0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:06 > 0:00:08- The Atlantic Ocean.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12- An ocean that provides warmth - and water.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- It influences the climate - and wildlife...
0:00:18 > 0:00:20- ..of every country - in Western Europe.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- The warmth and moisture - of the Atlantic...
0:00:24 > 0:00:29- ..promotes the fertile growth - we see all across Western Europe.
0:00:29 > 0:00:34- These rich habitats sustain - a wide variety of incredible life.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- There are deer everywhere.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- The sea itself - is a treasure trove of nature.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- These are beautiful - - jewel anemones.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- I'm on an exciting journey - along Europe's west coast...
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- ..discovering the nature of the - countries that face the Atlantic.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02- The adventure started in the south, - around the Azores.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- I've seen fantastic wildlife - and some incredible sights...
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- ..in Portugal, Spain...
0:01:11 > 0:01:12- A lynx, lads.
0:01:13 > 0:01:14- ..France...
0:01:15 > 0:01:18- Here's a strange bird - - a black-winged stilt.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- In the Channel Islands, - I saw a green lizard.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- ..Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly...
0:01:27 > 0:01:29- ..Ireland and Scotland.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35- I'm on the final leg of my journey.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39- I'm on my way - to the Faroe Islands...
0:01:39 > 0:01:41- ..and Iceland.
0:01:41 > 0:01:42- There's one there.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- I've reached the Faroe Islands, - about 160 miles north of Scotland.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03- The islands are located - in the North Atlantic...
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- ..about halfway - between Norway and Iceland.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- The Faroe Islands - have a special character.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- You feel as if - you're far from everywhere.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- The Faroe Islands' landscape...
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- ..is as dramatic as any I've seen - on my journey so far.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- It's odd to find - a group of islands...
0:02:33 > 0:02:36- ..in the middle - of the North Atlantic.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- You don't expect to see - anything like this...
0:02:41 > 0:02:43- ..halfway between Scotland - and Iceland.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- Look at these huge mountains - rising up from the sea.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- There are 18 islands in all.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- If you pushed them together...
0:02:53 > 0:02:57- ..they'd cover an area - not much bigger than Anglesey.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01- Some of the highest mountains - reach a height of 880 metres.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03- That's the same height as Pen y Fan.
0:03:05 > 0:03:10- Very few people live here - - some 48,000 across all the islands.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- The 70,000 unique - Faroe Island sheep...
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- ..enjoy the hard life here.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26- The islands' location in the middle - of the North Atlantic...
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- ..is perfect for seabirds - that need to nest.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35- One of them is the Arctic tern.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50- Another seabird - has chosen the Faroe Islands...
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- ..as its most important - nesting spot.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- They hide under the rocks by day...
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- ..since they're scared - of larger birds.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04- We know they're there - because they're so noisy.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- Jens-Kjeld Jenson - is the islands' Mr Nature.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- He has studied these small birds - for many years.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- He's building a trap - to catch the birds.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- Which way are we going to put it - - across like this?
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- I'll let you put them in.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33- We're erecting these nets - to catch the storm petrels.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- There are hundreds of thousands - of them here.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- This is the world's largest colony.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- They can be found under these rocks.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- You won't see them now because - they come out when it's dark.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- Storm petrels avoid daylight - because gulls eat them.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- They venture out in darkness, - walking along the ground...
0:05:02 > 0:05:04- ..before taking to the skies.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- And now we sit and wait, is it?
0:05:10 > 0:05:15- Only sit and wait. In 35 minutes, - we will see the first.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- Right. I'll keep you to that. - Exactly 35 minutes.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- Fair play, - Jens was pretty close to the mark.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- As the light faded, - the birds appeared.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- They flew without any gulls - to bother them...
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- ..safe from the attention - of any predators.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- Apart from Jens's net!
0:05:49 > 0:05:54- This is only - a temporary inconvenience...
0:05:54 > 0:05:59- ..as Jens tries to gather - some information about the petrels.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- Wow.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- It's already been ringed, this one.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- It's only when you see it - in the hand...
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- ..you realize - what a small bird it is.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- These nest in Wales - and the rest of Europe.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- I've previously heard them - in Ireland...
0:06:19 > 0:06:21- ..hiding in a wall - on the Skellig Islands.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- They nest much later here...
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- ..because it's light - almost around the clock...
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- ..on the Faroe Islands - during May and June.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- These have a unique smell too.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- Yeah, yeah.
0:06:40 > 0:06:41- They can spit on you...
0:06:42 > 0:06:46- ..and you can have their smell - for the next year on your clothes.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- It's a very special smell.
0:06:48 > 0:06:49- Yeah, it is.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- They have a unique smell.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- They can spit at you too.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01- I associate it with my visits - to Skomer years ago...
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- ..when I used to look after - these birds.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- This smell brings back - the memories every time.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- It's hard to tell what it is.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- It's like the smell of old fish - but not in a bad way.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- It's a nice smell.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- It's quite a nice smell, isn't it?
0:07:21 > 0:07:23- You buy my jacket?!
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- It's all over you.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- It's an old jacket, - but you can buy this.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- To take the smell home with me.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- That's very kind of you - but no, thank you.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- I say farewell to this little bird - and Jens's coat...
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- ..and leave the Faroe Islands - bound for Iceland.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- This is the northernmost country - on my journey.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- Just like the Azores...
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- ..the islands I visited - at the start of my journey...
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- ..Iceland is located - in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- Both places are influenced - by volcanic activity.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12- Iceland is covered by the scars - and dust of volcanoes.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- A great deal of it has come - as a result of recent events.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- The land is volatile - because of the island's location.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- Iceland and the Azores are part - of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge...
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- ..a chain of mountains running - south to north through the ocean...
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- ..near a large fissure - in the earth's crust.
0:08:41 > 0:08:47- Most of the ridge is under the sea, - but some parts reach the surface...
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- ..creating the islands - of the Azores and Iceland.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- When I visited the Azores...
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- ..I swam with manta rays - above one of the ridge's mountains.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- Oh, wow! Look at these.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- The rays gathered above - the underwater slopes to feed.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- On the island of Pico - in the Azores...
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- ..Mount Pico volcano was still hot.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25- In Iceland, the effects - of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge...
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- ..are far more dramatic.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- The island sits across the ridge...
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- ..where the continents of Europe - and America shift and collide.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- This is what produces - all the energy on the island.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- Steam is created - by volcanic activity underground.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- It's released almost everywhere.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- There are more hot geysers - in Iceland...
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- ..than in any other country - in the world.
0:10:09 > 0:10:14- Volcanic activity isn't the only - factor shaping the landscape.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- The cold conditions - also have an effect...
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- ..especially when the ice melts - during the summer.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- The meltwater - creates spectacular waterfalls.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- This waterfall is called Godafoss.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- There's such a force of water - flowing over it...
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- ..you can feel the earth - shaking under your feet.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- Iceland's nature is very energetic.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- Not only the waterfalls...
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- ..but the geysers, the hot steam - emerging from the ground...
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- ..and the volcanoes, - which are still active today.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59- Visiting a place like this - and standing close to it...
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- ..reminds you - how insignificant you are...
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- ..and how powerful nature can be.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- There's no better example of this...
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- ..than the effect of volcanoes - on the landscape.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- There's so much volcanic activity - on the island.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- Lava rocks and dust - are scattered everywhere.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- Look at this place - - it's like an alien planet.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- Much of the mainland - looks like this...
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- ..stripped of any vegetation.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- Here or there, - you'll see some plants and mosses.
0:11:45 > 0:11:50- As they wilt and die, they slowly - create another layer of soil.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- It can take decades, - even centuries...
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- ..but slowly, - the growth will return.
0:12:04 > 0:12:10- Later, I'll discover more - about Iceland's hot and cold nature.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- I'll see subterranean - ice sculptures.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18- It's the middle of summer now, - but this ice has survived.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- I'll also visit caves - created by volcanic activity.
0:12:23 > 0:12:24- It looks like the mouth of Hell!
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- It's an incredible thing.
0:12:27 > 0:12:27- .
0:12:31 > 0:12:31- Subtitles
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- I'm on the final leg - of my European adventure...
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- ..visiting the countries - that face the Atlantic.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- I've reached Iceland.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- I'm heading - for the Reykjanes Peninsula...
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- ..and the Leitahraun lava field.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58- I'm exploring a cave - formed by subterranean lava flow...
0:12:59 > 0:13:04- ..with a group of cavers - and local guide Kari Bjornsson.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- Like the rest of Iceland, - the landscape is very open...
0:13:09 > 0:13:14- ..with ancient lava rocks - covered in moss and small plants.
0:13:14 > 0:13:19- It's the perfect habitat for upland - birds like the golden plover.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- But I'm not here to watch birds - - I'm heading underground.
0:13:23 > 0:13:29- Nothing above ground suggests - anything remarkable underground.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- Only a dark opening - into the belly of the earth.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- This is a special cave.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- The stalactites and stalagmites - are created from ice, not stone.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- Look at the incredible - ice sculptures.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- Dear me!
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- It looks as if someone - has been here to mould it all...
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- ..but it's melting slowly.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07- It's incredible to think - that it's the middle of summer.
0:14:07 > 0:14:13- But the temperature down here - is between two and four degrees...
0:14:13 > 0:14:15- ..so the ice can survive.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31- Caves are usually created when water - erodes soft rocks like limestone.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- This magnificent cave - was formed by hot lava.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- Perfect tunnels stretch underground.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- You could swear - that they'd been dug out by man...
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- ..but they were shaped by lava.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- I'm used to going into caves...
0:14:57 > 0:15:02- ..and seeing stalactites - hanging down from the ceiling.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- I thought these were the same, - but they're not.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- This is rock that's softened.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- This was all lava - - there was no solid rock at all.
0:15:12 > 0:15:18- The lumps hanging from the ceiling - were lava dripping down.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- As it became cold, it hardened.
0:15:21 > 0:15:26- By now, what was once like treacle - is now hard rock.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- If I'd stood here 5,000 years ago...
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- ..I would have been badly burnt...
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- ..but I would also have sunk - into the ground.
0:15:41 > 0:15:46- Kari's father discovered the cave - about seven years ago.
0:15:47 > 0:15:52- It's one of world's most incredible - subterranean discoveries.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- The explosion that formed - the tunnels must have been huge.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- We're now coming - to the lava flow proper.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- You can see it now, can't you?
0:16:05 > 0:16:07- This was the height - of the lava river.
0:16:08 > 0:16:09- That's what this bit here is?
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- It's like a tidemark, almost.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- It would have flowed at this level - right across here.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- And this would have been lava, - spitting and dripping.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- It's like the mouth of Hell. - It's an incredible thing.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- You can see the lava - underneath our feet.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- A lava tunnel, a real lava tunnel.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- The lava flow stops suddenly - in a dangerous pit...
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- ..that drops down around 17 metres.
0:16:44 > 0:16:45- It ends here?
0:16:46 > 0:16:47- The deepest lava pit in the world.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- The deepest lava pit in the world.- - Wow! That's incredible.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- Do we know why - it has dropped down like that?
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- A lot of cave experts have been here - and no-one has a clue.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- What an amazing end to it.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- It looks like it's been sprayed - in chocolate here.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- There are incredible volcanic scenes - under the sea too.
0:17:15 > 0:17:21- The best example can be found - in Eyjafjordur in the north.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53- The water here is heated - by an undersea volcanic vent.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- Well, look at this.
0:18:01 > 0:18:02- This is a chimney.
0:18:03 > 0:18:08- It pumps boiling water out - from the bowels of the earth.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- It cools down - when it combines with seawater.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- It's incredible.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- Chimneys like this - can be found across the country.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- On land, they form geysers.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- The water is pumped - out of the ground...
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- ..high into the sky.
0:18:31 > 0:18:37- It shows that volcanoes - still control Iceland.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- The chimney has been releasing - boiling water for 11,000 years.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47- This is only the upper part...
0:18:48 > 0:18:50- ..about 15 metres under the waves.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55- It stretches down about 55 metres - to the seabed.
0:18:58 > 0:19:03- It's fresh water, not seawater, - and it's packed with minerals.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- When the minerals mix - with seawater...
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- ..they solidify - and form limestone chimneys.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- The combination of warm water - and minerals...
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- ..creates a rich habitat - for wildlife.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- It's incredible to see - so much wildlife...
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- ..congregating around this chimney.
0:19:54 > 0:20:00- All kinds of seaweed, starfish - and fish of all shapes and sizes.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- It's all as a result - of the warm water.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- It attracts all kinds of bacteria - and plankton...
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- ..which provide nourishment - for all the creatures.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28- Here's a fierce-looking fish.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- Can you see those large teeth - in its mouth?
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- It's a wolf fish.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- It's actually quite harmless.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- Those large teeth are used to crush - shells, crabs and similar creatures.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- Thankfully, they don't bite people.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- Iceland's different landscapes...
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- ..have to withstand - the harsh elements of nature...
0:20:56 > 0:20:58- ..both in the sea and on land.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- Strong winds sweep across - the open landscapes.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- During the summer, when the ice - and snow have retreated...
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- ..any loose soil is blown away.
0:21:25 > 0:21:30- The landscape has been scarred - by earthquakes.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35- It's difficult for anything - to survive in such harsh conditions.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- The first thing that struck me - when I reached Iceland...
0:21:41 > 0:21:46- ..was the lack of trees, - bushes and hedges.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51- There is growth here, - but only very close to the ground.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- You have to get down - to get close to it.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56- I've seen some dwarf willow.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- They don't grow upwards - - they creep along the ground.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- There's very little soil here - and there's a very sharp wind.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- It can freeze leaves in an instant.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- There are familiar plants too.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- I've seen them - in the uplands of Cwm Idwal.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- This is mountain avens.
0:22:18 > 0:22:19- I've seen roseroot.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- They're very rare in Wales, - but they flourish here.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- This is very similar to the Arctic.
0:22:28 > 0:22:34- The soil is thin, it freezes here - from October until April.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38- When summer comes, it's very short.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- All these flowers - appear at the same time.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- When they do appear, - they're beautiful.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- The cold weather isn't far away, - even in high summer.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05- Snow and ice cover the mountains - all year round.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11- It's July, and this is one - of Iceland's largest glaciers.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- It's melting in the relatively - mild summer temperatures...
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- ..but the word mild - is rather misleading.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- The temperature - is only just above freezing.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- The glaciers in the mountains...
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- ..are the reason why there's - so much water in this country.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- They melt during the summer...
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- ..and the water flows - into streams and rivers...
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- ..creating magnificent waterfalls.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44- This is a remote place, - a frozen desert.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- It's hard to live up here.
0:23:49 > 0:23:55- As they melt, the glaciers release - thousands of gallons of water.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59- The water flows down - to the lowlands.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- That's where wildlife flourishes.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11- I'm watching a female - harlequin duck...
0:24:11 > 0:24:15- ..fishing right in the middle - of the white water.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19- How she can swim in that water, - I'll never know.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- She's diving under the water...
0:24:23 > 0:24:27- ..to feed on the larvae - of these black flies.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30- They're flying around my head.
0:24:31 > 0:24:36- The larvae are on the rocks, - where most of the oxygen is found.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39- That's where the water - flows strongest.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- The ducks dive - and feed on the larvae.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- There are so many larvae - that it's like grass.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51- Then they come back to the surface. - I've just swallowed some!
0:24:54 > 0:24:58- The female is pretty, - but the male is majestic.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04- Since the river freezes quickly - in the autumn and flies disappear...
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- ..the male will leave soon - to live by the sea.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- The female will follow him - after she has raised the chicks.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- Since there are so many flies - in the rivers and lakes...
0:25:18 > 0:25:22- ..during the summer, - thousands of water birds migrate...
0:25:22 > 0:25:24- ..to feed and nest in Iceland.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- Many come from Europe.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- Others, such as - the Barrow's goldeneye, stay here.
0:25:32 > 0:25:37- They spend the winter in stretches - of water that don't freeze...
0:25:37 > 0:25:39- ..near the hot springs.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45- In Iceland, whooper swans nest.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- They can be seen in Wales - during the winter...
0:25:48 > 0:25:53- ..on the Glaslyn near Porthmadog, - on the Tywi near Dryslwyn...
0:25:53 > 0:25:55- ..and on the Severn near Newtown.
0:25:55 > 0:26:00- These are different - to the orange-beaked mute swans...
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- ..seen all year round in Wales.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07- When these chicks are old enough, - at the end of September...
0:26:08 > 0:26:12- ..the whole family will fly - all the way to Southern Europe.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- This family may well end up - in Wales.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33- Later on my journey, - I catch up with some whales.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36- There's one over here.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44- I'll also reach the end of the road - and the end of my adventure.
0:26:47 > 0:26:48- .
0:26:51 > 0:26:51- Subtitles
0:26:51 > 0:26:53- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:26:56 > 0:26:58- I'm in the south-west of Iceland.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02- I'm preparing for a dive - with the filming crew...
0:27:02 > 0:27:05- ..in one of the world's - most remarkable pools.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08- The pool is in a rift - formed in the ground...
0:27:08 > 0:27:10- ..by Iceland's volcanic nature.
0:27:16 > 0:27:21- The Silfra rift is located - in the Thingvellir National Park...
0:27:21 > 0:27:25- ..about 50 miles east - of the capital, Reykjavik.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37- The rift is filled with fresh water.
0:27:37 > 0:27:42- It leads to Lake Thingvellir, - one of Iceland's largest lakes.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- The water is as cold - as any I've swum in.
0:27:47 > 0:27:48- It's also the clearest.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52- As clear as crystal.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- The water is incredibly clear.
0:28:20 > 0:28:26- The source of this water - is a glacier 50km from here.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33- It works its way through the rock - and joins the lake...
0:28:33 > 0:28:36- ..through a series of streams.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38- That's why...
0:28:38 > 0:28:42- Well, I've never dived - in such clear water before.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44- It's incredible.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46- I can see for 100m ahead.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48- In Wales, if I dive...
0:28:48 > 0:28:53- ..I'm lucky if I can see - five metres ahead.
0:28:55 > 0:29:00- To be honest, you can see as far - as the eye can see!
0:29:15 > 0:29:19- The water has taken almost a century - to reach here.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- It has travelled - through volcanic rock.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25- Any mud or stones - have been filtered out.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- It's like swimming through the air.
0:29:35 > 0:29:40- Clear water isn't the only wonder - that makes the Silfra rift special.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45- It's also an interesting - geological location.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- I'm swimming here - between two continents.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55- On my right is the North American - continental plate.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- On my left, - is the European continental plate.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04- Both plates are separating slowly.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08- If you want to know - how quickly they're separating...
0:30:08 > 0:30:14- ..if Christopher Columbus - set sail for America today...
0:30:14 > 0:30:18- ..he'd have to travel - three feet further...
0:30:18 > 0:30:21- ..than he did six centuries ago.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- Silfra is one of the few places - in the world...
0:30:30 > 0:30:35- ..where you can see the boundary - between two continents clearly.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39- Imagine this rift stretching - far into the earth's core.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- It helps you learn more - about how continents...
0:30:42 > 0:30:46- ..and the movement between them - can cause earthquakes...
0:30:46 > 0:30:50- ..and the volcanic activity - seen in locations like Iceland.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31- I'm now at sea - off the northern coast of Iceland.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36- I'm in Skjalfandi Bay, - 20 miles north of Husavik.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40- I'm searching for whales.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14- We've seen a whale out here.
0:32:14 > 0:32:19- It blew out some air - before diving back down again.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21- I'm not sure what it is.
0:32:21 > 0:32:26- We'll have to wait a few minutes - until it returns to the surface.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31- If you look at the water, you can - see where it was before it dived.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- Oh, wow. Oh, two.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39- One in front of the other, - over there.
0:32:41 > 0:32:46- When they surface, they stay up - for a while before diving again.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- Hopefully, we can see one - close to the boat.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51- Can you see it?
0:32:54 > 0:32:56- It's surfaced on the horizon.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59- Hopefully, - we can see one that's closer.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01- Look, look, look, look.
0:33:03 > 0:33:04- Oh, wow.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08- And a little dolphin with it.
0:33:14 > 0:33:15- Here it comes.
0:33:17 > 0:33:18- Oh!
0:33:26 > 0:33:28- There are two whales here...
0:33:29 > 0:33:32- ..the fin whale - and the world's largest whale...
0:33:33 > 0:33:35- ..the blue whale.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39- Here's one.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43- Another blue whale.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47- A blue whale. Goodness me.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- We think of dinosaurs - as large creatures.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53- The diplodocus, and so on.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56- There it is again.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00- These whales are larger - than all the dinosaurs.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04- Anything that was around - at that time.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07- Blue whales are bigger.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11- There has never been a creature - on the planet as big as these.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15- I'm looking at the largest creature - that has ever lived.
0:34:18 > 0:34:24- They're diving into the deep water - to feed on krill.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27- They eat tonnes of krill, - they have huge mouths.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30- Let me put it like this.
0:34:30 > 0:34:36- The largest land animal - is the African elephant.
0:34:36 > 0:34:42- They eat the weight of one elephant - in krill in a single day.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- In a single day! - That's how big they are.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- They dive down, - 100 or 200 metres...
0:34:49 > 0:34:53- ..and return to the surface - with a mouthful of krill.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57- Oh! There's one over there.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03- Look!
0:35:04 > 0:35:05- Wow!
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- I can see this one - swimming under the surface.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14- There it is, there it is.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18- This one is a humpback whale.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20- Watch out - it's coming.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22- Watch the tail.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26- Fantastic.
0:35:40 > 0:35:41- Fantastic.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44- It has dived under the water.
0:35:44 > 0:35:45- Goodness me!
0:35:53 > 0:35:58- Humpback whales are a lot smaller - than blue and fin whales...
0:35:58 > 0:36:01- ..but are still - around 15 metres long.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08- They only feed near Iceland - in summer.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- For the remainder of the year...
0:36:11 > 0:36:16- ..they migrate to more tropical - waters to give birth to their young.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18- During the summer...
0:36:18 > 0:36:22- ..it moves closer to the Arctic - to find plenty of food.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24- The seas near the poles are ideal.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42- The crew and I - are going to follow the whales...
0:36:42 > 0:36:46- ..and travel to the northernmost - point of my journey...
0:36:46 > 0:36:49- ..an island in the Arctic Circle.
0:36:55 > 0:36:55- .
0:36:59 > 0:36:59- Subtitles
0:36:59 > 0:37:01- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:37:05 > 0:37:10- I'm in Iceland, travelling - to the island of Grimsey...
0:37:10 > 0:37:13- ..the northernmost point - of my journey...
0:37:14 > 0:37:17- ..and the only part of Iceland - inside the Arctic Circle.
0:37:20 > 0:37:25- It's paradise for any ornithologist - in the middle of July.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28- It's the nesting season.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32- During the summer, the island - is home to a million birds.
0:37:35 > 0:37:40- These are Arctic terns, just like - the ones I saw on the Faroe Islands.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45- Grimsey is a small island, - only some two square miles.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50- Most of the land - has been left as rough pasture.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54- There are no predators here.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58- No foxes, dogs, cats or rats.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02- It's a perfect place - for dunlins and golden plovers.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10- These have almost stopped nesting - on the Welsh uplands.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15- There, their eggs and chicks - are eaten by foxes and crows.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18- Here, they flourish.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25- Here's a special northern bird.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35- This little bird singing here - is a snow bunting.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37- It's such a pretty bird.
0:38:38 > 0:38:43- This is a male. - It has black and white feathers.
0:38:43 > 0:38:49- This small bird pushes further north - than any other small bird.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53- It also migrates south - during the winter.
0:38:53 > 0:38:58- The female is here somewhere. - She's far more insignificant.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00- This one's nesting - in the rocks below me.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03- He's marking his territory - by singing.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07- I can hear another male nearby, - over in the distance.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11- It's a lovely sound.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18- It's hard to believe this...
0:39:18 > 0:39:22- ..but in winter, snow buntings - can be spotted on Rhyl beach.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- It's one of the places - they migrate to.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29- It will have lost - its breeding feathers by then...
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- ..but it's still an impressive bird.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44- Most of the birds on Grimsey - nest on the cliffs above the sea.
0:39:47 > 0:39:52- We see the same species - on the Welsh coast in spring.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54- Puffins.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57- Razorbills.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03- And fulmars.
0:40:07 > 0:40:12- The main difference here is the - huge numbers of birds that nest...
0:40:12 > 0:40:15- ..because of the tranquillity - and abundance of food...
0:40:16 > 0:40:19- ..found in the sea - within the Arctic Circle.
0:40:25 > 0:40:30- Some of the high cliffs - in these northern climes...
0:40:30 > 0:40:33- ..are some of the best - you're ever likely to see.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38- Look at all the gulls, - razorbills, guillemots and puffins.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43- They're here in their thousands. - They're almost like bees.
0:40:43 > 0:40:48- These cliffs are so high - and so dangerous for any predator.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51- They're safe places - for the birds to nest.
0:40:51 > 0:40:56- The seas are teeming with fish, - so there's plenty of food.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59- This is the ideal place - for them to be.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03- It's easy to describe the scene...
0:41:04 > 0:41:06- ..but the smell is incredible.
0:41:06 > 0:41:11- It's the smell of bird droppings - - a strong smell of rotting fish.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16- It all helps to build a picture - of this incredible scene.
0:41:23 > 0:41:28- On such a glorious day, - with thousands of birds overhead...
0:41:28 > 0:41:33- ..I can't think of a better location - to end my journey.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35- I'm very fortunate.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38- This is only one - of several great locations...
0:41:38 > 0:41:42- ..I've visited on my journey - along Europe's west coast.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46- The adventure started in the Azores.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51- Nine volcanic islands - nestled in the Atlantic...
0:41:51 > 0:41:54- ..and Europe's - most south-westerly point.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58- In Portugal, I visited - rich agricultural land...
0:41:59 > 0:42:01- ..packed with wildlife.
0:42:01 > 0:42:06- In Spain, I came face-to-face - with hundreds of vultures.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12- I climbed the striking Pyrenees - in France.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17- Closer to home, I was reminded - of Britain's beautiful west coast...
0:42:17 > 0:42:19- ..on the Channel Islands.
0:42:19 > 0:42:23- I also visited Cornwall - and the Isles of Scilly.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- I visited Ireland's wildest areas...
0:42:26 > 0:42:29- ..and Scotland's remotest areas.
0:42:31 > 0:42:36- It has been a privilege - and a tremendous adventure.
0:42:38 > 0:42:43- I've descended underground and seen - impressive hidden landscapes.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- I've swum with dangerous sharks.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49- I can see the teeth clearly here.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54- I've been stunned - by rich underwater habitats.
0:42:54 > 0:42:59- The Gulf Stream influences - the entire west coast of Europe.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04- I've seen some special creatures, - such as the lynx.
0:43:06 > 0:43:07- I'm so excited. Sorry!
0:43:08 > 0:43:12- I've never seen such a rare animal.
0:43:12 > 0:43:17- I'm not going to talk or move much. - I'm going to stay as still as I can.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21- I saw this beaver in Scotland.
0:43:22 > 0:43:27- Sometimes, I saw the same creature - in different countries.
0:43:27 > 0:43:30- I saw red deer in Spain and Ireland.
0:43:31 > 0:43:34- I saw golden plovers - in Ireland and Iceland...
0:43:34 > 0:43:38- ..and otters in Spain and Scotland.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42- Country borders - mean nothing to wildlife.
0:43:42 > 0:43:46- The quality of the habitat - is more important.
0:43:54 > 0:43:59- Sometimes, the creatures were unique - to a particular part of Europe.
0:44:02 > 0:44:04- Manta rays in the Azores.
0:44:08 > 0:44:10- Marmots in the French Pyrenees.
0:44:11 > 0:44:13- Green lizards on Jersey.
0:44:14 > 0:44:16- Why aren't they seen in Wales?
0:44:17 > 0:44:21- Rare plants - like the Scottish primrose.
0:44:21 > 0:44:23- This is such a rare plant.
0:44:23 > 0:44:27- It is only found - on Scotland's north coast.
0:44:28 > 0:44:32- All kinds of wildlife - that makes each country special.
0:44:48 > 0:44:50- Sometimes, - the landscape was similar.
0:44:51 > 0:44:54- This could be the far end - of Cornwall...
0:44:54 > 0:44:57- ..Pembrokeshire - or the Lleyn Peninsula.
0:44:57 > 0:45:01- Sometimes, it was very different.
0:45:01 > 0:45:05- The landscape of southern Spain - and the huge French sand dunes...
0:45:05 > 0:45:08- ..left a lasting impression.
0:45:08 > 0:45:13- Often, the difference was down - to the way man had treated the land.
0:45:15 > 0:45:20- In Wales, this kind of land - would have been treated.
0:45:20 > 0:45:22- Nettles would have been sprayed.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26- That patch of land - was on Inishbofin in Ireland.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29- It was the ideal habitat - for the corncrake.
0:45:33 > 0:45:38- Unfortunately, I saw some habitats - being destroyed by man's folly.
0:45:38 > 0:45:41- Local ornithologists - who count the birds...
0:45:42 > 0:45:48- ..tell me that they lose at least - 2,000 birds to the turbines...
0:45:48 > 0:45:51- ..every spring and autumn.
0:45:52 > 0:45:58- Hundreds of windmills built on an - important migration path in Spain.
0:46:02 > 0:46:07- I was glad to see the way - some habitats had been saved...
0:46:07 > 0:46:11- ..such as this impressive - steppe land in Portugal.
0:46:11 > 0:46:13- It takes me back to my childhood...
0:46:13 > 0:46:19- ..when I walked through fields - full of flowers, insects and birds.
0:46:21 > 0:46:23- And this agricultural land - in France.
0:46:23 > 0:46:28- I can hear insects - and birds singing everywhere.
0:46:28 > 0:46:30- It's the sound of nature.
0:46:31 > 0:46:33- I also saw some excellent wetlands.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36- What would we give - for land like this at home?
0:46:43 > 0:46:46- That's one of the lessons - of this series.
0:46:47 > 0:46:52- When land is left alone, - nature provides wonderful scenes.
0:46:54 > 0:46:56- This rich tapestry of life - is possible...
0:46:57 > 0:46:59- ..across the whole - of Western Europe.
0:47:11 > 0:47:16- Here, in the far north, - on Grimsey in the Arctic Circle...
0:47:16 > 0:47:18- ..my journey comes to an end.
0:47:18 > 0:47:21- It has been - a very interesting journey.
0:47:21 > 0:47:23- Every country has been different.
0:47:24 > 0:47:28- Each one has its unique character, - landscape and wildlife.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31- But they all - have one thing in common.
0:47:31 > 0:47:34- The undeniable influence - of the Atlantic Ocean.
0:48:27 > 0:48:29- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:48:29 > 0:48:29- .