13:31 > 0:13:32- At last...
0:13:33 > 0:13:34- ..there it is.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48- Ptarmigan live on high mountains - in several parts of the world.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- In Britain, they're only - found on Scotland's high peaks.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- So they won't be spotted on Snowdon!
0:13:58 > 0:14:03- It's extremely exposed up here. - The wind is blowing at 50mph now.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07- It's about minus 2 degrees, - but in the wind...
0:14:07 > 0:14:09- ..it feels closer to minus 15.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- So we're going to turn back, and - maybe come back up here next week...
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- ..when the weather is better.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- What about that cup of tea now?
0:14:23 > 0:14:23- .
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- 888
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- At last, the snow has - disappeared from the mountains...
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- ..and summer has arrived - in Balmoral.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- But Glyn has no time to rest.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- The work continues but changes its - nature as with every new season.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- Without the bad weather, - which can last so long...
0:15:06 > 0:15:11- ..and make work difficult, animals - and birds of all kinds appear.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- The owners of the castle and lands - also appear in summer.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- The Royal Family experience the - warmth and welcome of Balmoral...
0:15:30 > 0:15:34- ..in a welcoming party before - they enjoy the estate's privacy...
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- ..for the rest of the holiday.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- There are two formal occasions - when I meet The Queen.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- I have to meet her when she arrives - at the start of her holiday...
0:15:54 > 0:15:55- ..in the Castle.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- We do what we call the 'line-up'.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- The heads of the various departments - who work on the estate...
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- ..line up, and when she reaches the - estate, she goes along the line...
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- ..shakes hands - and chats with everyone.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- Then, she begins - her stay in the Castle.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- At the end of her holiday...
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- ..we have what's called - the Stalkers' Tea Party...
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- ..when we have a cup of tea - with The Queen.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- Everyone also receives a book - as a gift from her...
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- ..which she presents to us - at the end of the party.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- That takes place at the end - of her stay on the estate.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- I like working for the Royal Family. - They look after the estate well.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- They also look after the staff well.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- When they are here, you see them out - on the mountain and in the forest.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- It's nice to feel that your boss...
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- ..feels the same as you do - about the countryside...
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- ..and wants to look after the estate - in the most responsible way.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13- Throughout the year, we try - to monitor and control mink...
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- ..on the rivers.
0:17:18 > 0:17:23- The problem with mink is that - they eat water voles on the estate.
0:17:24 > 0:17:29- Five years ago, we had over - 40 colonies of water voles here.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- Now we're down to about 3 colonies.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36- One of the reasons for that - is the mink moving in.
0:17:37 > 0:17:42- Mink shouldn't be here. - They were released from fur farms...
0:17:42 > 0:17:46- ..and they've spread - all over the country now.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- They're a problem everywhere.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51- We call this the 'minkraft'.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53- This is the trap.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- The way it works is that - the mink comes up the river.
0:17:59 > 0:18:04- They climb up the side of the raft - and go in through the tunnel...
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- ..down the other side - - minks like going into tunnels.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14- In the tunnel, - there's soft, wet clay.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20- As the mink goes through, we pick - up the footprints on the clay.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25- Once we find mink footprints, - we start trapping in that area.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- After putting the trap down, - we check it every day.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- Sometimes, we catch rats.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- We've caught wild cats - a few times in these traps.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48- If we find anything else, - we release them at once.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- The trap doesn't kill the animal, - it just catches it.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00- If we catch mink, then - obviously, we have to shoot it.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- The Royal Family come to Balmoral - for private holidays...
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- ..for some peace from - the paparazzi for two months.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- But only the Castle and gardens - are closed when they are here.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27- The paths and mountains they enjoy - are open to everyone else too.
0:19:29 > 0:19:34- During the year, the estate - receives about 200,000 visitors...
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- ..mostly in summer.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- I'm a member of the - Braemar Mountain Rescue Team.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55- We get called out to search for - people who haven't returned...
0:19:55 > 0:20:00- ..when they're expected - - they are just 'overdue walkers'.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- Usually, they're just lost - rather than injured.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- It's quite a difficult - area to navigate.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- A lot of the mountains - look exactly the same.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17- Very often, people just lose their - way, especially when mist descends.
0:20:21 > 0:20:22- 'Morning.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- The problem here is that we get - a lot of people coming up Lochnagar.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- It's a very popular mountain.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- We think about 50,000 people - climb to the summit annually.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- The impact of the walkers' - footsteps on the land....
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- ..causes quite serious erosion.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- At the moment, the helicopter - is transporting stones...
0:21:12 > 0:21:17- ..from here to where - the path is being repaired.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- As you see, lots of bags - have been filled with stones.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- 130 bags have to be - moved up to the site.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- The helicopter takes about 4 minutes - to fly up and drop one bag...
0:21:31 > 0:21:35- ..so it'll take most of the day - to fly the stones up.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- The helicopter costs - over 500 per hour.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- It'll take about 8 hours today - to move all the stones.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- We can move stones with - tracked wheelbarrows or winches.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55- But by using a helicopter...
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- ..we can move many - more stones, much faster.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04- I think the clouds look - as if they're lifting.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- We'll keep going for a while longer.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- Erosion isn't just a problem - in Balmoral and Scotland.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- It happens in Wales, and indeed, - wherever there are many walkers...
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- ..footprints spoil the land.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- Although it's expensive, - the solution is to work on paths...
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- ..not to keep people away.
0:22:30 > 0:22:35- The work on the footpaths - is very expensive.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- The work here costs about 60,000.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- This summer, four teams, spread over - the estate, are repairing the paths.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- Looking after the paths - is a small part of my work...
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- ..but this time of year, - a lot is happening.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- Summer is the only time - we can get lads to work up here.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- There's quite serious erosion here.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- Also, the growing season - is very short up here...
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- ..so the grass and heather - don't have time to grow back...
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- ..once it's been - worn down by footprints.
0:23:15 > 0:23:20- There's a lot of water and rain here - which also cause erosion.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- One of the reasons I decided - to come and work in Scotland...
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- ..was because there are - so many birds of prey here.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- This estate is one - of the best places to see them.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01- There are eagles, - peregrine falcons, ospreys.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05- A great number of birds of prey - nest on the estate every year.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- It's quite a good game to try - to work out what's happening...
0:24:09 > 0:24:11- ..where they are, - how many of them there are...
0:24:12 > 0:24:14- ..and how well they are doing.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- This is a very beautiful - part of the estate.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37- It's a remote site. It takes - two hours to drive up here.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42- I enjoy coming - to this part of the estate.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44- Any excuse, I'll come here.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50- It reminds me of home, - of Wales, with the slopes...
0:24:50 > 0:24:53- ..there's more grass here - and less heather.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56- I enjoy coming to this area.
0:24:56 > 0:24:56- .
0:25:14 > 0:25:16- 888
0:25:25 > 0:25:27- Summer has come to an end.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29- The tourists have gone home.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33- The work ends for - the hundred part-time staff...
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- ..who work in the Castle - and gardens...
0:25:36 > 0:25:39- ..as the Royal Family leave their - beautiful estate in Scotland...
0:25:39 > 0:25:41- ..and Royal Deeside.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49- But fifty people continue to work - on the estate throughout the year.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52- Glyn is one of them, of course.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57- We're trying to collect - heather seed now...
0:25:58 > 0:26:00- ..the seed pods.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- We've closed one estate track.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- There's a lot of land without - heather, so we've closed the track.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11- This time of year, we spread - heather seed on the track...
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- ..in the hope it'll start - to grow in spring.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29- They follow the track - for another hour.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41- Then, they walk until they reach - 6,000 feet where the seed is needed.
0:26:42 > 0:26:47- No sign of snow or rain yet, but - there's no telling with the weather.
0:26:47 > 0:26:53- We got an 8-ton excavator - for a month, in September.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57- It pulled in the sides - of the track, re-landscaped it...
0:26:57 > 0:26:59- ..and pulled in the vegetation.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03- So, all this area has been - re-turfed and landscaped.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08- There are still loads of soil - without any vegetation...
0:27:09 > 0:27:13- ..so we're trying to spread - heather seed on the soil...
0:27:14 > 0:27:18- ..and hope they'll take root - and start to grow in spring.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24- The weather isn't too bad today. - It's quite mild.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28- But the wind is causing problems.
0:27:28 > 0:27:33- It has also started to rain but rain - will help seed to stick to the soil.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38- We just hope that some of the seed - will stick to the soil...
0:27:38 > 0:27:40- ..and not all blow away.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43- But we have to do the work - this week really...
0:27:44 > 0:27:46- ..or the seed will rot in the bags.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48- Yes, the rain came.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53- But, compared to Snowdonia, - there isn't a lot annually.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57- 74 cms here, 508 cms in Snowdonia.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19- We see red squirrels here very - often and all over the estate.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24- There are over 3,000 hectares - of forest on the estate...
0:28:24 > 0:28:28- ..and there are squirrels - in all the woods.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34- Red squirrels are - becoming very rare.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38- There's a problem with - grey squirrels moving in...
0:28:38 > 0:28:42- ..and taking over the red - squirrels' territory.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46- But these are this country's - native squirrels.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48- They should be here.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52- The grey squirrels - have come from America.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57- In my eyes, red squirrels - are much prettier really.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06- Here, by the Visitors' Centre, - we put out food...
0:29:06 > 0:29:10- ..so that the public can see them - and get quite close to them.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15- This is probably one of the best - places in the country...
0:29:15 > 0:29:17- ..to see red squirrels.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- One of the main reasons - I moved up to Scotland...
0:29:34 > 0:29:38- ..was so I could go out - on the mountains in winter.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43- When I lived down in Wales, - I'd often travel up to Scotland...
0:29:43 > 0:29:45- ..to go out in snow, in winter.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- But, often by the time I came up - here, the snow had melted...
0:29:50 > 0:29:53- ..with only mist and rain, and - I'd have to drive all the way home.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58- In the end, I decided the best way - was to move up here to live.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00- Then, I could go at any time.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03- We'll go along that route, shall we?
0:30:03 > 0:30:07- Looking at the snow, it's been - coming over the top there.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09- It'll be blowing into the gully.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- A lot will probably come down there - today. Shall we head up there?
0:30:12 > 0:30:15- Do you think there'll be anyone - climbing up there today at all?
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- No, conditions are not - good enough for climbing.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22- Part of the Rangers' work on the - estate is to provide information...
0:30:22 > 0:30:27- ..about safety for people walking - and climbing on the mountain.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33- The weather can be severe - during all the winter months.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36- There are only two months a year...
0:30:36 > 0:30:40- ..we can guarantee there'll be - no snow on the mountain.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44- I've been up Lochangar in June in - blizzard and white-out conditions.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55- Avalanches can occur all winter, - especially this time...
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- ..when the temperature - can rise and the snow melts.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02- Eventually, it'll fall - off the mountain.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06- Today, it's Category 3, which - is 'considerable avalanche risk'.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10- Often, we have no choice...
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- ..especially if someone has had - an accident or is buried in snow...
0:31:14 > 0:31:18- ..or if we have to pick up an - injured person from the mountain.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22- We have to put ourselves in a - situation where there's a chance...
0:31:22 > 0:31:24- ..that an avalanche could occur.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31- One man was killed four years - ago in an avalanche.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36- Usually, you're not - buried by the snow...
0:31:36 > 0:31:40- ..you're just pushed off - the mountain - you fall down.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44- Then, there's a chance you hit - a rock or fall over a cliff.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47- It can be quite serious up there.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52- Although walking in snow - is a hobby of Glyn's...
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- ..he isn't just out - walking today - this is work.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58- Here, look.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02- It's still quite exposed here, - so it's getting half blown off.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- This stuff, the snow you've got - in your magnifying glass now...
0:32:05 > 0:32:06- ..is the real McCoy.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10- By studying the snow carefully - in winter, on a daily basis...
0:32:11 > 0:32:14- ..they can say what conditions are - like higher up in the mountains.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- A warning can be put on the internet - if an avalanche threatens.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24- As the world gets warmer, - the weather is changing.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27- There is less snow - and fewer people on the mountains.
0:32:28 > 0:32:29- The quietest year, for climbing...
0:32:29 > 0:32:30- Because of changeable conditions?
0:32:30 > 0:32:31- Because of changeable conditions?- - ..I can ever remember.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36- Certainly on Lochnagar...
0:32:36 > 0:32:39- ..one of the jewels - in the crown of Scottish climbing...
0:32:39 > 0:32:40- ..and yet it's been so quiet.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57- Safeguarding, or protecting, is - the message everywhere in Balmoral.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59- Safeguarding the family - which owns the estate...
0:32:59 > 0:33:03- ..and protecting - the rich land and wildlife.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06- There are rare plants here...
0:33:06 > 0:33:09- ..and all kinds of wild animals - and birds in the forests...
0:33:09 > 0:33:11- ..and on the mountains.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16- Many are hard to spot, but others - are very evident on the estate.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18- And everyone marvels at them.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23- But although the deer are handsome, - they can cause a lot of damage...
0:33:23 > 0:33:27- ..to the land and trees, - if their numbers aren't controlled.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47- And they are not controlled - by being told to behave...
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- ..to avoid grazing on the heather - and to keep away from the trees!
0:33:51 > 0:33:54- There's only one way, - unfortunately, to control them.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07- "Welcome to the Balmoral, Lochnagar - and Glen Clova Hillphone Service.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12- "This message was recorded on - Sunday, November 26th, at 8.00am.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15- "Stag stalking has now finished - in both hillphone areas.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- "However, hind stalking commenced - from Monday, October the 23rd...
0:34:19 > 0:34:21- "..throughout both hillphone areas.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24- "Walkers are asked - to remain on footpaths...
0:34:25 > 0:34:27- "..on days when stalking - is taking place.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30- "For further information, please - contact the Balmoral Ranger Service.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33- "Thank you for using - this hillphone service.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- "Enjoy your day on the hill. Please - use this service again next year."
0:34:39 > 0:34:43- In Victorian times, deer were shot - as part of the excitement of hunts.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47- Today, they are shot - to protect the land and wildlife.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51- But not much has changed - in the methods used.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55- Horses and guns.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00- You want a closer look first?
0:35:00 > 0:35:01- OK.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03- They won't cross themselves.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05- They won't cross themselves.- - If that's possible.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09- They'll come up this side. We'll cut - the fence and put them through here.
0:35:09 > 0:35:10- It's a wee bit dangerous.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16- Two of the stalkers - are heading off to look for deer.
0:35:16 > 0:35:21- We hope we'll find some - half an hour further along this way.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- Two other stalkers are - bringing six more horses...
0:35:25 > 0:35:27- ..from the other side of the estate.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31- They have a 10-mile walk - this morning before they arrive.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35- We'll use the horses to carry - the deer from the mountain...
0:35:35 > 0:35:38- ..after they've been shot.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40- GUNSHOTS
0:36:09 > 0:36:13- At this time of year, we've got - about 3,000 red deer on the estate.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17- We don't want any more than that - because of the impact they have...
0:36:17 > 0:36:19- ..on the vegetation and the trees.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23- So we count the deer twice a year...
0:36:23 > 0:36:28- ..we monitor the vegetation, - then decide how many deer to shoot.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32- This year, - we have to shoot about 600.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- We shoot hinds all winter.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41- By Christmas, we'll have shot - most of them on this estate.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45- Then, the lads go to shoot - on other estates after Christmas.
0:36:46 > 0:36:51- Hi, Arthur, Glyn and the camera crew - are going to go back now, OK?
0:36:51 > 0:36:54- I was suggesting could one of them - bring one of your Land Rovers...
0:36:55 > 0:36:57- ..down to the loch deer gate?
0:37:03 > 0:37:07- Without controlling the deer, - there wouldn't be food for them all.
0:37:08 > 0:37:09- Those left behind are healthy.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14- Balmoral venison is - of the highest quality...
0:37:14 > 0:37:18- ..and found in the country's - best restaurants.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23- If we head over there, - we're not going to disturb anything?
0:37:23 > 0:37:25- No, they're all up there.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29- OK. Just round that way?
0:37:29 > 0:37:31- Through that, and head on to there.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04- It's a very good experience - to live on Balmoral.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06- Everyone's very nice here.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09- There's a community feeling.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13- We all work as a team - and have the same goal...
0:38:13 > 0:38:17- ..to ensure the estate - functions as well as possible.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22- At the end of the day, you feel - as if you've accomplished something.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28- A lot of people have come here - and thought they would work here...
0:38:28 > 0:38:32- ..for a short time, - and they stay all their lives.
0:38:33 > 0:38:37- So I don't know. Maybe - I'll still be here in my old age.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- The work of a wildlife shepherd - here on Balmoral never stops.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45- Every season brings - its own challenge.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48- But it's more than a job for Glyn.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50- He spends his leisure time here too.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55- And it's a enduring pleasure - to be on the slopes of Lochnagar.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22- S4/C Subtitles by GWEAD
0:39:22 > 0:39:23- .