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 Western European coastline.
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 views...
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.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- I'm in Spain...
0:01:54 > 0:01:59- ..where I'll explore - Europe's most extensive wetlands.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- I'll come face-to-face - with vultures.
0:02:03 > 0:02:04- Hundreds of them.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- I've never seen anything like it.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- Remarkably, I get a glimpse - of the world's rarest wild cat.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14- We've searched everywhere.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- I climb the Pyrenees...
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- ..which separate France and Spain.
0:02:21 > 0:02:26- My trip begins on British territory - in Southern Europe.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- Dawn breaks - over the port of Gibraltar.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- The port is situated - near the Rock of Gibraltar...
0:02:50 > 0:02:55- ..which borders Spain - but is a British enclave.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- It's clear to see - why ownership of the Rock...
0:03:04 > 0:03:06- ..has long been - a contentious issue.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- It is perfectly located - to control shipping.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- It's a crossroads between - the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- Every year, 90,000 ships pass - through the Strait of Gibraltar.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- But even more birds - fly over the Rock.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- It is estimated - that some 300,000 birds...
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- ..pass Gibraltar - during migration in spring...
0:03:32 > 0:03:36- ..and back from Europe to Africa - in the autumn.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- I've purposely come here - in mid March.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- The migrating season has begun...
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- ..and thousands of birds - fly overhead every day.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51- I'm collecting birds with the - Gibraltar Ornithological Society.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59- They've placed nets overnight - to catch fledglings...
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- ..in order to ring them - and gather vital data about them.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- This is the only way to monitor - bird numbers and species.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- The nets are very fine - and cause no distress to the birds.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- They are in the safe hands - of the ornithologists.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21- Are they on this side?
0:04:21 > 0:04:23- Are they on this side?- - No, they're outside.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- It's imperative - the birds are ringed immediately.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- They need to feed - to provide them with the energy...
0:04:30 > 0:04:34- ..to continue their migration - to Northern Europe.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- That was better than I expected.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42- A greenfinch, chiffchaffs, a pied - flycatcher and a willow warbler.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- That's a nice variety there.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- The men ring the birds - every morning...
0:04:49 > 0:04:53- ..for two months during spring - and just over a month in autumn.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56- This way, - precious data can be gathered...
0:04:57 > 0:05:02- ..about the birds' destination, - their lifespan and so on.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04- It's important work.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- This is a willow warbler.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- It's a common sight back home.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16- They've flown across - the Sahara desert from the south.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21- The males migrate first, - so that they can reach Wales...
0:05:21 > 0:05:26- ..and establish their territory - in time for when the females arrive.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- When the males start to sing, - the females go straight to them.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33- Very clever.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- Steve Norman is the chief ringer.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39- That's a nice bird.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- It could well be a native of Wales.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- Pied flycatchers - are very common in our oak trees.
0:05:47 > 0:05:52- Wales is one of the most important - habitats in Britain for these birds.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- They might well - be heading for Wales from Africa.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59- Wing length 79.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- That's a female. - All grey on her head.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- That would be all black - if it was a male.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- Three OGCs.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11- Three OGCs.- - That means that it's how old?
0:06:11 > 0:06:12- It's last year's young.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- It's last year's young.- - So she's gone below the Sahara...
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- ..and she's coming back up - for the first time.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- That's right. - Without any help from adults.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- She'll find her own way.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26- She may end up in a Welsh valley.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- She may end up in a Welsh valley.- - I'm pretty sure she will.
0:06:30 > 0:06:36- Ornithologists like these - are real experts.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41- You learn so much more - when you hold a bird in your hand.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- How much they weigh, - their overall health.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- These men are experts.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- Some people - are opposed to ringing birds.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- But since so much information - can be gleaned from it...
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- ..it helps bird preservation.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- They ring about 3,000 birds - each spring.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05- That's only a small percentage - of the birds that pass Gibraltar.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- 8.8 grams.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- Something weighing 8.8 grams.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- Something weighing 8.8 grams.- - It's going to do about 7,000km.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- It's incredible, isn't it?
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- It's incredible, isn't it?- - On its own steam as well.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- Not only once either.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- I've had one do it - six years running. 120,000km.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- Did you get that flying?
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- It's incredible to think - that a small bird like that...
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- ..has only reached halfway - on its journey to Northern Europe.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- It's a long way by boat, - let alone by air.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- Knowing how significant Gibraltar - is for birds, I find it odd...
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- ..that monkeys - are the Rock's star attraction.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- Barbary macaques, to be precise.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59- This is the only place in Europe - where monkeys run free...
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- ..but they aren't native - to Gibraltar.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- They were introduced - many centuries ago.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- For tourists, these are - the Rock's big wildlife attraction.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- To be honest, - they do nothing for me.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- They are sad and unhealthy...
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- ..and live - in a completely unnatural habitat.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- For me, Gibraltar's main attractions - are the birds...
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- ..and the Rock's proximity - to Morocco and Africa.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- Across the Spanish border, - 50 miles west of Gibraltar...
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- ..near the village of Tarifa...
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- ..is somewhere - that's even closer to Morocco.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- This is Spain's - most southerly point.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51- It's where most of the larger birds - fly over the Strait of Gibraltar.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11- This is a flock of white storks - migrating to mainland Europe.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31- Tarifa is an important place - for birds of prey...
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- ..because they don't like flying - over too much water.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- They need warm thermals - from inland areas to stay airborne.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- But there's a problem.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- It's clear evidence - that political decisions...
0:09:55 > 0:10:00- ..often don't consider - the needs of nature.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- I really can't believe this.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- Look at the rows and rows - of wind turbines.
0:10:11 > 0:10:16- It's 14km from Tarifa to Africa...
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- ..the shortest distance - between the two continents.
0:10:20 > 0:10:25- That's why hundreds and thousands - of birds migrate this way...
0:10:25 > 0:10:27- ..each spring and autumn.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32- Some come all the way from places - like Namibia and South Africa.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- Almost all of them - cross the Sahara.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- They fly across and the first things - that greet them...
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- ..are hundreds and hundreds - of wind turbines.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- They cover almost every ridge.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- Some local ornithologists told me...
0:10:50 > 0:10:55- ..that they these wind farms - kill at least 2,000 birds...
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- ..every spring and every autumn.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- It is sheer madness.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- No matter what your opinion - of wind turbines...
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- ..this isn't - a suitable location for them.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- This is the birds' - first introduction to Europe.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- It's obvious that the birds - are in difficulty.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- This black kite has trouble - gaining enough height...
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- ..to clear the blades.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38- Every year, 80,000 white storks, - 93,000 black kites...
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- ..35,000 eagles and thousands - of vultures and other birds...
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- ..fly over Tarifa.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- I came here - to marvel at the unique sight...
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- ..of various predatory birds - coexisting in one place.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- But I leave - feeling angry and disheartened.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- There's no end to man's stupidity - and contempt for wildlife.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- In Spanish, - we call him the blue chicken.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- That's a good name. - That's a really descriptive name.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- My spirits are lifted - at Europe's largest wetland reserve.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- Keep filming.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- I go in search - of the world's rarest wild cat.
0:12:27 > 0:12:28- A lynx.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- It's a lynx, lads.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- He's going, he's going.
0:12:33 > 0:12:33- .
0:12:38 > 0:12:38- Subtitles
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- I'm exploring nature in countries - facing the Atlantic Ocean.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- I began in the Azores...
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- ..in the mid Atlantic.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- Wow, it's a member - of the great white shark family.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- I travelled through Portugal...
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- ..where I saw incredible birds.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09- I'm now in Spain and heading - for the Coto Donana National Park...
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- ..near Seville.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- This is Europe's - largest wetland nature reserve.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22- It has 400 different bird species, - some of which are unique to Donana.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27- The park is enormous - and a tour guide is essential...
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- ..to show you the best sites - from which to see birds.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- Javi Dosar is my guide today.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- How big is the national park?
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- The national park - is 54,000 hectares.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- The natural park is about 57,000.
0:13:47 > 0:13:48- So, imagine...
0:13:49 > 0:13:50- It's a huge area.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- It's a huge area.- - 100,000 rugby fields!
0:13:53 > 0:13:54- Yes.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- Coto Donana is in Southern Spain...
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- ..between Africa and Europe.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- One is hot, the other colder.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- It's also - between two bodies of water...
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- ..the warm Mediterranean - and the cold Atlantic.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- That's what makes the reserve - so special.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- It's a filling station - for many birds.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- A pit stop in which to feed before - pushing on to the next destination.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- The purple heron.
0:14:31 > 0:14:32- Beautiful birds.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- The neck and the head - looks like a bittern.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- Is that the purple gallinule - by the bank?
0:14:39 > 0:14:40- That is it.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- The long toes, the feet.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- The pink colour.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- And the head is also red.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51- It's the only blue bird - that we have here in the park.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- In Spanish, - we call it the blue chicken.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- The blue chicken? - That's a good name.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- That's a really descriptive name.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- It's like a huge blue moorhen.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- As if on cue, a moorhen passes by...
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- ..demonstrating the difference - in size between the two.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24- This is a strange bird.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- A crested coot seems to have - two tomatoes on its head.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- They're there to attract a mate.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- You'd think there were better ways - of looking attractive!
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- Donana and the Moroccan coast - are the only places to see them.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- They are a rare species.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- This side, flamingos.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- They're beautiful birds too, - aren't they?
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- You don't expect - to see flamingos in Europe.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- They're so distinctively pink...
0:16:14 > 0:16:19- ..you'd expect to see them in - the Caribbean or somewhere exotic.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21- But you do find them here.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- If you look at the birds - in the distance...
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- ..most of them are very pink, - but a few are black and white.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- Flamingos are born white...
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- ..with a hint of black.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- The pink colour - comes from the food they eat.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- They live on shrimps and so on.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46- The pink colour from the food - is absorbed into the feathers.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- The older the flamingo, - the pinker the hue.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- It's easy to determine - how old they are.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- You can tell from their colour.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- Between the wetlands and the sea...
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- ..there are coppices - and giant sand dunes.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- The sand dunes - constantly shift and re-form.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- They have even buried - old buildings in some parts.
0:17:30 > 0:17:35- The landscape is vital to the nature - reserve, protecting it from the sea.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- In front of the dunes - is an extensive beach...
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- ..facing the Atlantic.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- I thought Malltraeth beach was big, - but take a look at this.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- It extends for more than 30km...
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- ..from the village behind me - to the mouth of the river...
0:18:03 > 0:18:05- ..in the distance.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- You tend to forget - that Coto Donana...
0:18:11 > 0:18:13- ..is divided in two.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17- There's the vital wetland - and the vast sand dune system.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20- This beach leads to the sea.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- It's wonderful because nobody - is allowed to come here...
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- ..apart from the occasional warden - and angler.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- Even in peak season, - the beach is deserted.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34- It's just me and the birds.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- These sandwich terns - have landed for a rest.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- Unlike the seagull - that eats anything in sight...
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- ..beaches aren't feeding grounds - for terns.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01- They normally catch fish - from the sea itself.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- It's March and it's likely they - are heading to a nesting place...
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- ..in Northern Europe, - having wintered in South Africa.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- They are known to nest in only one - location in Wales - Cemaes Bay.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19- You never know, - these might be on their way there.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- Coto Donana is among - the world's best national parks.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39- But there is one animal - which makes it even more special.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- It's one of only two places - where you can spot the lynx.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- It's the world's rarest wild cat.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- Donana is home to around 70 of them.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- They usually inhabit the woodlands.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- I've never seen a lynx.
0:19:57 > 0:19:58- Never?
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- Never?- - No, no lynx.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- No lynx in your life? - This is a good place for rabbits.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- So the lynx - mainly eats rabbits here.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- 95% of their diets is rabbits.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- It's a difficult animal to spot...
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- ..especially in dense undergrowth.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24- I intend to venture - into Spain's best wildlife park.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- Many more lynx inhabit that area.
0:20:30 > 0:20:30- .
0:20:34 > 0:20:34- Subtitles
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- Having left - Europe's biggest wetland reserve...
0:20:42 > 0:20:47- ..I travel east of Seville - and Cordoba to Andujar.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- I'm visiting the world's - best wildlife park to see lynx.
0:20:54 > 0:21:00- This is further afield in terms of - the Atlantic's influence on Spain...
0:21:00 > 0:21:05- ..because this terrain is mostly - affected by the Mediterranean Sea.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09- But it's worth the journey - to spot the world's rarest wild cat.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- This is an interesting habitat.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- It's different - from what I'm used to.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- It's very rocky here, - far too rocky for agriculture.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- There's a real diversity - of trees and bushes.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28- These trees are stone pines.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- There are also very short oak trees.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- They are evergreen oaks.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- Both have adapted perfectly - to this very arid habitat.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- This region sees little rainfall.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- There are numerous birds here too.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- I can see and hear - dozens of them from up here.
0:21:49 > 0:21:54- I think the best thing to do - would be to walk among the trees.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- It's the perfect time of day.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- The park is in - the Sierra Morena uplands.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- They separate Southern Spain - from the central plateau.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- It's a very arid - Mediterranean climate...
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- ..especially at the end of summer.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- This is the time when the grass - between the trees is dead.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- It allows you to spot - any movement between the trees.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- I'm told that a river - at the bottom of the valley...
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- ..attracts all kinds of wildlife.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- Lynx have been spotted there - early in the morning and at dusk.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- When I came here - first thing this morning...
0:22:40 > 0:22:44- ..and saw the arid terrain - dotted with trees...
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- ..it reminded me of Africa.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- But this is Andujar Natural Park.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- It's one - of only two places in Spain...
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- ..and indeed the world...
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- ..where you'll find Iberian lynx.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- Going back a decade...
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- ..only 100 - of these wild cats remained.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12- That made it - one of the world's rarest big cats.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- Things have improved somewhat - over the years.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- There are currently around 300 left.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- This is the best place to see them.
0:23:22 > 0:23:27- The sun is up and this is when - they come to the river to drink.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32- I've positioned myself here - and I'm waiting to see what I find.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44- The problem is, - the sun is in my eyes here.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- It's difficult to see - the other side of the river.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- They're very timid creatures, - so I may miss one.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55- ANIMAL BAYS
0:23:55 > 0:23:59- Did you hear that? - This region is teeming with deer.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01- That's the call of a red deer.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05- There are noises all around.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- It's a wonderful place - and very tranquil.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14- This is a female red deer.
0:24:14 > 0:24:19- But she's not making the noise, - because only the males call.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23- They are somewhere in the hills - competing for her.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28- Sometimes, powerful lynx take deer - as prey, but only very rarely.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- It would take - an experienced adult lynx to do so.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- To be honest, - it's hard for me to believe...
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- ..that a cat, - even a fairly large one...
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- ..could attack a deer this size.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54- I'm struck by how many fish - there are in this river.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- This is an angler's paradise.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- There are all kinds of species - and sizes here.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- That's what attracts the heron.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20- One major advantage - in such an arid habitat...
0:25:20 > 0:25:22- ..is finding water.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26- An area like this is sure - to attract wildlife and birds.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29- It has been a balmy evening...
0:25:29 > 0:25:33- ..and it has been - a particularly dry season.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- The animals and birds - will need water.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39- I intend to sit here quietly...
0:25:39 > 0:25:43- ..and wait to see what turns up, - even if it takes hours.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47- Watching wildlife requires patience.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50- Good things come to those who wait.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53- As I wait for one thing...
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- ..something else - makes an appearance.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01- This is a ladder snake.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- It may be searching near the bank - for a rodent to eat.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09- It is also native - to this part of Europe.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14- It's named for the ladder-like - markings on its back.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- Here's another unexpected sight.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33- An otter has just popped its head - out of the water.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- It's making its way - over to the other side.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39- That undergrowth over there...
0:26:39 > 0:26:41- ..may be covering a hole.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44- That could be its holt.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- If I wait here...
0:26:48 > 0:26:50- ..it'll probably come back out.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54- This is an ideal habitat for them, - with plenty of undergrowth.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57- The river is teeming with fish.
0:26:57 > 0:27:02- Hundreds of small fish - as well as large ones too.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06- However, if an otter senses - that it's being watched...
0:27:06 > 0:27:11- ..it will disappear underwater - and re-emerge 50m further away.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- The same animal - is also found in Wales.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- They breed - in large numbers in Spain.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25- There's a small family of them.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- It's midday - and I still haven't seen a lynx.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47- The sweltering heat has given - this green woodpecker a thirst.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53- There are also rabbits nearby, - which is important...
0:27:54 > 0:27:57- ..because these are - the lynx's chief prey.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02- Though this one looks - rather nervous, it's quite safe.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05- Midday isn't the best time - to spot a lynx.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07- They tend to shelter from the sun.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17- I'm unlikely to spot one - until late afternoon now.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26- I'd better take a walk - and check the bushes...
0:28:27 > 0:28:29- ..in case one is taking a nap.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34- It's said - that you make your own luck.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37- I'm a firm believer in that.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41- It has proven true for me - on numerous occasions.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48- John, John, John, come with me. - Come with me, John.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52- It's going, it's going, it's going.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59- Keep filming.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03- It's a lynx, lads.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08- Goodness me! I don't believe it!
0:29:10 > 0:29:12- Look at it go.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14- It's strolling up that path.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17- Well, well, well! - We've searched everywhere.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21- There it is in the distance.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25- I was just going for a walk - along this track...
0:29:25 > 0:29:28- ..and a lynx appeared - in front of me.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32- It went to hide by a rock - and now it's sneaked over there.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34- It's looking back at me.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41- Oh, wow! What a creature!
0:29:42 > 0:29:46- Any other animal - that I've ever come across...
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- ..would have panicked and run off.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54- This one didn't - it strolled off - at a leisurely pace.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58- It has spiky tufts - and a short tail.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00- It's a beautiful creature.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03- I'm completely worked up. - Sorry about this!
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- But I've never come across - such a rare animal...
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- ..that's been so close - to extinction.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13- Only 100 of them remained - a decade ago.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15- There are currently 300.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17- What a magnificent animal.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22- If I saw nothing else in Spain, - I'd be completely happy.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24- Goodness gracious!
0:30:28 > 0:30:32- A remarkable animal. - The world's rarest big cat.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36- It's hard to believe - that this animal's fate...
0:30:36 > 0:30:39- ..is completely reliant on rabbits.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- They account for 90% of its diet.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46- It eats at least one rabbit a day.
0:30:46 > 0:30:50- If a disease like myxomatosis - took hold and killed the rabbits...
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- ..it would have - a profound effect on the lynx.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- That's how fragile their lives are.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02- This is a relatively wild - and peaceful area of Spain.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- Wildlife thrives in this habitat.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- Andujar's habitats - allow it that opportunity.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20- Next, I head - to Spain's northern mountains...
0:31:20 > 0:31:23- ..where I come face to face - with vultures.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25- Goodness me!
0:31:27 > 0:31:30- I then cross the Pyrenees - to France...
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- ..where I spot - the world's largest squirrel.
0:31:34 > 0:31:35- They're cute!
0:31:36 > 0:31:36- .
0:31:39 > 0:31:39- Subtitles
0:31:39 > 0:31:41- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:31:42 > 0:31:46- I leave Southern Spain, - home of the world's rarest cat...
0:31:46 > 0:31:48- ..and head north.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53- I'm heading for the uplands - around Leon, near Santander.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01- These are the Cantabrian Mountains.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07- This area is a natural park - of around 100,000 acres.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10- It's almost 2,000 metres - above sea level.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- It's higher than Snowdon.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22- A red deer has appeared - out of the bushes...
0:32:22 > 0:32:24- ..on top of the hill.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26- It's a stag.
0:32:26 > 0:32:31- In a moment, it will call out - to attract the hinds...
0:32:32 > 0:32:34- ..so that it can mate with them.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37- There's something majestic - about a red deer...
0:32:37 > 0:32:42- ..especially when you see it - on a mountainside like this.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49- It's feeding and looks happy, - completely natural.
0:32:49 > 0:32:54- The number of red deer in Spain - is quite incredible.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59- I saw many in Southern Spain - when I was searching for the lynx.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- There are more here.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08- Even though the landscape - is familiar, similar to Wales...
0:33:09 > 0:33:14- ..heather, open land, - some bushes here and there...
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- ..there's far more of it in Spain.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21- After Switzerland, Spain is - Europe's most mountainous country.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- There's plenty of room for deer.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30- Despite the altitude, - it's a rich habitat.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- The heather is full of grasshoppers - and butterflies.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37- This is a mountain - clouded yellow butterfly.
0:33:38 > 0:33:43- It is only found in the Alps - and the Cantabrian Mountains.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54- Flocks of larks - have flown by all morning.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58- I thought they were all - common skylarks...
0:33:58 > 0:34:03- ..but a woodlark has landed - on this fence.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05- It's calling out and singing.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07- It's making a wonderful sound.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13- When you travel abroad...
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- ..you visit places and see birds...
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- ..that are common in Wales - but rare here.
0:34:19 > 0:34:25- You see woodlarks everywhere here, - but they're rare in Wales.
0:34:26 > 0:34:31- They used to be common in Wales, - but the last one nested in 1984.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33- They have returned now...
0:34:33 > 0:34:37- ..but there are only two pairs - in the whole of Wales.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40- There's one here, - and I can hear one behind me.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42- They make a wonderful sound.
0:34:47 > 0:34:52- You'll never see this bird in Wales, - but it's very common over here.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54- The griffon vulture.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58- It's a huge bird, - like a flying barn door!
0:34:58 > 0:35:02- It can be seen across the whole - of Spain, but it's in danger.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07- There's not enough food for it - and it's suffering.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09- Numbers are decreasing.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- In another part - of the Spanish uplands...
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- ..help is at hand.
0:35:16 > 0:35:21- Some 50 miles north of Zaragoza - are the foothills of the Pyrenees.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- The mountains separate Spain - from France.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30- In the Sierra De Guara natural park - in the Aragon region...
0:35:30 > 0:35:33- ..you'll see an incredible flock - of vultures.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42- Hundreds of them, - all in one place waiting for food.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31- Manuel Aguilera has been feeding - vultures here for over 20 years.
0:36:32 > 0:36:37- He loves vultures and founded - a society to protect them.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40- He feeds them every day...
0:36:41 > 0:36:43- ..to give them a little boost.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48- Crikey!
0:36:52 > 0:36:54- It's like feeding a pack of hounds.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57- Throw the meat - and they're there right away.
0:36:58 > 0:36:59- Dear me!
0:37:02 > 0:37:07- I wouldn't be surprised - if they start eating Manuel soon.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14- They're jumping on the wheelbarrow.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18- They don't give him time - to empty the bags.
0:37:21 > 0:37:26- There are two bare patches - on the griffon vulture's breast.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30- That acts like a bag.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35- They can stuff a lot of food - in there, especially meat.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37- That bag expands...
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- ..and they can then fly away and - digest the food at their leisure.
0:37:42 > 0:37:47- They grab as much food as they can - in a short space of time.
0:37:47 > 0:37:52- In Africa, they'd fight for food - with lions and hyenas.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00- Look at the birds' heads.
0:38:00 > 0:38:05- We think of vultures as birds - with bald heads.
0:38:05 > 0:38:10- They have evolved to enable them to - poke their heads into carcasses...
0:38:10 > 0:38:11- ..to pull the guts out.
0:38:12 > 0:38:18- The griffon vulture is different. - It targets the flesh.
0:38:18 > 0:38:23- It doesn't dig in to the carcass - for the bloody entrails.
0:39:07 > 0:39:13- I'm about to leave Spain and head - for the French side of the Pyrenees.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18- My next stop is Orlu, - 60 miles south of Toulouse.
0:39:26 > 0:39:32- This is Orlu National Park, - a rich upland area.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36- It's as striking as France's - other upland area, the Alps.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41- What a mountain - Mount Orlu.
0:39:41 > 0:39:46- The clouds are slowly clearing - from the summit.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- There are some huge mountains here.
0:39:50 > 0:39:55- This one is 2,200 metres - above sea level.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- The wind and clouds - drift in from the sea.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05- They hit the mountains - and it often pours with rain here.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08- A sunny day like today - is a rarity.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12- That's why it's so green here - - the trees, mosses and ferns.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- We don't have anything - like this in Wales.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19- This is twice - the height of Snowdon...
0:40:19 > 0:40:22- ..and it's far from - the highest mountain.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34- As in the Alps...
0:40:35 > 0:40:38- ..there are cattle - with bells here too.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49- If Dai Jones were here, he would - tell you which breed they are!
0:40:49 > 0:40:52- I have no idea, - but I know what this is.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58- An eagle - a young golden eagle - hunting for food.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14- With the sun shining - on a fine June day...
0:41:14 > 0:41:17- ..lizards sunbathe on the rocks.
0:41:20 > 0:41:25- This one takes advantage of the heat - to shed its skin.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28- It has become too big - for its old skin.
0:41:35 > 0:41:41- Also making the most of summer - are these comical creatures.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- They're marmots, fat little lumps!
0:41:48 > 0:41:51- I'm not being disrespectful - - they are fat.
0:41:53 > 0:41:58- They're a type of squirrel, - the largest squirrel in the world.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- They live on the ground, - not in trees.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04- Here's a young marmot, - with its mother...
0:42:05 > 0:42:07- ..lying flat on the rock, - doing nothing.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- There's a good reason - for their inactivity.
0:42:11 > 0:42:12- They just eat...
0:42:13 > 0:42:14- ..eat...
0:42:15 > 0:42:16- ..sunbathe...
0:42:17 > 0:42:19- ..and clean their fur.
0:42:20 > 0:42:25- It's very cold in the Pyrenees - from October to April.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30- The marmots hibernate - for almost eight months a year.
0:42:30 > 0:42:35- Waking up in summer, - they eat whatever they can find...
0:42:36 > 0:42:38- ..to build up their weight again.
0:42:39 > 0:42:44- These youngsters have enough energy - to throw their weight around.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57- Sometimes, the marmots allow you - to stand quite near to them.
0:42:57 > 0:43:02- I'm around 35 metres away - from this one.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06- It's sitting on the rock - keeping an eye out...
0:43:06 > 0:43:09- ..for any potential threats - from an eagle or a human.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13- There are marmots behind it - busily feeding.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16- If there's any danger, - this one will call out.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19- They'll usually vanish underground.
0:43:20 > 0:43:24- It knows that I'm here. The fat - it carries helps and hinders it.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28- When it's cold, it's an advantage.
0:43:28 > 0:43:34- Around midday, they're too hot - and they hide underground.
0:43:34 > 0:43:36- It was warmer earlier on...
0:43:36 > 0:43:40- ..but the sun has disappeared now - and it's rather cold.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42- Its fat and fur are an advantage.
0:43:43 > 0:43:46- It also benefits from the heat - coming off the rock.
0:43:47 > 0:43:50- It'll pop up somewhere else later - with its eye on me.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54- Here it comes. - It's a little closer now.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02- Usually, you'll hear this call...
0:44:02 > 0:44:06- ..if you approach the watcher - too closely.
0:44:10 > 0:44:14- It sounds like a squeaky toy!
0:44:21 > 0:44:22- It's hard to believe...
0:44:22 > 0:44:25- ..as I walk up such colourful - and fertile mountains...
0:44:26 > 0:44:29- ..that these paths are covered - in snow during the winter.
0:44:32 > 0:44:35- To remind you - how harsh conditions can be here...
0:44:35 > 0:44:39- ..there's still snow - on the upper slopes in June.
0:44:42 > 0:44:44- Goats are the only large animals...
0:44:44 > 0:44:47- ..you'll see in numbers - on the higher slopes.
0:44:47 > 0:44:49- These are chamois.
0:44:51 > 0:44:56- You'll find lots of them here - and they're very sure-footed.
0:45:01 > 0:45:05- I've timed my visit perfectly - to coincide with a wonderful day.
0:45:07 > 0:45:11- All the plants are taking advantage - of the summer sunshine.
0:45:12 > 0:45:16- This is one of the prettiest - native flowers.
0:45:16 > 0:45:20- Trumpet gentians specialize - in growing on high ground.
0:45:25 > 0:45:29- I'm over 2,000 metres - above sea level.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33- That's over 6,000 feet.
0:45:33 > 0:45:35- The summer is very short.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39- It rarely lasts three months.
0:45:39 > 0:45:43- Snow covers the land - for most of the year.
0:45:43 > 0:45:48- When the snow melts - as the sun warms up...
0:45:48 > 0:45:52- ..it's incredible - how many flowers grow here.
0:45:52 > 0:45:58- At the moment, it's a sea of colour - - yellows, reds and blues.
0:45:59 > 0:46:01- It's a relatively short summer.
0:46:02 > 0:46:05- Soon, these will die - and the snow will return.
0:46:05 > 0:46:10- It's a desolate place, a difficult - place for wildlife to survive.
0:46:18 > 0:46:22- In the Pyrenees, the habitat - is only hospitable for a short time.
0:46:22 > 0:46:26- In summer, it gets warmth - from the Mediterranean Sea...
0:46:26 > 0:46:30- ..and constant precipitation - from the Atlantic Ocean.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35- Like Gibraltar - at the start of my journey...
0:46:35 > 0:46:37- ..across the Iberian peninsula...
0:46:38 > 0:46:41- ..the Pyrenees in south-east France - are at a crossroads...
0:46:42 > 0:46:44- ..between the influence of two seas.
0:46:46 > 0:46:52- On the next leg of my journey, - the Atlantic influences everything.
0:46:52 > 0:46:55- I'm heading for the western coast - of France...
0:46:56 > 0:47:01- ..the Channel Islands, Cornwall - and the Isles of Scilly.
0:47:02 > 0:47:06- I walk along - Europe's largest sand dune.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08- I see a blonde hedgehog.
0:47:08 > 0:47:09- I can see its face.
0:47:10 > 0:47:13- I glimpse a green lizard.
0:47:14 > 0:47:15- It's very elegant.
0:47:15 > 0:47:20- I swim through an underwater cave - and find some gems...
0:47:20 > 0:47:24- ..and join some twitchers - searching for a rare bird.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27- They're confused - because I'm talking Welsh!
0:47:55 > 0:47:57- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:47:58 > 0:47:58- .