0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:06 > 0:00:11- I'm on an exciting journey - along the west coast of Europe.
0:00:12 > 0:00:13- Crikey, what a place!
0:00:13 > 0:00:18- My journey began in the middle - of the Atlantic, in the Azores.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22- Oh, wow. Look at these.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24- It will end in Iceland.
0:00:27 > 0:00:32- It's a journey from the warm south - to the cold north.
0:00:32 > 0:00:33- I'm swimming here...
0:00:35 > 0:00:37- ..between two continents.
0:00:37 > 0:00:42- I'll take you to Western Europe's - remotest and wildest reaches.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- We'll witness fantastic wildlife - and great sights...
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- ..in France, the Channel Islands...
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- ..Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly...
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- ..Ireland, Scotland - and the Faroe Islands.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- There are birds everywhere. - It's a paradise for me.
0:01:07 > 0:01:13- I'm exploring nature - in countries facing the Atlantic.
0:01:14 > 0:01:19- There's nothing between me - and America, just the ocean.
0:01:19 > 0:01:24- The Atlantic influences - the climate and wildlife...
0:01:24 > 0:01:27- ..of every country - in Western Europe.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37- It's a journey on land, - underwater and underground...
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- ..through storms and sunshine.
0:01:41 > 0:01:42- There's one here.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45- It's going to be some journey.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55- I'm travelling along - the French coast to Brittany.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- I'm heading for the Channel Islands, - Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08- I'll swim in an underwater cave - in search of marine marvels.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10- Look at those. Beautiful.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- I'll see a blonde hedgehog.
0:02:14 > 0:02:15- I can see its snout.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- I'll also see a green lizard.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- This is impressive.
0:02:21 > 0:02:26- I'll join twitchers - jostling to see a rare bird.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- It's the first one I've seen - in Britain, so I'm happy!
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- My journey begins - in the South of France...
0:02:34 > 0:02:38- ..about 30 miles south of Toulouse, - in rural Ariege.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- The land is fertile and rich.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- It's like visiting a land - from your dreams.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- Everything is perfect and seems - to hark back to a bygone age.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10- I love France.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14- I always have. Look at this place.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16- A crop field and some trees.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- What makes it so different?
0:03:19 > 0:03:24- I couldn't work out how it differed - to crop fields at home.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30- Yes, it's warmer here, - but that's not the telling factor.
0:03:31 > 0:03:37- It hasn't been sprayed constantly - with poisonous pesticides...
0:03:37 > 0:03:41- ..to kill the insects and weeds.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48- As a result, poppies thrive here - and there are insects everywhere.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51- If you stop...
0:03:51 > 0:03:53- ..and listen...
0:03:53 > 0:03:58- ..you can hear insects - and birds calling.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- There's a constant natural sound - all around.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04- It's the sound of nature.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- Something else I've found here...
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- ..and I've not seen them - elsewhere in France, are bee-eaters.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- They're probably Europe's - most colourful birds.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- They're here - because they eat large insects...
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- ..primarily bees and beetles.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- If the crops were sprayed, - the birds would disappear.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- There are many bee-eaters here.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- It's like watching swallows - searching for insects in Wales.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- These are much prettier and larger.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45- They also catch larger insects - on the wing.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- Since the land isn't treated - with poisonous chemicals...
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- ..there's lush growth - along the field edges.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05- This provides an excellent habitat - for animals.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- This is a Western whip snake.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- It's very common - across Southern France.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15- Like our grass snakes, - Western whip snakes move quickly...
0:05:15 > 0:05:17- ..hence the name.
0:05:17 > 0:05:22- It's not venomous, but it uses - its speed to defend itself.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- I won't visit a habitat like this - for the rest of my journey.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- The combination of southern heat, - rain from the Atlantic...
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- ..and land that's farmed - in the old-fashioned way...
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- ..makes this place - a paradise for naturalists.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- The next location on my journey...
0:05:53 > 0:05:58- ..is Bassin d'Arcachon, - some 40 miles from Bordeaux.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04- There are fine sand dunes in Wales, - but these are incredible.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- The Pyla sand dune - is the largest in Europe.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16- It's about 500m wide, - two miles long...
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- ..and over 100 metres high.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- It's formed - by the strong Atlantic winds...
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- ..that regularly hit - this part of France.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- This happens - all along Europe's coast...
0:06:32 > 0:06:38- ..but here, there's nothing but sea - between France and America.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43- It's the best example of the effect - Atlantic winds have on sand.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- It began to form - over 5,000 years ago.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- It moves inland - by about seven metres each year.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- One important habitat - stands in its way.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- A wide boundary of pine trees.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04- This is the Landes forest, Europe's - largest coastal pine forest.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- It was planted by man - to produce wood.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- There are similar forests - along the Welsh coast...
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- ..but this one - is considerably larger.
0:07:17 > 0:07:22- I'm in an open part of the forest - where young trees have been planted.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- It's the perfect place - to see wildlife.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- This is a hobby.
0:07:29 > 0:07:34- I'm here primarily to see this bird - - the Montagu's harrier.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39- We saw it previously in Portugal, - flying above the steppe land.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44- Many pairs have nested in a very - different habitat in Landes forest.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- Marie-Francoise Canevet - looks after the birds.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- Ah, oui, oui.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- A male on the left of the road.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- Down there.
0:08:02 > 0:08:03- He's got a small prey.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- He's got a small prey.- - Here she comes.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11- He's going to drop down, is he? No.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- Here she comes, here she comes.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- Oh, wow.
0:08:24 > 0:08:25- That's nice.
0:08:26 > 0:08:32- We've just seen a male Montagu's - harrier arriving with prey.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- He called the female over - from the nest.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- He passed the food to her.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- She's taking the food - back to the nest.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- I can hear a cuckoo - calling incessantly behind me.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- It's nice to see so many pairs.
0:08:49 > 0:08:54- He came in, saw another female - and ignored her completely.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- He flew over the nest - and called the female away from it.
0:08:58 > 0:09:03- It's nice to see birds - that are so rare at home...
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- ..flourishing here.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- There are so many birds here.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- Everywhere, yeah.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- At least five pairs.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18- Wow.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- They're such beautiful birds.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- What are they eating? - It's not big prey.
0:09:23 > 0:09:24- Lizards.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- Lizards.- - That's what they eat here?
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- Yes, most of them.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30- Yes, most of them.- - That surprises me.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- They mostly eat mice - and small birds.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36- This one has been tagged...
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- ..so that information about - its movements can be collected.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- They nest among young trees, - on the ground...
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- ..surrounded by tall vegetation.
0:09:47 > 0:09:53- When the chicks are old enough - to be left, after a fortnight...
0:09:53 > 0:09:59- ..the mother will carry her prey - to this path and eat it there.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- There's more room available.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- Here's a tiny lizard.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10- According to Marie, this is one - of the most common lizards here.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- This is one way to find out - if there are pairs nearby.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- She walks along these paths - and looks for evidence like this.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- She looks for droppings, - or half-eaten prey.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- It's an indication - that the nest is nearby.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30- She can stand here, wait and watch - the birds flying towards the nest.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32- Great stuff.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- The Montagu's harrier - is a very rare bird in Britain.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- There are only six pairs, - all located in Southern England.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- When they nested in Wales, - over 50 years ago...
0:10:51 > 0:10:56- ..it was in a similar habitat - in Newborough, Anglesey.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- They are evidently attracted - by this habitat.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- The major difference - between France and Wales...
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- ..is the size of the habitats.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- With so much space here, there's - a vast landscape for wildlife.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- This is very true - about French wetlands.
0:11:16 > 0:11:21- In Brittany, there's an impressive - marshland, one I'd never heard of.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26- It's one of the best habitats - I've ever visited.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- I'd love to have - a place like this in Wales.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- I'd be over the moon.
0:11:33 > 0:11:33- .
0:11:36 > 0:11:36- Subtitles
0:11:36 > 0:11:38- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- I'm exploring nature - in countries facing the Atlantic.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- European weather - is relatively wet...
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- ..since it's influenced - by south-westerly winds...
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- ..that have travelled above the - Atlantic, absorbing its moisture.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02- The constant precipitation has - helped create marshes on lowlands.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08- I'm in Brittany, - about 50 miles west of Nantes...
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- ..at Briere National Park.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- After the Camargue, - this is the largest marsh in France.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- At over 150 square miles, it's vast.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- The best way to see it is by boat.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- I'm travelling with Jacques Hedin, - who knows the marsh well.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38- He's taking us on a man-made canal - into the heart of the marsh.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- There are birds everywhere. - This is my idea of paradise.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06- A spoonbill - has just flown over that way.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- A great white egret has passed us.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- What's that?
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- It's a black tern. - It's rarely seen in Wales.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- This place is incredible.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- It's great to see - so many rare birds here.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- One of the most abundant birds - is the marsh harrier.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- It's similar to the Montagu's - harrier we saw in Landes.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- It has adapted to live on marshland.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- No pairs nest in Wales...
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- ..but I've seen at least five pairs - here this morning.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- This place is teeming with wildlife.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- Did you see - a little animal over there?
0:13:54 > 0:13:59- I only saw it for an instant - before it disappeared...
0:13:59 > 0:14:03- ..but I'm almost sure - it was a muskrat.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09- Muskrats escaped from fur farms. - They can do a lot of damage.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- You can see holes in the bank.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- The muskrats burrow into the bank. - There's one over there.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- They're everywhere.
0:14:19 > 0:14:24- They burrow into the banks - and cause a lot of damage.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- In the 1930s, they escaped - into the wild in rural England.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37- They were all killed - and had disappeared by 1937.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42- They were wiped out - because of the damage they caused.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- There's another tern.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- I'm finding it difficult - to speak to you.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- I start talking about one thing - and something else happens.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58- An animal that's similar - to the muskrat is the coypu.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- It's just like a huge rat.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- This was introduced to France - from South America for its fur.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- It escaped to the wild - and enjoys its new habitat.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- What would we give - for land like this in Wales?
0:15:17 > 0:15:18- I'd be over the moon.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- We'd have to go back centuries - to find such habitats in Wales...
0:15:23 > 0:15:27- ..in parts of Anglesey, Porthmadog - and South Wales.
0:15:28 > 0:15:29- But we drained the land.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- My great dream as a youngster...
0:15:34 > 0:15:38- ..was to own a large plot - of marshland like this.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- I was the only one - allowed on the marshland.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- This is the closest - I've ever been to that dream!
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- A stone's throw - from the Briere National Park...
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- ..is another special wetland area.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- This one is man-made.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- It's on a peninsula near the sea.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- Pools have been constructed - to collect salt.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- This is a habitat - you won't see back in Wales.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- They're called salt pans.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- This used to be an estuary - many centuries ago.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- They have dug sections - to create pools.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- The sun heats the water - in the pools.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- The water then evaporates, - leaving salt deposits behind.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- By doing this, they've created - a very specialized habitat.
0:16:43 > 0:16:49- Few creatures can survive - in this salty environment...
0:16:49 > 0:16:54- ..but shrimps and insect larvae - can be found in the water.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- They attract birds - such as the avocet.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- They nest on the pools' mud walls.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- They're very pretty birds.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- The avocet's bill turns upwards.
0:17:13 > 0:17:19- It places its bill in the water - as if filtering the water for food.
0:17:27 > 0:17:33- The salt pans cover a vast area, - about 2,000 hectares in all.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- It's an important - and scarce environment.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- There's nothing quite like it - across the rest of Europe.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- This is a great place.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- A collection of islands - stretch out into this natural pool.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56- Terns nest here and they return - with fish for their chicks.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- I can see a black-winged stilt.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03- It's a rather strange bird. - It's a perfect description.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- It appears to be standing on stilts.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- I think it's nesting - somewhere in the middle.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- It has hidden its nest well. - It knows we're here.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17- It won't approach the nest - until we've left.
0:18:24 > 0:18:30- Black-winged stilts and terns - are noisy birds.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- The avocet is quieter, - on the water at least.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- They all nest around the pools...
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- ..and make all this noise - to warn each other.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- Before leaving France, I visit - a special beach near Roscoff...
0:19:15 > 0:19:17- ..on Brittany's northern coast.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- Keremma beach stretches - for four miles.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- It's an impressive landscape.
0:19:27 > 0:19:32- It's a great beach to walk along, - but there's more to it than that.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- It's one of Europe's most important - habitats for wild flowers.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- There are hundreds - of different types of flowers...
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- ..along the coast.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- Pyramidal orchids...
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- ..marsh orchids...
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- ..bee orchids...
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- ..and marsh helleborines - are all found here.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- It shows what can be done - when a large section of land...
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- ..is left to grow wild - near the coast.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- There are similar nature reserves - in Wales...
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- ..but in France, - the reserves are much larger.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- These wild flowers have been - allowed to grow for many years.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- This is the ideal place - to end my journey in France.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05- It's Brittany's most westerly point.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09- The waves crash - against the rocks below.
0:21:09 > 0:21:15- There are close links between - Brittany, Cornwall and Wales...
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- ..in terms of their languages, - cultures and people.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- Looking around me...
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- ..I think those links - also include the landscape.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- This could be the far end - of Cornwall.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- It could be Pembrokeshire - or the Lleyn Peninsula.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- The sea separates and unites us.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- Soon, I'll see more - of the similarities...
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- ..and differences between us.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52- The closest part of the British - mainland to Brittany is Cornwall.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- I'm heading to see seals - on a remote beach.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- Before I reach Cornwall, - I'm visiting the Channel Islands...
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- ..to dive in an underwater cave.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- I'll also see a blonde hedgehog...
0:22:08 > 0:22:09- It's just as spiky. Yes.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- ..and an incredible lizard.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- I'd say that this is the most - colourful lizard I've ever seen.
0:22:18 > 0:22:19- .
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- Subtitles
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- My journey along the coast - of Western Europe...
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- ..has brought me - to the Channel Islands.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- The largest of them is Jersey.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- I'm heading for a special beach - near St Brelade.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46- There, I'll find a creature - that's unique to the island.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- I'm looking for a lizard.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- It's a warm day, - but the breeze is relatively cold.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19- The lizard should be down low - at the bottom of that vegetation.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- You have to tread carefully - and quietly.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35- Keep as quiet as you can - and walk as slowly as you can.
0:23:36 > 0:23:37- They're very shy.
0:23:40 > 0:23:45- I'm hoping to see one sunbathing - on this vegetation.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- I'll kneel down, out of the way.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- Finally, I've found a lizard.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- This is the green lizard.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14- A male and a female - are hiding in the bushes.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18- The first one I saw was the female.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22- She's sunbathing behind the gorse.
0:24:22 > 0:24:28- She looks so impressive - green, - with cream stripes along her body.
0:24:28 > 0:24:34- Then something with a prominent - blue neck caught my eye.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36- It was the male lizard.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41- It has a light blue neck, - and a bright green body.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45- It's the most colourful lizard - I've ever seen.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48- It's so striking.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55- I was wondering - why we don't see them in Britain.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59- We have similar habitats - along the coast.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- It all comes down to the Ice Age.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06- These creatures enjoy sunshine - and warm weather.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08- Between the end of the Ice Age...
0:25:09 > 0:25:13- ..and the time - when the Atlantic Ocean rose...
0:25:13 > 0:25:17- ..they had to find their way - over to our shores.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20- They didn't have time to do so...
0:25:20 > 0:25:24- ..but they did reach Jersey - before the sea level rose.
0:25:24 > 0:25:29- They're found on the Continent - and have also been isolated here.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31- They're such impressive creatures.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38- When sea levels rose - about 6,000 years ago...
0:25:39 > 0:25:41- ..after the thaw - at the end of the Ice Age...
0:25:42 > 0:25:45- ..Jersey was the last - Channel Island to be cut off.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- That's what makes the island unique.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- The green lizard is one - of Europe's largest lizards.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- The male can grow as long as 40cm.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- It's one of the Channel Islands' - natural treasures.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09- I'm heading for the island of Sark.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- It's a small island, - about two square miles in area...
0:26:14 > 0:26:16- ..between Guernsey and Jersey.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- Like the other Channel Islands...
0:26:22 > 0:26:26- ..Sark is affected by a huge tide, - one of the world's largest.
0:26:28 > 0:26:33- The sea can subside up to 40 metres - between high and low tides.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36- When the sea level rises or falls...
0:26:36 > 0:26:40- ..the current - can be incredibly strong and fast.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46- The sea is relatively warm - because of the Gulf Stream...
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- ..which carries warm water - from the Caribbean...
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- ..across the Atlantic - to the European coast.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55- Strong currents and warm water...
0:26:55 > 0:26:58- ..provide plenty of nutrition - for the Channel Islands.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03- Sark is one of the best places - in Britain for marine wildlife.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07- The best views can be found - in an underwater cave...
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- ..on the western side - of the island.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- It isn't the easiest place - to explore...
0:27:15 > 0:27:20- ..but the diving team - take me down for a closer look.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33- Underwater camerawoman Sue Daly...
0:27:34 > 0:27:37- ..lives on Sark - and knows the cave well.
0:27:39 > 0:27:44- Every dive is potentially dangerous, - none more so than this one.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47- That's why - there's such a large team.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- Safety is more important - than anything else.
0:27:52 > 0:27:57- We're diving when the current - is at its slowest between tides...
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- ..but it will still be - relatively strong.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03- I'm wearing so much diving gear.
0:28:04 > 0:28:09- It takes half an hour - to prepare for the dive.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14- It's a dangerous environment, - so we have to take great care.
0:28:15 > 0:28:20- As you can see, the lads are just - wearing a mask with a mouthpiece.
0:28:20 > 0:28:25- I'm wearing special apparatus - that allows me to speak underwater.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29- That complicates matters further.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34- With the tide about to turn - and the current at its slowest...
0:28:35 > 0:28:37- ..it's time to dive.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40- Iolo, go.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49- Is it a good idea to swim towards - this angry, spitting entrance?
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- Underwater, it's relatively calm.
0:29:04 > 0:29:10- The rock surfaces are covered - in different kinds of anemones.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17- Even though it looks calm here...
0:29:17 > 0:29:20- ..as you can see, - Sue, our camerawoman...
0:29:20 > 0:29:23- ..is being flung back and forth - by the current.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28- If you let go of the sides, - or stop swimming...
0:29:28 > 0:29:30- ..the current drags you away.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39- The water is packed with nutrition - carried by the sea...
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- ..primarily, morsels of food - and plankton.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47- These anemones filter it - out of the water.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- There's a plentiful supply of food - and it's an ideal place to grow.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01- Aren't they beautiful?
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- These are jewel anemones.
0:30:07 > 0:30:12- The colour is right at the tip - of the individual fingers.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15- There are different colours - - purple and green.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- They're in beautiful clusters.
0:30:18 > 0:30:23- Anemones like these - are usually found deeper in the sea.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27- Since we're in a cave, - it's very dark in here.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31- I feel as if I'm deeper down - than I really am.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33- You don't see any sunlight.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- That's why these anemones - flourish here.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39- What a spectacle.
0:30:46 > 0:30:50- The cave connects to another bay - on the other side of the peninsula.
0:30:50 > 0:30:55- The dive has been timed so that - the current carries us through.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- It would be a bad idea - to swim against the current.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01- It's a dangerous place - at the best of times.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08- The water on the surface - shows the speed of the current.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21- That was an experience, - to say the least.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25- It was like going through - a washing machine cycle!
0:31:26 > 0:31:29- I want to do one more dive - before leaving Sark.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- In a quieter area, there's a reef.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37- On it is evidence - of how warm the water is...
0:31:37 > 0:31:40- ..around the Channel Islands.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01- Look at these.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- They're sea fans.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10- You'd expect to see these - in the Caribbean...
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- ..or the warmer seas of Australia.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15- They're also here, near Sark.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20- They grow about one centimetre - every year.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- Looking at this one...
0:32:24 > 0:32:28- ..I'd say it was - about 40 years old.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- A wrasse swims by.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33- It feeds on the morsels - in the water.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37- The waters around here - are full of colour.
0:32:37 > 0:32:42- You can see most of this wildlife, - including the sea fans...
0:32:43 > 0:32:47- ..along Wales's south-west coast.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50- We're also influenced - by the Gulf Stream...
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- ..but the sea - around the Channel Islands...
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- ..is much richer - because of its influence.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04- This is a colourful fish.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09- It's a territorial fish.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12- It's a cuckoo wrasse.
0:33:12 > 0:33:17- It's not happy to see me - intruding in its territory.
0:33:18 > 0:33:23- It's one of the most colourful fish - in the sea.
0:33:25 > 0:33:31- It usually has half a dozen or more - female fish within its territory.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35- It keeps other male fish away.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40- The cuckoo wrasse's life cycle - is very interesting.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43- They can change sex.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48- If something happened - to the male fish...
0:33:48 > 0:33:52- ..an old female fish - would take its place.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54- She'd change sex and colour.
0:33:55 > 0:34:00- She, or rather he, - would then defend this territory.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03- It's a remarkable story.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- This is a female cuckoo wrasse.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- All the females are this colour - when they're born...
0:34:12 > 0:34:15- ..but become bright blue - as they become male.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38- I'm moving on to the closest - Channel Island to Britain.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42- Alderney is about 60 miles - from the coast of England.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- It's home - to some very interesting wildlife.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53- Three thousand pairs of gannets - nest on a rock near the island.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59- These birds are only found - in the North Atlantic Ocean.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03- There's one nesting place - in France, a little further south.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06- The others are further north...
0:35:06 > 0:35:09- ..many of them in the British Isles.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- I'll see far more gannets - in Ireland...
0:35:13 > 0:35:15- ..on a later leg of my journey.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18- I won't give these - too much attention.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24- There's also - an exceptional small bird here.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29- The Dartford warbler - is rare in Britain...
0:35:29 > 0:35:31- ..but common on Alderney.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37- There is another creature - that's even more unique to Alderney.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41- My main reason for coming here - is to see this nocturnal creature.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05- On almost every island, - you'll see a unique species...
0:36:05 > 0:36:10- ..or creatures that look different - to those on the mainland.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12- On Alderney, it's the hedgehogs.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- Look at the colour of this one - - it's very light.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- It's not an albino, - it's not completely white.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22- You can see some brown colour - in the spikes.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26- This one's roaming on a golf course - in the dead of night.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- It's searching for food - - worms, beetles and slugs.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33- This is the best place to find them.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36- They have an interesting history.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40- They died out on the island - around the time of World War I.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44- They were an important source - of food at the time.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48- After World War II, - they were reintroduced.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- A large proportion of the hedgehogs - released into the wild...
0:36:52 > 0:36:55- ..carried this white colour - in their genes.
0:36:55 > 0:37:00- Today, a large proportion are white.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02- It's a pretty little creature.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05- It's just like the hedgehogs - we have at home.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09- It's the same species - but a different colour.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12- I can see its snout.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16- Oh, no, it doesn't like that. - It's hiding now.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19- It's just as prickly.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22- I'll leave it alone.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36- QUIET SCRATCHING SOUND
0:37:38 > 0:37:44- Something else I've learnt today - is that hedgehogs make a noise.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49- With the sound recordist's - powerful microphone...
0:37:49 > 0:37:52- ..you can hear a scratching sound.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57- It's either the spikes moving - or the hedgehog breathing.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06- You learn something new every day.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- The next leg of my journey - takes me to Cornwall...
0:38:37 > 0:38:42- ..and on to the Isles of Scilly, - where I join some twitchers.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46- Everyone's staring at me - because I'm speaking Welsh!
0:38:47 > 0:38:47- .
0:38:53 > 0:38:53- Subtitles
0:38:53 > 0:38:55- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:38:59 > 0:39:03- After crossing the Channel, - I reach Cornwall.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08- Lizard Point is mainland Britain's - most southerly point.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- It's a very dramatic coastline.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23- Much of it is impossible - to reach by land.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- It's just as hard to reach by boat.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- Despite this, - old mine workings dot the coast.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36- For centuries, Cornwall and Devon...
0:39:36 > 0:39:41- ..were important mining areas - for tin, copper and arsenic.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54- These perilous rocks are safe places - for birds to roost and nest.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- Judging by the colour of the rock...
0:39:58 > 0:40:01- ..this is a favoured place - of the shag.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17- Cornwall's beaches are perfect - for marine mammals.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32- This is one of the few beaches - in Cornwall...
0:40:32 > 0:40:36- ..where grey seals - give birth to their young.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40- They choose these beaches - very carefully.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42- They always choose stony beaches...
0:40:43 > 0:40:46- ..and remote beaches - that humans cannot reach.
0:40:46 > 0:40:51- They also look for large beaches - where a dry pocket can be found...
0:40:51 > 0:40:53- ..even when the tide is in.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58- You can see the cows - lying on the beach below.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03- Once they give birth, - they're ready to mate again.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08- There's a bull seal - in the water over there.
0:41:08 > 0:41:14- He's waiting for the cow to return - to the water to search for food.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17- He'll pounce on her right away.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19- I can only see one calf.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25- It's tucked in - on the higher level of the beach.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27- The cubs have white fur.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30- They're very fat when they're born.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- After about five weeks, - the cow leaves them...
0:41:33 > 0:41:38- ..and they have to venture - into the sea on their own.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40- They learn how to fish alone.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42- Most of them survive.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50- It's October, almost the end - of the birthing season.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56- These young seals - were born in early September.
0:41:56 > 0:42:01- They've lost the white fur - that kept them warm on land.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06- Grey seals rarely live - further south than Cornwall.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11- They're creatures - of the North Atlantic.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15- They live in North America - and Northern Europe.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20- They are found - all along the British coast.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22- There are many in Wales.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27- They can travel for miles - along the coast.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- I'm sure that many Cornish seals - make the journey to Wales.
0:42:38 > 0:42:43- You can't go further south-west - in Britain than the Isles of Scilly.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47- There are five large islands...
0:42:47 > 0:42:50- ..as well as smaller islands - and rocks.
0:42:52 > 0:42:57- It's an important location - for migrating birds.
0:42:59 > 0:43:04- The next stop west is America - and birds arrive here from there.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08- The islands - are the last feeding stops...
0:43:09 > 0:43:13- ..for birds travelling - from Northern Europe to Africa.
0:43:13 > 0:43:15- If you're an ornithologist...
0:43:15 > 0:43:18- ..the Isles of Scilly - are the place to be...
0:43:18 > 0:43:20- ..during the October - migrating season.
0:43:31 > 0:43:33- The pectoral sandpiper - is on the list.
0:43:39 > 0:43:43- It's an American bird, - evidently lost!
0:43:50 > 0:43:53- This one has arrived - from the Continent.
0:43:55 > 0:43:57- The bluethroat.
0:43:58 > 0:44:02- It's flying south in search - of better weather for the winter.
0:44:08 > 0:44:10- This bird is very special.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13- It has attracted a large audience.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30- It's one of the rarest birds - on these islands.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34- It's an upland sandpiper.
0:44:34 > 0:44:38- It nests in North America...
0:44:39 > 0:44:41- ..and migrates to South America.
0:44:41 > 0:44:46- Sometimes, it's carried on the wind - across the Atlantic Ocean.
0:44:47 > 0:44:51- It lands on these islands - almost every time.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55- More have been spotted - on the Isles of Scilly...
0:44:55 > 0:44:57- ..than anywhere else in Britain.
0:44:57 > 0:44:59- It has been here for a few days.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02- Hundreds of people - have been to see it.
0:45:02 > 0:45:06- About a dozen people - are watching it today.
0:45:06 > 0:45:08- They're all excited.
0:45:08 > 0:45:10- It's a rather strange bird.
0:45:10 > 0:45:14- It looks as if it's been thrown - together by the council!
0:45:14 > 0:45:18- All the pieces are there - but from different birds.
0:45:19 > 0:45:24- A small head, large eyes, - a long neck, a large body and feet.
0:45:25 > 0:45:27- It's a strange-looking bird.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32- They're rare. - I've seen them before in America.
0:45:32 > 0:45:36- It's the first one I've seen - in Britain, so I'm happy!
0:45:39 > 0:45:42- This is the first land - this bird has seen...
0:45:43 > 0:45:45- ..since flying 3,000 miles - from America.
0:45:46 > 0:45:49- It's used to long journeys.
0:45:50 > 0:45:54- We don't know exactly what happens - to birds that cross the Atlantic.
0:45:54 > 0:45:59- Ornithologists used to think - that they got lost in Europe...
0:45:59 > 0:46:01- ..before dying.
0:46:02 > 0:46:05- Recent evidence suggests - that some find a mate...
0:46:05 > 0:46:08- ..that made the same journey - from America...
0:46:08 > 0:46:11- ..find a habitat, nest - and have chicks.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14- Some travel as far south - as South Africa to do so.
0:46:15 > 0:46:19- There is also evidence - that some birds travel to Africa...
0:46:19 > 0:46:23- ..and get carried back to America - by easterly winds.
0:46:24 > 0:46:28- You hardly ever see - these rare birds sitting quietly...
0:46:28 > 0:46:30- ..for such a long time.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33- They often arrive, feed and move on.
0:46:33 > 0:46:39- This one's enjoying itself here - - plenty of food, plenty of worms.
0:46:39 > 0:46:42- It's not going anywhere - at the moment.
0:46:42 > 0:46:45- Everyone's staring at me - because I'm speaking Welsh!
0:46:51 > 0:46:55- On the next leg of my journey, - I head to Ireland.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58- It's certainly the Emerald Isle.
0:47:00 > 0:47:01- It's a wet island.
0:47:01 > 0:47:06- The wet and windy storms - are treacherous.
0:47:06 > 0:47:11- There is also some hidden nature, - on land...
0:47:11 > 0:47:14- It's wonderful - to hear this sound again.
0:47:16 > 0:47:17- ..underwater...
0:47:18 > 0:47:21- You have to be careful - where you swim.
0:47:21 > 0:47:23- There are so many creatures.
0:47:24 > 0:47:26- ..and under the surface.
0:47:27 > 0:47:28- It's an incredible habitat.
0:47:58 > 0:48:00- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:48:00 > 0:48:00- .