0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:03 > 0:00:05- Europe's ancient trails...
0:00:06 > 0:00:10- ..link us to a way of life - that is all but forgotten.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14- In this world...
0:00:15 > 0:00:18- ..great herds of animals - move annually...
0:00:18 > 0:00:22- ..from winter to summer pastures...
0:00:22 > 0:00:25- ..from the lowlands in winter...
0:00:26 > 0:00:28- ..to the highlands in summer.
0:00:32 > 0:00:37- We follow the shepherds as they - retrace their ancestors' footsteps.
0:00:39 > 0:00:44- They do all they can to protect - their flocks from any threat.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- Along the Welsh coastline...
0:00:52 > 0:00:54- ..the Spanish steppes...
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- ..Romanian hills...
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- ..along French mountain ridges - and the Tyrol peaks...
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- ..they keep the old traditions - alive.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- They are Europe's last shepherds.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21- Bardsey appears - like a ghost in the mist.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- The island rises from the sea - off the Llyn Peninsula.
0:01:31 > 0:01:36- The island was formed - 600 million years ago.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39- To us in Wales, - it's a sacred place...
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- ..providing sanctuary - for medieval pilgrims and monks.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- Bardsey now provides sanctuary - for wild life.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- It's home to seals - and migratory birds.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04- To an extent, sheep are responsible - for the birds' wellbeing.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22- Every March, hundreds of sheep - give birth to their lambs.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31- It's the busiest time of year for - Bardsey's shepherd, Steve Porter...
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- ..as he looks after his flock.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- He's on call for lambing - 24 hours a day.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46- He usually witnesses - nature's great miracle.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52- But sometimes, he is too late.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56- Shame. No heartbeat.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04- This ewe had twins.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- But only one survived.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- Death is part of the lifecycle.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- It's harder to accept - so early in any creature's life.
0:03:33 > 0:03:39- Bardsey is home to one of North - Wales's largest grey seal colonies.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- Between 150 and 200 are here - all year round...
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- ..sheltering or resting - on the island's stony beaches.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- The lambs are now two months old.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- They are unimpressed by the seals.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- They have far more important - things to worry about.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03- Grazing...
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- ..grazing...
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- ..and more grazing.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13- The lambs unknowingly - help protect the island's birds.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18- They graze the grass - to the perfect height...
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- ..for oystercatchers - to find worms and insects.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- The red-billed chough's numbers - have increased for the same reason.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- Sheep are crucial.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- The combination of good pastures...
0:04:49 > 0:04:53- ..and rock crevices for nesting - have become rare elsewhere.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- Bardsey is ideally suited - for red-billed choughs.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- The island is home - to nine breeding pairs.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- The island's 300 sheep...
0:05:17 > 0:05:22- ..ensure that it's a safe haven - for rare birds.
0:05:26 > 0:05:31- Steve the shepherd has a unique way - of keeping an eye on his flock.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40- This is a real bird's-eye view.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- He needs to be watchful.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04- Sometimes, their natural curiosity - lands them in trouble.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- This one couldn't find - its way out of the rocky inlet.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- The tide is coming in.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- With the lamb safely - in his jacket...
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- ..Steve climbs back up - to safer ground.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- He releases the lamb - to find its mother.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- From a small island - on the edge of Europe...
0:06:47 > 0:06:52- ..to the Spanish vaqueros, - or Europe's oldest cowboys.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15- They herd 800 cattle - from southern Spain...
0:07:15 > 0:07:17- ..to the north...
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- ..to escape Andalusia's - heat and sparse pasture.
0:07:24 > 0:07:29- The 300-mile long journey - will take a month.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- It's the longest cattle drive - in Europe.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44- This is El Pasajero, The Traveller.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- It is the herd leader.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54- This is the twentieth time - it's made this long journey.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- The cattle are bred - for strength and stamina.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- This marathon drive - pushes them to their limits.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- Food and pasture - can be scarce along the way.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22- The young holly oak trees - have developed a sharp foliage...
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- ..to discourage cattle.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- As a result, - they can survive up to 500 years.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- The oldest trees are the same age - as the drovers' roads...
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- ..the Canadas Reales...
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- ..or the royal trails...
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- ..established - in the late Middle Ages.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49- There are more than 80,000 miles - of them all over Spain.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- They've survived alongside - the tarmacked roads.
0:09:00 > 0:09:05- Spaniards are proud - of their Canadas.
0:09:05 > 0:09:10- They are a part of its history, - and lifelines for cattle in summer.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22- They are permitted to graze up to - 40 metres either side of the trail.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27- Canadas are a natural obstacle - to forest fires.
0:09:34 > 0:09:40- On hot June days, the temperature - rises to over 40 degrees.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- But despite the dust and drought...
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- ..the cattle can walk - for two days without water.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- The few watering holes - along the way are dry.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08- But farmers and communities - along the Canadas...
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- ..make sure the cattle - quench their thirst.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- A cow needs up to 80 litres of water - a day.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- A single well - must supply an entire herd.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- A crush is inevitable.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- If the calves - can't reach the bottom...
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- ..at least they have - an alternative option.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- Sometimes, the heat and drought - proves too much.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- This one falls ill - through exhaustion.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- The herd leaders vainly - encourage it to its feet.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- El Pasajero comes over.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20- It'll be left behind as - they move on under the stifling sun.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- At least the herd needn't fear - an attack by wolves...
0:11:35 > 0:11:36- ..or birds of prey...
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- ..unlike flocks of sheep - elsewhere on the continent.
0:11:42 > 0:11:43- .
0:11:47 > 0:11:47- Subtitles
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:50 > 0:11:55- The streets of Sumene in - Southern France are empty at midday.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04- Then all over a sudden, - they're full.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- From the streets of Sumene...
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- ..the sheep join - the Rieutord riverbed.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- The sun dried up the river.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25- It's a starting point for - the journey to highland pastures.
0:12:28 > 0:12:33- Bruno is one of the last shepherds - who still makes the journey on foot.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37- He has Garrigues sheep.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41- It's one of Europe's - oldest and rarest breeds.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50- With low body weight, - they won't fetch much at market.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- But they're robust enough - for the Cevennes mountains.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- They have the stamina - for the nine day hike.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20- The Cevennes mountains have been - granted World Heritage Status...
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- ..like Caernarfon Castle - and Blaenafon in Wales.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- The shepherds' trails - are partly responsible.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37- Drailles, - as trails are known in France...
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- ..lead the sheep through the valleys - and into the mountains.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- Wherever sheep go, others follow.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- After hundreds of sheep - pass through...
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- ..millions of flies - descend on the dung.
0:14:20 > 0:14:25- It's the perfect fertilizer - for highland plants.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- Flowers thrive here.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- WOLVES GROWL
0:14:55 > 0:15:01- There are greater numbers of wolves - here in Romania than in France.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- After separating a sheep - from the herd...
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- ..the wolves devour its carcass.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- Wherever the shepherds' trail - leads...
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- ..from winter to summer pastures...
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- ..the wolves won't be far...
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- ..watching and waiting.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- Romania's wolf population - is around 3,000.
0:15:40 > 0:15:45- Many are in the Maramures region, - on the Ukraine border.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- It's the largest population - of wolves in Europe.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- They've been left alone - in these remote mountains.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- But sheep numbers are in decline.
0:16:04 > 0:16:10- In the middle of the last century, - Maramures had a million sheep.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- There's barely 10,000 now.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18- France and Spain's traditional - shepherd trails are well protected.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22- In Maramures, they've been breached - in several places...
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- ..by people buying land.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33- The shepherds carry on - their traditional way of life...
0:16:33 > 0:16:34- ..shepherds...
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- ..and wolves.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- Maramures is Romania's - poorest region.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- Old traditions - are at their strongest here.
0:17:14 > 0:17:19- Gheorghe from Salistea brought - his herd to join the others...
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- ..summering in pastures - on the Ukraine border.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- Life is hard - for modern day Romanian shepherds.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- The chance to chat...
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- ..and share the workload - is greatly valued.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43- Gheorghe's flock joins - the other shepherds' sheep.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- After settling the sheep - in a communal pen...
0:17:54 > 0:17:56- ..they prepare for milking.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- There are hundreds of breeds - of sheep.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05- These are Turcana.
0:18:10 > 0:18:15- The dairy sheep - are milked twice a day.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- The milk is used to make cheese.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24- As the Turcana name suggests...
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- ..large flocks of sheep used - to be driven here from Turkey...
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- ..until about 100 years ago.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- Cheese making is a vital - part of their livelihood.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41- They take it in turns.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- Cheese is an important part - of their daily lives.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- When money is tight...
0:18:53 > 0:18:58- ..shepherds use it - instead of money to buy goods.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- The cheese has been separated - from the whey.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- It's wrapped in damp cloths...
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- ..and hung in the storeroom - to ripen.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- After the hard work, - it's time for a breather.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- The sheep shelter under trees.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- The sun is at its hottest.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51- A fence, dogs and Gheorghe - protect the flocks from enemies.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- The wolf can see the sheep.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- But the pen is like a fortress.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- The wolf knows he won't get in...
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- ..for now, at least.
0:20:14 > 0:20:19- The desolate Tyrol mountains - are between Austria and Italy.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- It's the habitat - of the golden eagle.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- The eagle spends its time - searching for prey.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- Among its targets - are mountain sheep and lambs.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- According - to shepherd Johann Gotsch...
0:20:51 > 0:20:56- ..a handful of mountain herbs are - as nutritious as a blade of grass.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- Is that what sends - the sheep higher and higher?
0:21:01 > 0:21:06- Whatever the reason, they edge - closer to the eagle's territory.
0:21:32 > 0:21:37- The eagle can see its prey - from half a mile away.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- In an attack, - it can reach speeds of 125mph.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- If it isn't hungry, - it's happy to play with the prey.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- Johann's sheep are safe for now.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- It's a chance to clean - the sheep's hooves.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34- The work of looking after - his flock never stops...
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- ..however far they stray.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45- The shepherd walks more than 2,000 - miles in the Tyrol every summer...
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- ..to protect his flock.
0:22:50 > 0:22:55- If the Tyrol's terrain challenge the - shepherd and his flock in summer...
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- ..how do they cope in winter?
0:23:01 > 0:23:06- Winter is the ultimate test - of the shepherds' toughness.
0:23:09 > 0:23:10- .
0:23:13 > 0:23:13- Subtitles
0:23:13 > 0:23:15- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:23:20 > 0:23:24- It's the end of winter - in the Tyrol mountains.
0:23:24 > 0:23:29- This is the backdrop to one of the - most dangerous journeys in Europe...
0:23:29 > 0:23:31- ..for a shepherd and his flock.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39- As winter draws to an end...
0:23:39 > 0:23:44- ..they must leave the Schnalstal - Valley in South Tyrol...
0:23:44 > 0:23:49- ..to reach the pastures of the - Otztal Valley in the region's north.
0:23:55 > 0:24:00- The shepherds must clear a path - through the snow for the flock.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07- Even if the snow - hasn't melted in spring...
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- ..they still have - to start the journey.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- Summer is short in the mountains.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- Waiting for warmer weather - isn't an option.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- They must go now...
0:24:23 > 0:24:27- ..although the risk - of losing animals is high.
0:24:29 > 0:24:30- BLEATS
0:24:32 > 0:24:33- SHEEP BELLS
0:24:44 > 0:24:49- They must carry animals that - are too ill or weak to carry on.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- After climbing for six hours...
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- ..they reach the Similaun Pass...
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- ..and cross the border - from Italy to Austria...
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- ..more then 10,000 above sea level.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14- There's no-one here - to check their passports.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16- The shepherds carry on.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- BLEATS
0:25:29 > 0:25:33- Tyrol has been divided between - Austria and Italy for a century.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38- But tradition - is stronger than boundaries.
0:25:38 > 0:25:43- The shepherds go from South Tyrol to - the north as if no boundary existed.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50- No journey from winter to summer - pastures is as extreme as this.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59- Johann Gotsch will - carry a lamb for miles...
0:26:00 > 0:26:02- ..to return it to its mother.
0:26:06 > 0:26:11- Johann believes his sheep - should graze in the same places...
0:26:11 > 0:26:13- ..as their ancestors.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19- But it's a challenge to protect - lambs in this exposed place.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25- They put colour on the lambs' backs, - hoping to confuse the eagle.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- As Johann checks his flock...
0:26:36 > 0:26:41- ..he hopes this will be enough - to protect them in his absence.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01- Since the age of the Celts...
0:27:01 > 0:27:04- ..wild ponies have roamed Snowdonia.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07- Here, on Wales's mainland...
0:27:07 > 0:27:09- ..unlike Bardsey...
0:27:09 > 0:27:14- ..there is plenty of grazing - land for ponies and sheep.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27- Every year, the sheep have - to be brought down to be sheared.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30- Sheepdogs are essential.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45- A dog's instinct is to hunt prey.
0:27:46 > 0:27:51- This has been controlled - by centuries of careful breeding.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03- Every day for a week, - the sheep are driven down...
0:28:03 > 0:28:06- ..from different parts - of the mountain...
0:28:06 > 0:28:11- ..then put in - the various owners' folds.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13- SHOUTING
0:28:21 > 0:28:22- Get out!
0:28:23 > 0:28:27- There are nine million - sheep in Wales...
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- ..three times more than people.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34- This is the highest ratio in Europe.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45- After the hard work...
0:28:45 > 0:28:50- ..one dog is curious about - what happens next to the sheep.
0:28:51 > 0:28:52- SHEARING MACHINE
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- With so many sheep in Wales...
0:28:58 > 0:29:01- ..wool will never be scarce.
0:29:02 > 0:29:07- The best shearers can finish - a sheep in less than a minute.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13- But a sheepdog isn't - allowed to be idle for long.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- After the shearing, - it's the sheepdog trials season.
0:29:28 > 0:29:29- BARKS
0:29:29 > 0:29:34- Today, each dog must drive - three sheep over half a mile...
0:29:34 > 0:29:36- ..and through three gates.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53- The trials test - their obedience and perseverance.
0:30:03 > 0:30:08- The task must be completed in seven - minutes without losing a sheep.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- It's too challenging for some.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19- The sheepdog works hard - for the shepherd all week.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24- But on the trials day, - the dog is the star.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31- In Romania, a sheepdog's work - is very different.
0:30:33 > 0:30:38- The flock has to be protected - from a dangerous enemy.
0:30:46 > 0:30:51- Wolves have already caught - three sheep this summer.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- They're becoming overconfident.
0:30:55 > 0:31:00- This wolf considers entering the - fold without even waiting for night.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12- But the Romanian sheepdogs - immediately spot the danger.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15- They're trained to attack an enemy.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- Only the fence - prevents fierce fighting.
0:31:24 > 0:31:25- The dogs win this time.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28- The wolf flees...
0:31:28 > 0:31:30- ..for now...
0:31:30 > 0:31:35- ..and so does its partner, - coming from another direction.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51- At night, Gheorghe lights - a fire to ward off the wolves.
0:32:09 > 0:32:10- The next morning...
0:32:10 > 0:32:15- ..Gheorghe and the other shepherds - can be proud of their dogs.
0:32:15 > 0:32:20- Once more, they proved their worth - and kept the flock safe.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45- The journey through - the Muramures hills continues.
0:32:46 > 0:32:51- The dogs keep watch and make sure a - potential enemy knows they're there.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59- They were bred to protect - sheep flocks on long journeys...
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- ..through south-eastern Europe.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07- Their behaviour - hasn't changed over the years.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- The Romanian shepherds' work - would be impossible without them.
0:33:20 > 0:33:26- In the Cevennes in France, the dogs - are known for their fearlessness.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31- But even the most fierce dog - can't protect the flock...
0:33:32 > 0:33:35- ..from the threat - of a snake or an eagle.
0:33:35 > 0:33:36- .
0:33:42 > 0:33:42- Subtitles
0:33:42 > 0:33:44- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:33:58 > 0:34:00- In France's Cevennes mountains...
0:34:01 > 0:34:06- ..the journey is almost over for the - sheep, led by the shepherd, Bruno.
0:34:09 > 0:34:14- To reach the mountains, he has - to go through these deep gorges.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18- This is the home - of the griffon vulture.
0:34:20 > 0:34:25- The cliff's shelves and crevices - are perfect for nesting sites...
0:34:25 > 0:34:30- ..and watching out for - the annual sheep flocks' arrival.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34- Vultures don't kill sheep.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37- They feed on dead animals.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43- But when the sheep pass, - the vultures follow them.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47- They know they'll get - a chance for a meal.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51- After nine days...
0:34:51 > 0:34:56- ..Bruno and his flock - have reached their destination...
0:34:56 > 0:34:59- ..the fertile meadows - of La Viallasse.
0:35:00 > 0:35:05- Some of the inhabitants have - to adapt to their new neighbours.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12- This snake doesn't want - to share its territory.
0:35:14 > 0:35:19- Its bite could kill an animal - much bigger than itself.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25- But it can't hold its ground - against so many sheep.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34- It's easier to retreat - to a quieter spot for now.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47- But woe betide a sheep that wanders - too far from the flock...
0:35:47 > 0:35:50- ..and disturbs the snake.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53- It's what happened to this sheep.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01- It was bitten by a snake.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07- Neige is shepherd - Bruno's youngest sheepdog.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10- It hasn't seen a dead sheep before.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13- Neige can't understand - why it won't get up.
0:36:14 > 0:36:15- HOWLS
0:36:30 > 0:36:33- The vultures' patience is repaid.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38- Twenty descend - on the sheep's carcass.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53- In twenty minutes, - only bones remain.
0:37:05 > 0:37:09- The Cevennes' vultures - aren't the only ones in Europe.
0:37:10 > 0:37:15- The bearded vulture is thriving - once more in the Tyrol mountains.
0:37:15 > 0:37:21- With its ten foot wingspan, - it's one of Europe's largest birds.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24- It's one of the rarest too.
0:37:26 > 0:37:31- In German, they're called - Lammergeier, or lamb killers.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35- But in reality, this superb bird...
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- ..only feeds on dead animals.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47- These are Skudde sheep.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52- They hold the record - for being Europe's smallest sheep.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59- On average, they're only - 20 inches at the shoulder.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03- They're also Europe's oldest breed.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09- These tough animals...
0:38:09 > 0:38:11- ..eat nettles and thistles.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16- But they prefer mountain herbs - when they find them.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27- The golden eagle is also - looking for a tasty morsel.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30- Lamb is the first choice.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41- It isn't afraid of the shepherd.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46- Hoping to snatch a lamb, - it heads for the flock.
0:39:12 > 0:39:13- It tries again.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17- But this time, - it doesn't get its own way.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20- The bearded vulture - has taken against the eagle...
0:39:21 > 0:39:23- ..possibly seeing it as a rival.
0:39:23 > 0:39:28- Making the most of its wider - wingspan, it attacks the eagle...
0:39:28 > 0:39:30- ..and drives it away.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43- Maybe unintentionally...
0:39:43 > 0:39:48- ..the vulture has saved - at least one of Johann's sheep.
0:39:57 > 0:40:02- In Spain, the vaqueros, - or horseback drovers...
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- ..have almost - reached their destination.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08- They count their cattle - every morning.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11- So far, they've had no more losses.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19- They've been travelling - to the highlands for 25 days.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29- The cattle's last challenge - is climbing this rocky gorge.
0:40:34 > 0:40:39- It's too steep for the vaqueros - to follow them on horseback.
0:40:42 > 0:40:47- But the herd know their way - and follow the same paths as ever...
0:40:48 > 0:40:51- ..sensing that - their journey is almost over.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56- This is the last test - of their amazing stamina.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39- This is the last stage - of the annual marathon.
0:41:39 > 0:41:44- At the end of the gorge, there - is water to encourage them onwards.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49- This is the River Tajo's source.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53- It meanders - across Spain and Portugal...
0:41:53 > 0:41:57- ..flowing to the Atlantic, - more than 600 miles away.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03- The shallow water here - cools the cattle's hooves...
0:42:03 > 0:42:06- ..as they quench their thirst.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21- At last, the herd reaches the - meadows of Frias De Albarracin...
0:42:21 > 0:42:24- ..and start grazing at once.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33- El Pasajero has completed the - journey for the twentieth time...
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- ..and led Spain's largest - herd to its reward...
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- ..six months - to enjoy the sweet pasture...
0:42:42 > 0:42:44- ..so far from the heat of the south.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59- Travelling from winter - to summer pastures...
0:43:00 > 0:43:04- ..is a tradition - that is thousands of years old.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08- In the hectic modern world...
0:43:09 > 0:43:13- ..it seems a more - relaxed way of life.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16- But it's a tough life - for shepherd and flock...
0:43:16 > 0:43:19- ..facing wolves and eagles.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28- They're driven - by economic necessity.
0:43:29 > 0:43:32- But biodiversity thrives - as a result.
0:43:36 > 0:43:41- The countries where these last - shepherds work are very different.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44- But they all have - one thing in common.
0:43:45 > 0:43:49- They know how to live modestly - and work with nature...
0:43:49 > 0:43:51- ..not against it.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00- It's October on Bardsey.
0:44:05 > 0:44:10- For the sheep, it's time - for the year's biggest journey.
0:44:18 > 0:44:23- Steve chooses the sheep and lambs - that leave the island this year.
0:44:24 > 0:44:28- Bardsey can't support - a high number of sheep.
0:44:30 > 0:44:34- Overgrazing would impact - the island's ability...
0:44:34 > 0:44:37- ..to maintain - all its birds and plants.
0:44:38 > 0:44:42- Bardsey can support - 300 sheep at most.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58- It's an unusual way to move sheep.
0:45:07 > 0:45:11- The shepherd becomes - a sailor for a while...
0:45:11 > 0:45:15- ..and the sheep face - a short cruise across the Sound.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57- Their hesitantly step - onto the mainland.
0:46:01 > 0:46:05- Moving from summer - to winter pastures and back...
0:46:05 > 0:46:09- ..requires bravery - from animals and shepherds alike.
0:46:13 > 0:46:15- But there are advantages.
0:46:15 > 0:46:18- These sheep will have pastures...
0:46:18 > 0:46:22- ..with marvellous views - of their native island.
0:46:22 > 0:46:27- And when leading their flocks to - greener pastures all over Europe...
0:46:27 > 0:46:32- ..the shepherds know - they're continuing a tradition.
0:46:34 > 0:46:39- They enjoy a different relationship - with the world around them.
0:46:39 > 0:46:44- Maybe in this respect, they have - an important lesson for us...
0:46:44 > 0:46:48- ..how to lead a modest - and sustainable life.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47- S4C Subtitles by Gwead