0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:03 > 0:00:05- Come with me on a journey.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12- Oh, wow. Look at these.
0:00:12 > 0:00:17- My journey begins in the middle - of the Atlantic, in the Azores.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22- It will end in Iceland.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- An adventure from the warm south - to the cold north.
0:00:30 > 0:00:31- I'm swimming here...
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- ..between two continents.
0:00:35 > 0:00:40- I'll take you to Western Europe's - remotest and wildest reaches.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- I've never seen anything like this.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- We'll visit Portugal.
0:00:49 > 0:00:50- Spain.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- Well, well, well. - We've searched everywhere.
0:00:55 > 0:00:56- France.
0:00:58 > 0:00:59- The Channel Islands.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02- Cornwall.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- The Isles of Scilly.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- Ireland.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08- Scotland.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- And the Faroe Islands.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- We're going to explore - some striking coastlines.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- We'll travel across huge wetlands.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- There are birds everywhere. - It's a paradise for me.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24- We'll climb mountains...
0:01:26 > 0:01:27- ..roam forests...
0:01:29 > 0:01:30- ..see stunning caves...
0:01:32 > 0:01:37- ..and come face-to-face - with amazing marine creatures.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39- I can see its teeth.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- It's going to be some journey. - Join me.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- There's one here.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01- The Atlantic Ocean.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- A sea that provides warmth - and water.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- It influences our landscapes - and wildlife.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- The climate of every country - in Western Europe...
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- ..is warm because of the Atlantic.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- The Gulf Stream, - which begins in the Caribbean...
0:02:30 > 0:02:35- ..and flows under the surface, - provides the coastlines with warmth.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- Without it, - our climate would be much colder.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42- Our climate is fairly wet...
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- ..because of the prevailing - south-westerly winds.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- They travel across the Atlantic, - picking up moisture on the way.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55- The Atlantic's warmth - and moisture...
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- ..is responsible for fertile growth - across Western Europe.
0:03:01 > 0:03:07- These rich habitats provide life - for some incredible creatures.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- During my journey, I will discover - the nature of these habitats.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- What's similar - and what's different about them?
0:03:22 > 0:03:27- What is the true nature of the - countries that face the Atlantic?
0:03:42 > 0:03:46- My journey begins in the middle - of the Atlantic Ocean...
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- ..some 900 miles west of mainland - Europe, in the Azores.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- I'm travelling from Pico, - the Azores' second largest island...
0:03:59 > 0:04:00- ..with a diving crew.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03- We're going to explore the sea - around the islands.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10- These are the Azores.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- The summit in the distance - is Mount Pico, a volcano.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- When you reach the Azores...
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- ..you're a third of the way - across the Atlantic to America.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- My journey begins not on land - but under the waves.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31- The first thing you notice - is the difference in colour...
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- ..above and below the surface.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- Even though the sea is stormy...
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- ..the water is blue and clear.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- In the middle of the ocean, - there's little to pollute the water.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- I'm here to search for sharks, - and to swim with them.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- It's a challenge in a calm sea, - let alone a rough one.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- The first thing to do - is attract them to us.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09- The skipper claims that this stretch - of ocean is packed with sharks.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- A net full of fish - should do the trick.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- The first one arrives.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27- Soon, several have gathered.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- Frenzied feeding starts - not long after.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38- The sharks will be here for a while.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- It's time for myself and the crew - to enter the water.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- I've been advised - not to stay close to the surface.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- It's better to be deeper.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- Sharks are more curious - about objects near to the surface...
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- ..rather than objects further down.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- That doesn't make me feel - any safer though.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- This is a mako shark.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16- Wow! It's from the same family - as the great white shark.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- I can see its teeth from here.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- I'm keeping an eye on it - all the time.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- I'm not sure where it's gone.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35- Underwater, you can see - how perfect the shark's body is...
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- ..for living in the Atlantic Ocean.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51- The mako shark is usually the first - to appear when food is available.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- It's such a powerful shark.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24- Above the water, - the food has attracted the birds.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- This is a great shearwater.
0:07:29 > 0:07:34- It's a large bird that spends - most of its time fishing at sea.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- It dives underwater - to catch the fish.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- Here, it has found a free meal.
0:07:47 > 0:07:52- It's taking a chance, considering - what lurks under the surface.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- This blue shark has come nearer now.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- It's a long, thin shark.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- It has fins behind its head - that stick out.
0:08:08 > 0:08:14- This allows the shark to swim - effortlessly through the water...
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- ..as it searches for fish.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- It's being followed - by black and white fish.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23- Those are pilot fish.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- They follow the shark...
0:08:25 > 0:08:30- ..in the hope of finding - some scraps of food as it eats.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- This shark has decided - to take a closer look at me.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- To tell you the truth, - I was starting to sweat.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42- Thankfully, blue sharks - aren't as fierce as mako sharks.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- It's a special experience - to see sharks in their habitat.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- They send a shiver - down everyone's spine...
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- ..but respect them - and you should stay safe.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- You won't find a more majestic fish - in the ocean.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27- The Azores are volcanic islands - that belong to Portugal.
0:09:28 > 0:09:34- There are nine islands - pushed up from the sea by volcanoes.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- The Azores are among - the world's youngest islands.
0:09:43 > 0:09:48- You can see evidence - of volcanic craters on the land.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51- The landscape is dramatic.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- It's being continually reshaped - by the Atlantic.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- The Azores' largest island - is Sao Miguel.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- It's also known as the Green Island, - for obvious reasons.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- It's covered - by thick, rich vegetation.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- I'm on the island's eastern side, - opposite Pico da Vara.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- It's a volcano that has been dormant - for many centuries.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- It's the same height as Snowdon.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- What a view. Look at this.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48- The island's tallest mountains - covered by vegetation...
0:10:48 > 0:10:54- ..all the way from the river - right to the summit.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- This is a very rare habitat.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- These are mostly native plants.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- You don't see that in many places.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- It's the only island in the Azores - where you'll find this.
0:11:07 > 0:11:13- This is because the islands - are out in the Atlantic Ocean.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- It rains a lot here, - especially during the winter.
0:11:16 > 0:11:21- Sometimes, clouds cover the - vegetation throughout the summer.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- It helps the land - retain its moisture.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29- The vegetation flourishes, - as do the insects and birds.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35- Since the Azores have never been - part of a large continent...
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- ..every plant and animal - on the islands...
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- ..arrived by air or sea.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- The variety of species - is limited here...
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- ..but they are all unique - to the Azores and very rare.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- However, the native plants - are all under threat.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- New plants are appearing - on the island.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- Non-native flowers have grown - in all parts of the island...
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- ..destroying natural habitats - in the process.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- Joaquim Teodosio is a member - of a society that studies birds.
0:12:15 > 0:12:16- He's part of a team...
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- ..that's trying to re-establish - the island's natural habitat...
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- ..by destroying and clearing - non-native plants.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- Moving around the island, - it looks stunning.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- It's very green and you have - some beautiful flowers here...
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- ..but they're not native, - most of these.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- It's one of the problems, - even for local people...
0:12:38 > 0:12:44- ..nowadays, unfortunately, - people believe that hydrangeas...
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- ..and kahili ginger are native.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- Few people now know what is - a laurel tree and holly...
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- ..the Azorean holly tree - or the blueberry.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58- It's a shame because it's difficult - to find areas of native forest...
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- ..in Sao Miguel.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- Where did all of these plants - come from? From gardens?
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- Most of them, - the ones with beautiful flowers...
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- ..almost all of them - came from gardens.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- Botanical gardens that people had - one or two centuries ago.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20- The problem is that hundreds - of species were brought here.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25- This was the best place for them, - so they started spreading around.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- It takes the space, the nutrients - and the trees cover the sun...
0:13:30 > 0:13:35- ..so it's very difficult for - the native forest to recover also.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- But once you remove them, - the native forests recover well.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- Joaquim is an ornithologist.
0:13:42 > 0:13:48- The hard work he and his team does - is mainly for a very rare bird...
0:13:48 > 0:13:52- ..that relies on the native plants - for its food.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- I'm looking for a little bird - called priolo.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- That's what the locals call it.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- It has been using this tall tree.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- It has been heard singing on it.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- I think it's looking - for somewhere to feed.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- It flies over to the other side - to look for berries.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- It's an Azores bullfinch.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- It's one of the rarest birds - in the whole of Europe.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- I thought I could hear it then. - I can hear its call over here.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- It's rare, it's shy - - it's very difficult to spot.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- There's an adult bird - and some young birds.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- The young birds have left the nest, - feeding on seeds and fruit.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- I had to visit Sao Miguel.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- It's the only place in the world - where you'll see this bird.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- At one time, - only 200 pairs remained.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- Today, - thanks to the society's work...
0:14:48 > 0:14:51- ..numbers have increased - to around 750 pairs.
0:14:51 > 0:14:57- That may sound quite impressive - for such a small island.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- But that's all there are - in the world, so it's still rare.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07- Our bullfinch back home - has red plumage and a black head.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- The female is brown.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- Here, the male and female...
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- ..I can hear them singing - over there...
0:15:14 > 0:15:16- I still can't see one.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- Both the male and female here - are the same colour.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- They're very fond of this tree.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- Ironically, it's not a native tree.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- This chick was born this year.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- It's more adventurous - than the adults.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39- I'm here in September.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- By November, it will have - a black head, like its parents.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- Wow, there were three of them.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- Soon, my journey will continue - with some incredible sea creatures.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- Wow! Look at these.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05- I'll also visit Portugal to see one - of the world's most amazing birds.
0:16:05 > 0:16:05- .
0:16:11 > 0:16:11- Subtitles
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:16:17 > 0:16:22- I'm exploring nature - in countries facing the Atlantic.
0:16:22 > 0:16:28- Wow. It's from the same family - as the great white shark.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- My journey began in the Azores...
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- ..about 900 miles west of Portugal.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- It's the only place in the world - where you'll find this bird.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- Pico was the last Azorean island - to rise from the sea...
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- ..about 250,000 years ago.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- Pico is also the name - of the island's volcano.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- It rises 7,700 feet above sea level.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- It's the highest peak - in the Azores.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- It is also Portugal's highest peak.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- Pico has been dormant - for around 300 years...
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- ..but evidence - of volcanic activity remains.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- The stones are still hot.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- With a wet climate, - steam is produced constantly.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- Pico's history is tied - to two main industries...
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- ..wine production and whaling.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- Since the climate is warm and wet...
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- ..the abundance of fertile land - is perfect for growing grapes.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- Vineyards have been set - in small fields...
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- ..that are divided by walls - made of volcanic stone.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- These walls provide shade - from the strong Atlantic winds...
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- ..that often hit the island.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- Since the sea is deep and rich - around Pico...
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- ..whales gather here.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37- Whaling was once - an important part of life on Pico.
0:18:37 > 0:18:42- The hunters would spot the whales - from the coast.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- Once spotted, and knowing they would - stay in the same place to feed...
0:18:47 > 0:18:51- ..the hunters would sail out - to kill the whales.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- Whales aren't hunted - in the Azores now...
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- ..but locals still search for them - off the coast...
0:19:00 > 0:19:02- ..and take tourists out to see them.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- That's how I've had - the opportunity to swim with them...
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- ..and to see one of the world's - largest creatures close-up.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- This is an amazing sight.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- Three sperm whales together.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- Not everyone - is permitted to swim with them.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- This is a special privilege for me.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- To show them respect, - I won't stay with them too long.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- There are two adults and one calf.
0:19:41 > 0:19:42- And a dolphin!
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- There's evidently something wrong - with the dolphin.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- Look carefully, you can see - how its spine is bent.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- I wonder why? Was it born like this?
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- Has it been injured? Is it sick?
0:19:59 > 0:20:04- Despite its problem, it seems happy - to swim with the whales.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- It has made friends with the calf.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- That's an experience - I never thought I'd have.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- Snorkelling in the sea - with a sperm whale.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- A unique experience and I think - we're going back in again.
0:20:50 > 0:20:51- I'd better be quiet.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- They're tame.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- They're very tame...
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- ..but with one swipe of their tail, - they could cause a lot of damage...
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- ..but they've decided not to.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- Sperm whales are the deepest divers - of all the mammals.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- They can reach depths of two miles.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- A normal dive - is between 300 and 600 metres.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- This requires the whale to hold - its breath for around 90 minutes.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- They need a big breath - before diving down to the depths.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- This is an experience - I never thought I'd get.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- It's a unique experience.
0:22:30 > 0:22:35- Before leaving the Azores, - I want to see one more animal.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- I'm going to search for manta rays.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- They're the world's largest rays.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- They can measure over six metres - across their bodies.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- They live in warmer seas.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- This is my last opportunity - to see them...
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- ..before I travel to colder waters - further north.
0:22:56 > 0:23:01- It's another opportunity to see - the clear, blue water.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- It's an other-worldly experience.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- It's almost unreal.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15- An expanse of unending blue water.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- Suddenly, fish appear.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- This is a triggerfish.
0:23:30 > 0:23:35- It's trying to identify the alien - in its blue world.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- Here's a shoal of barracudas.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00- They can be quite fierce...
0:24:00 > 0:24:04- ..but thankfully, - they almost never attack humans.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- Besides, these are far enough away.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14- Here's the main event.
0:24:22 > 0:24:27- This is why I've travelled so far - into the middle of the ocean.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- Wow! Look at these.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38- These are manta rays.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45- I've always wanted to swim - with these in the sea.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47- Here's my chance.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50- That one came out of nowhere.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53- It's turning around - to get another look.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10- There are at least - half a dozen swimming together.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18- Two remora fish - have latched on to this one.
0:25:22 > 0:25:23- They're having a free ride.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- They also eat any food - that passes the ray's mouth.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32- They're like red kites underwater.
0:25:33 > 0:25:40- They glide effortlessly and slowly - through the blue water.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43- It's incredible to be so close.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47- It's a large creature, - far larger than I expected.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49- They roam the seas.
0:25:49 > 0:25:55- It's quite shallow underneath me - - around 30 metres deep.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00- Either side, - it plummets to 2,000 metres.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02- There's a lot of food here...
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- ..plankton and minute creatures.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07- That's what they eat.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11- They glide through the water - with their mouths open.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- They gather up all the plankton.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20- Seeing them on TV and seeing - pictures of them in books...
0:26:20 > 0:26:24- ..is very different - to being in the water with them.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31- They leave as quickly - as they arrived.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- They disappear into the blue ocean.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14- It's time to leave the Azores - and the wealth of wildlife...
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- ..that lives in the ocean - around the islands.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- My next stop is Portugal.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- I'll walk - along the magnificent coast...
0:27:25 > 0:27:28- ..and see - some of Europe's rarest birds.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30- It's a huge bird.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34- I saw some flying - and they make a swan look small.
0:27:35 > 0:27:36- .
0:27:39 > 0:27:39- Subtitles
0:27:39 > 0:27:41- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:27:43 > 0:27:47- I'm exploring nature - in countries facing the Atlantic.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52- Having left the Azores, - I'm travelling 900 miles east...
0:27:53 > 0:27:55- ..to Portugal - on the European mainland.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01- I've reached the Algarve, derived - from the Arabic word al-gharb...
0:28:02 > 0:28:04- ..which means the western land.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09- This is Europe's - most south-westerly point.
0:28:11 > 0:28:16- Cabo de Sao Vicente, - or Cape St Vincent.
0:28:16 > 0:28:21- On a stormy winter's night, - I can imagine it's a wild place.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- Thankfully, - it's very pleasant today.
0:28:25 > 0:28:31- You can't go further south-west - on the European mainland than here.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34- It's a great place.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37- The lighthouse - acts as a beacon for ships.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41- During Roman times, it was called - the edge of the world...
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- ..where the sea boiled red - at sunset.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48- For them, - this was the Empire's boundary.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50- It was the end of their world.
0:28:50 > 0:28:56- For me, it's the starting point - of my journey along Western Europe.
0:28:58 > 0:29:03- Cabo de Sao Vicente is famous - as the starting point...
0:29:03 > 0:29:05- ..of pioneering - Atlantic expeditions.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09- In the 14th century, - the area was home...
0:29:09 > 0:29:13- ..to Henry the Navigator's - institute of seamanship.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17- Here, his students learnt - how to travel across the Atlantic.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21- I'm staying on the mainland - to explore the coast.
0:29:23 > 0:29:29- I'm heading for Cabo Sardao, another - peninsula 100 miles to the north.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37- Apart from the southerly conditions - and warm temperatures...
0:29:38 > 0:29:42- ..the views are similar - to most of Europe's coastline.
0:29:42 > 0:29:47- You'll find sandstone rocks - and mudstone like this in Wales.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- The cliffs were shaped - by geological movement...
0:29:51 > 0:29:55- ..over millions of years, - creating great shapes.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- They are still being reshaped - by the sea.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04- It's a great location - for birds to nest.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29- CHITTERING
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- I was sitting here - enjoying the sunshine...
0:30:38 > 0:30:43- ..thinking how similar the coast is - to parts of Pembrokeshire.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46- Something you won't find - in Pembrokeshire...
0:30:46 > 0:30:49- ..is the white stork.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53- It's a bird I usually associate - with farmland.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56- It feeds on lizards and toads...
0:30:56 > 0:31:01- ..and nests in old trees - or on barn roofs.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05- This is the only place - in the whole of Europe...
0:31:05 > 0:31:08- ..where they nest on cliff tops.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12- You can get very close to them.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16- Only when you do so do you realize - how beautiful they are.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19- They're wonderful birds.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31- I'm here in March.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- There are eggs in the nests - but no chicks.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45- Some couples are still mating...
0:31:46 > 0:31:50- ..to strengthen the bond - between the male and female.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09- Cabo Sardao is striking.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- The blue Atlantic Ocean - is the backdrop...
0:32:13 > 0:32:17- ..to a bird that's arguably - one of Portugal's rarest.
0:32:17 > 0:32:22- This is the only place in the world - where they nest on the coastline.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41- I'm travelling inland...
0:32:41 > 0:32:46- ..to explore two characteristic - habitats of this part of Portugal.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- On the way, - I see storks nesting on poles.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54- This is how most nest...
0:32:54 > 0:32:58- ..not only in Portugal - but across the whole of Europe.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03- I'm heading - for the Portuguese steppes...
0:33:03 > 0:33:07- ..a vast expanse of open land - with incredible wildlife.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10- First, I'm visiting - a special woodland.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18- This habitat is associated - with this part of southern Portugal.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23- The locals call it montado - - open woodland.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28- In truth, - this is a traditional farm...
0:33:28 > 0:33:32- ..but it's a habitat - that sustains rich wildlife.
0:33:32 > 0:33:38- This unique habitat relies - on one tree - the cork oak.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45- They harvest the cork from the bark.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- They wait until the tree - is at least 40 years old.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53- If they harvested before that, - the tree would die.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57- On the first harvest, - the cork is low in quality.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- When they harvest - for the second and third time...
0:34:01 > 0:34:03- ..the cork is very special.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07- It's the cork you'll find - in the tops of wine bottles.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10- It has been harvested - from here to here.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13- The bark is very thick.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- This tree bears the number six.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20- The last time they harvested - this tree was in 2006.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22- They harvest every nine years.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25- They will return to this tree - in 2015.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- The unique bark of the cork oak...
0:34:32 > 0:34:36- ..protects it from winter frosts - and the frequent fires...
0:34:37 > 0:34:40- ..that can happen - during the hot summer months.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- Most species of trees die - if the bark is removed...
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- ..because the bark is living - and stores the trees' sap.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- The cork oak has two layers of bark.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58- The internal bark is alive - and regrows every year.
0:34:59 > 0:35:04- When the old bark is pushed out, - it dies and turns into cork.
0:35:04 > 0:35:09- Because it's dead, it can be cut - without harming the tree.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- I'm travelling further inland.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19- I'm heading for Castro Verde.
0:35:19 > 0:35:24- Here, I'll find another habitat - characteristic of southern Portugal.
0:35:24 > 0:35:30- It's a wonderful open landscape - with small hills, trees and pasture.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36- On the flat areas, - there's a combination...
0:35:36 > 0:35:38- ..of ploughed land and pasture.
0:35:42 > 0:35:43- This is steppe land.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46- There are hundreds - of acres of it here.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49- In March, wild flowers grow here.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52- They thrive here - because of the rain...
0:35:52 > 0:35:56- ..which arrives from the Atlantic - during Portugal's early spring.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01- This is a rare sight - throughout the whole of Europe.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- It's a protected area.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07- It's managed - by a conservation society...
0:36:07 > 0:36:11- ..that has bought a farm - in the middle of the steppe land.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- This is the society's centre.
0:36:16 > 0:36:21- They've bought a farm - with over 1,000 acres...
0:36:21 > 0:36:23- ..in the middle of the steppe land.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26- As farmland, - it was intensively farmed.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29- Since they bought it, - the situation has changed.
0:36:29 > 0:36:35- They have a farmer to manage - the land, which is important.
0:36:36 > 0:36:41- He leaves some land where grass - and flowers are allowed to grow.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45- He ploughs some of the land - to grow oats and corn...
0:36:46 > 0:36:48- ..for the farmer and the birds.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- The society itself - also does a lot of work.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55- Can you see the tower - in the distance?
0:36:55 > 0:36:59- It was built for the lesser kestrel, - a very rare bird.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03- It's full of holes - in which they nest.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06- A lot of work has been done here...
0:37:08 > 0:37:10- ..and it has been a great success.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13- It takes me back - to when I was young.
0:37:13 > 0:37:18- I used to walk through fields packed - with flowers, insects and birds.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21- I can hear the song - of a corn bunting.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25- There are only two pairs - of these in Wales.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- There are hundreds - in one place here.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33- It's a rich habitat - that attracts a variety of birds.
0:37:36 > 0:37:41- The Montagu's harrier is one - of Castro Verde's birds of prey.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43- This is the female...
0:37:44 > 0:37:46- ..and this is the male.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50- It looks different - and is smaller too.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58- It's putting on a display - to attract the hen.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- A dance to prove - that it's worthy of her.
0:38:25 > 0:38:30- There are numerous places - for lesser kestrels to nest.
0:38:31 > 0:38:36- You can see the birds more clearly - from the nearby hides.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41- This bird comes from - Mediterranean countries.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45- Its numbers have dwindled - dramatically over the past century.
0:38:45 > 0:38:50- In Portugal, the most concentrated - population can be found here...
0:38:51 > 0:38:53- ..in the Castro Verde region.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01- There were hundreds in Portugal.
0:39:01 > 0:39:06- There were thousands at one point, - down to hundreds about 20 years ago.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09- The population decreased - to around 150.
0:39:10 > 0:39:15- Since then, conservation work - has been carried out in this area...
0:39:15 > 0:39:18- ..and the numbers here - have risen to over 400.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29- What the conservationists - have done here...
0:39:29 > 0:39:34- ..is build several buildings - with holes in the walls.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38- This kestrel is a social nester.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42- Sometimes, you'll find - a dozen or more pairs together...
0:39:42 > 0:39:44- ..in an old building.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46- This is ideal for them.
0:39:47 > 0:39:52- There has been investment - in local farms...
0:39:52 > 0:39:57- ..to farm the land as it would - have been farmed decades ago.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01- Crops such as oats and corn - are being grown.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04- This helps attract - all kinds of insects.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09- The lesser kestrels - feed on the insects and mice.
0:40:10 > 0:40:15- The male lesser kestrel - is a very attractive bird.
0:40:15 > 0:40:20- The female is similar - to our native female kestrel.
0:40:21 > 0:40:26- The male, like the kestrel, - has no spots whatsoever.
0:40:26 > 0:40:31- The orange-brown and blue colours - are very bright.
0:40:31 > 0:40:36- Over 20 pairs nest in this building.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40- When they fly together, - it's a remarkable sight.
0:40:57 > 0:41:03- This is a great sight, but there is - an even more impressive one.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06- We'll see it after the break.
0:41:09 > 0:41:09- .
0:41:11 > 0:41:11- Subtitles
0:41:11 > 0:41:13- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:41:18 > 0:41:21- I've reached Castro Verde - in Portugal.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24- It's a special inland habitat.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28- The steppe land is a combination - of ploughed land and pasture.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32- It's one of Portugal's - largest nature reserves.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35- It covers over 4,000 acres.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41- Castro Verde is home - to a very special bird.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44- I'm going to look for it - with Marisa Gomes...
0:41:44 > 0:41:48- ..who works for the society - that looks after the reserve.
0:41:49 > 0:41:54- It's one of the most majestic birds - in the world, but it can be shy.
0:41:56 > 0:41:57- What's the plan?
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- Over the hill? See what we see?
0:42:01 > 0:42:05- We're looking for the great bustard.
0:42:05 > 0:42:10- I saw it when I visited Portugal - about 20 years ago.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- I promise you it will give us - an impressive display.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16- They used to eat them.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19- They hunted them - because there were many.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24- Quite common birds and probably - quite nice birds to eat.
0:42:24 > 0:42:25- Have you ever eaten one?
0:42:25 > 0:42:27- Have you ever eaten one?- - No. My father did.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29- Did he? Oh, wow.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31- What's in the fields over there?
0:42:32 > 0:42:33- Great bustards.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36- That's what they are, up there.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38- How many are there then?
0:42:39 > 0:42:42- Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. One, two...
0:42:43 > 0:42:45- ..three, four, five.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49- They're big birds, - aren't they, in the air?
0:42:49 > 0:42:53- I prefer them in the air - than on the ground.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59- Marisa has brought me over - to a part of the reserve...
0:42:59 > 0:43:03- ..where a large population - of great bustards can be found.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07- There's a small group - of male birds here.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10- We hope they start to display - because it's an impressive sight.
0:43:11 > 0:43:16- They open their tails and puff up - their bright white chests.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20- When they do that, - they can be seen for miles.
0:43:20 > 0:43:25- That's the whole point - of the display - to attract females.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28- It's also a way of keeping away - other males.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31- It's a means of identifying - the strongest male...
0:43:32 > 0:43:36- ..and ultimately, the one - that will mate with the females.
0:43:36 > 0:43:40- They're amazing birds - - they're huge.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42- I've seen some in flight.
0:43:43 > 0:43:45- They make a swan look small.
0:43:45 > 0:43:50- They're the heaviest flying birds - in the whole of Europe.
0:43:50 > 0:43:54- They're the heaviest flying birds - in Europe, I think.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57- They're bigger than a turkey.
0:43:57 > 0:44:02- On we go. It's going to be - a game of cat and mouse.
0:44:02 > 0:44:05- They're going to move, - we're going to move.
0:44:07 > 0:44:09- We'll have to be more patient...
0:44:10 > 0:44:12- ..before we see the show.
0:44:13 > 0:44:15- The steppe land - covers a large area...
0:44:16 > 0:44:21- ..but they usually gather - in groups of 20 to 30 birds.
0:44:23 > 0:44:25- Look, full display.
0:44:26 > 0:44:28- The beginning of the display.
0:44:28 > 0:44:30- They walk...
0:44:31 > 0:44:32- Slowly.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34- With the tail up...
0:44:34 > 0:44:37- ..showing the white.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41- There's another male, - to the right, joining in. See him?
0:44:43 > 0:44:47- The sun is shining on the area - where they're displaying.
0:44:47 > 0:44:51- You can see the bright - white feathers so clearly.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55- You can see the display - from miles away.
0:44:55 > 0:45:00- It's as if someone's holding - a mirror up to reflect the sunlight.
0:45:02 > 0:45:04- Here's the display.
0:45:19 > 0:45:23- Many say their best display - can be seen when the sun shines.
0:45:23 > 0:45:27- When the land lights up, - the birds use it to full effect.
0:45:27 > 0:45:32- The white tail feathers - shine brightly to attract females.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40- The head almost disappears - when the display is in full flow...
0:45:40 > 0:45:43- ..since the breast - is pumped up so much.
0:45:48 > 0:45:52- This ritual is done - for mating purposes.
0:45:52 > 0:45:56- The largest, strongest and brightest - attracts the females.
0:46:02 > 0:46:06- It's a striking display, - especially against this backdrop.
0:46:09 > 0:46:15- After losing their habitat - and being hunted for their meat...
0:46:16 > 0:46:18- ..bustards are very rare in Europe.
0:46:21 > 0:46:26- They can only survive - in nature reserves such as this...
0:46:27 > 0:46:31- ..because there's plenty of room - and food for them here.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51- In the past, - landscapes like this were common...
0:46:51 > 0:46:54- ..over all of Western Europe, - from north to south.
0:46:55 > 0:46:57- Rich pasture land...
0:46:57 > 0:47:01- ..that received its moisture - from the Atlantic Ocean.
0:47:13 > 0:47:19- Next week, my journey continues - in Gibraltar and Spain.
0:47:19 > 0:47:22- I'll see thousands of birds - migrating.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26- I'll visit Europe's largest wetland.
0:47:26 > 0:47:30- I'll come face-to-face - with vultures...
0:47:31 > 0:47:33- ..and see - the world's rarest wild cat.
0:47:33 > 0:47:36- I was just walking by - and what did I see - a lynx.
0:48:06 > 0:48:08- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:48:08 > 0:48:08- .