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0:00:03 > 0:00:07- I'm on a journey - to six areas in England.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11- These areas are renowned for - their beauty and incredible scenery.
0:00:12 > 0:00:19- These locations attract millions - of tourists to enjoy the landscapes.
0:00:19 > 0:00:26- There's some excellent wildlife - that you will rarely see in Wales.
0:00:26 > 0:00:32- That's the main reason for visiting - these remarkable locations.
0:00:46 > 0:00:51- I haven't travelled too far - from Wales this week.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- I'm an hour away - from the Severn Bridge.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- Behind me is the renowned - Cheddar Gorge.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- I'm going to follow the path - down towards the Somerset Levels.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- Cheddar Gorge splits the - western side of the Mendip Hills.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18- Some say that Mendip comes from the - Welsh word for mountain, 'mynydd'.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- Over the centuries, - mynydd has become Mendip.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27- But these are hills, not mountains.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32- They rise no more than 325 metres, - about 1,000ft.
0:01:36 > 0:01:42- During my journey, I'll travel from - the Mendips, across the levels...
0:01:42 > 0:01:45- ..to the Quantock Hills - in the west.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- First, I'm visiting Black Rock - nature reserve...
0:01:52 > 0:01:55- ..on the highest point - of Cheddar Gorge.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05- The nature reserve is situated - on an old lime quarry.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08- Stone similar - to the one behind me...
0:02:09 > 0:02:14- ..was used to construct buildings - in nearby Bath and Bristol.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- The limestone is responsible - for forming Cheddar Gorge.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23- It's a soft stone and the ancient - river has eroded the stone...
0:02:23 > 0:02:25- ..to form the gorge.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- The river now runs underground - at the bottom of the gorge.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- It's the first week of July.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- A thin layer of earth - lying over the limestone...
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- ..has created a habitat - of grass and flowers.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44- The flowers have attracted insects.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- This wasp feeds on white clover.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- Feeding on red clover is a very - common butterfly in this area...
0:02:59 > 0:03:04- ..but one which has been, until - recently, rarely seen in Wales.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- The marbled white butterfly.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13- It's nice to hear about a butterfly - whose numbers are increasing.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- We hear so much bad news about the - numbers of butterflies decreasing...
0:03:17 > 0:03:19- ..as habitats are destroyed.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- This one has increased in number.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- I remember a time - when they could be seen in Wales.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28- You could spot them in Gwent...
0:03:28 > 0:03:32- ..but by now, they've moved up - to Powys and Radnorshire.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- I saw one there last year.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- They're very pretty.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- Why are they here? - I think it's a simple reason.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- There are plenty of flowers - - wild thyme, white clover...
0:03:45 > 0:03:47- ..and red clover.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53- I'm looking around me and I can see - around six different species...
0:03:53 > 0:03:55- ..all flying together.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- This is the small - tortoiseshell butterfly.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- They are found in gardens - and rural areas.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- It flies from March until October.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- Even though it's orange, - this is the dark green fritillary.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34- It gets its name from - the green colour under its wing.
0:04:36 > 0:04:43- This butterfly is a summer insect - - it only flies in July and August.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- Here's another common butterfly - - the small heath butterfly.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- It favours rich grassland.
0:04:59 > 0:05:04- A stone's throw from the quarry, - there's excitement in a field.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09- Two deer chasing each other.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- The roe deer's mating season - is beginning.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- Two male deer, - one chasing the other.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- One is trying to defend - its territory...
0:05:26 > 0:05:28- ..this field and this woods.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- It's a perfect location...
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- ..shelter under the trees, - a feeding area in the field...
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- ..and soon, it will try - and attract a female deer.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- It doesn't want another male deer - anywhere near the place.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- I think they're - both resting in the woods.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- I wouldn't be surprised - if they started fighting later.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- They're at their best now.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- Their coat is red-brown.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- During the winter, - the coat is longer and greyer.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01- Even from here, we can see - both of them breathing heavily...
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- ..tired after their exploits.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- From Roman times - to around a century ago...
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- ..the Mendip Hills provided - a rich source of lead.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- Over the hill from Black Rock - is Blackmoor.
0:06:37 > 0:06:43- If you were here a century ago, the - land would have looked different.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- It would have been black, - not green as it is today.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- The land was ruptured - for lead mining.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- The waste mounds can be seen - under the vegetation.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57- They look like small hills - covered in grass.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- In some places, - you'll find charcoal remains.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- This was burnt - to draw the lead from the stone.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- Today, - nature has reclaimed the land.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- Moths now catch the eye.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- Lead is very poisonous.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24- For me, it's incredible to see - so many plants growing here...
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- ..and covering almost all the land.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- There are a few bare patches - but not many.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35- We think of moths as small brown - insects that appear at night...
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- ..but this one is very colourful.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- It appears during the day. - This one is thriving.
0:07:47 > 0:07:52- They're five-spot burnets, - feeding on valerian flowers.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- It's a plant that often grows - on wet pasture.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- Black Rock moor is a great habitat - reclaimed from old industry.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- There are similar places - scattered around the area.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- Here's another colourful moth - - the forester.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- I've never seen it before even - though it can be found in Wales...
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- ..during the summer months.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28- It's on a small scabious, a flower - full of nectar to attract insects...
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- ..and is often grown in gardens - because of its special colour.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- The Somerset Levels - are close to sea level.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53- Most of the land - is under six meters above sea level.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- During high tide and heavy rainfall, - the land is often flooded.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- This place is often affected - by floods...
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- ..when winter storms - are at their worst.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- I've reached the levels - in the Glastonbury area.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25- People have been draining the levels - since the Middle Ages.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30- Vast water channels have been built - to control water levels.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35- The largest is the south drain - which runs through Shapwick Heath...
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- ..and Ham Wall, - two large nature reserves.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- Once again on my journey, - I encounter some roe deer.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- These are two of last year's young - with their mother.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- They're very common in this area.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- There's enough room for them - to graze...
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- ..and hide if they're in trouble.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- The Glastonbury Tower can be seen - from Ham Wall Nature Reserve.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- In the pools and wetlands - under the hills...
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- ..are birds rarely seen in Wales.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- One of them is the marsh harrier.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39- As it hunts, - it exhibits its flying skills.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43- It's searching for birds or mice.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- A heron does the same - by hiding and being patient.
0:10:48 > 0:10:54- It eats many different creatures - including frogs and fish.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- One of Ham Wall's major attractions - is the bittern.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- You can only see it when it flies.
0:11:02 > 0:11:08- When it lands, its colour helps it - blend into the undergrowth.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- Wetland such as this - is an excellent place for wildlife.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- All kinds of birds live here - but it's difficult to spot them...
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- ..especially the bittern.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- It flies but not for long.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- When it flies low to the ground, - it disappears.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- One of the most interesting aspects - about being here...
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- ..is seeing the frogs.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51- This is the marsh frog.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- They were introduced - to South-East England...
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- ..and spread - right across the country.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- They haven't reached Wales yet - but it won't take long.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- They make an odd sound.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- This is Europe's largest frog...
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- ..but it's not much bigger - than a common frog.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18- It's native to Europe but we know - little of the impact it will have...
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- ..on natural habitats in Britain.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- It has a greater appetite - than the common frog...
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- ..and eats a lot of insects.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- There's more to the Somerset Levels - than wetlands.
0:12:35 > 0:12:41- Around Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath, - there are different, drier habitats.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- This copse is on farmland - just above the wetland.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- When you walk through a copse - such as this in July...
0:12:51 > 0:12:55- ..in terms of birds, - there's nothing, it's silent.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- It's still a good time - for butterflies.
0:12:58 > 0:13:04- Here's one I've never seen before - - a white admiral.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- Everything it needs is here.
0:13:06 > 0:13:11- Mature trees, they feed - on the bramble flowers...
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- ..and the caterpillars - feed on the honeysuckle.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- There's plenty of that here too.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- They're very territorial.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25- They're flying around my head - and chasing other butterflies.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- Beyond the copse...
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- ..there's a hide - to observe the wildlife on the lake.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- Here's a little egret fishing.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- This is a hobby - hunting for dragonflies.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- These are all birds - you can see in Wales...
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- ..especially the kingfisher...
0:14:10 > 0:14:15- ..but you'll find - few better places than this hide...
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- ..on Canada Farm Lake - near Shapwick Heath.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- There's nothing better - at the end of a day...
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- ..when everyone else - has gone home...
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- ..than sitting in a hide - looking out over the water.
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0:14:41 > 0:14:41- Subtitles
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- I've reached West Sedge Moor, - England's largest wet meadow system.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- It's halfway - between Glastonbury and Taunton.
0:15:19 > 0:15:25- The ancient meadows are often under - water during the winter months.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- This is why they're - a great habitat for wildlife.
0:15:29 > 0:15:34- Only when you walk across the land - do you realise how wet it is.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- There are networks - of ditches everywhere.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- From the air, - it would look like a spider's web.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- Originally, these were built - to drain the land...
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- ..but this is now - an RSPB nature reserve.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- These ditches are used - to retain the water.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- That keeps the land wet for - mating birds such as lapwings...
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- ..and providing feeding grounds - for curlews.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- During the summer months, - the wet meadows attract dragonflies.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11- There are thousands here.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- One of them - is the black-tailed skimmer.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- The male flies close to the water...
0:16:20 > 0:16:25- ..and returns to its roost - after hunting around its habitat.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- The main attraction - of West Sedge Moor is the crane.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- This location is one of only - three nature reserves in Britain...
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- ..where the crane can be spotted.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- None are in Wales.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55- This is only the second time I've - seen a crane in the wild in Britain.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- You forget about how big they are.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00- They're even bigger - than a grey heron.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- They're huge.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- This habitat reminds me - of the Gwent Levels or Anglesey...
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- ..many centuries ago, - before they were drained.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- You can imagine wetlands - with vegetation such as this...
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- ..and dozens of cranes.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21- I've often wondered about the - origin of the Welsh word - garan.
0:17:21 > 0:17:27- As two flew together now, their - call sounded like "garan, garan".
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- The Welsh name must have come - from the sound of their call.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- These have been re-introduced - to the Somerset Levels.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- The scheme started - about five years ago.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- After hatching chicks - from crane eggs from Germany...
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- ..and rearing them carefully - in enclosures...
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- ..the adults are released here.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- They've settled well - in West Sedge Moor...
0:17:59 > 0:18:03- ..since this was their natural - habitat in Britain centuries ago.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- I leave the levels - and the lowlands...
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- ..and head for the uplands in - the south-west - the Quantock Hills.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- One of the highest peaks - is Cothelstone.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- From its slopes, you can see - across the levels to the Severn.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- There are some great views - from this hill.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05- There are birds everywhere.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- This is a linnet - washing its plumage.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- A whitethroat. It nests - somewhere in the vegetation.
0:19:30 > 0:19:35- There are some common birds - - dunnocks and goldfinches.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- One magnificent bird - beats all the others.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- The yellowhammer.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- Watching birds on this hill - is like watching birds in Wales...
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- ..half a century ago.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07- The linnets are very common. - Families have reared chicks.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- I saw another one with some grass - in her beak earlier on.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- She was building a new nest.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16- They're late nesters - - they feed on seeds.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- They nest in July and August.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24- The most common birds here, - you can hear them everywhere...
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- ..are the yellowhammers.
0:20:26 > 0:20:31- I remember learning this birdsong - in music lessons at school.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- # Little bit of bread - and no cheese #
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- The male is so majestic. - It looks like a yellow canary.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- It's a wonderful song.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48- It's the long-forgotten sound - of rural Wales.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- It's rarely seen in Wales - but a few miles over the Severn...
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- ..it is seen in large numbers.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29- I've reached the end of my journey - - Beacon Hill near Minehead.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- It's 15 miles from the Welsh coast - across the Severn.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40- Red deer feed on the hillside.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- These are less timid - than the roe deer I saw earlier.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- Beacon Hill doesn't have - an abundance of wildlife.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- There are birds here you'd expect - to see on Welsh hills...
0:21:57 > 0:21:59- ..such as stonechats.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- My main reason for walking - to the summit of Beacon Hill...
0:22:09 > 0:22:14- ..is to explore the landscape across - the Severn from South Wales...
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- ..and exactly opposite Cardiff.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- Like many of you, - I've always thought about that.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- Here, on Beacon Hill, - in the Quantocks...
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- ..my visit to Somerset ends.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- I'm looking out across the Severn.
0:23:05 > 0:23:11- I can see Aberthaw power station - and Ogmore-by-Sea in the distance.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- I was already familiar - with some of this area...
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- ..the lowlands and wetlands...
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- ..but I've discovered these - wooded hills for the first time.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- There's all kinds - of wildlife here too.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- The best part - is being so close to Wales...
0:23:28 > 0:23:32- ..and it's so convenient - to travel here.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:52 > 0:23:53- .