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0:00:02 > 0:00:05- I'm exploring six English regions...
0:00:06 > 0:00:11- ..that are famed for their beauty - and spectacular views of the wild.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15- They also attract - millions of tourists each year...
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- ..to these magnificent landscapes.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22- Here you'll find wildlife - that is rare...
0:00:23 > 0:00:26- ..or has vanished completely - from Wales.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- That's the main reason I'm - exploring these wonderful locations.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50- I'm standing - beside the famous Hadrian's Wall...
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- ..which stretches - from Carlisle in the west...
0:00:54 > 0:00:59- ..all the way to Newcastle-upon-Tyne - in the east, a distance of 90 miles.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- This portion - of the wall and the tree...
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- ..appears in the movie - Robin Hood Prince of Thieves...
0:01:06 > 0:01:10- ..starring Kevin Costner - and Morgan Freeman.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- They claimed they landed - in the south of England...
0:01:14 > 0:01:16- ..but I'm in Northumbria.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- It's the Old North to us, of course.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- It was the ancient land of the Celts - and their language...
0:01:24 > 0:01:26- ..was similar to early Welsh...
0:01:26 > 0:01:30- ..before the land was lost - to the Saxons and other invaders...
0:01:30 > 0:01:32- ..after the sixth century.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36- It's a historic region - with ancient land.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- Hadrian's Wall was built by - the Romans in the second century.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47- They needed a definite border - between their land in the south...
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- ..and the unruly region - in the north...
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- ..known to us today as Scotland.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01- I'm crossing the Roman border - to the north of Northumbria...
0:02:02 > 0:02:04- ..and the Farne Islands.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- But first I want to explore - closer to the wall.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- I'm halfway - between Carlisle and Newcastle...
0:02:35 > 0:02:38- ..in the south of Northumbria.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- It's the second week of May.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- Fittingly, - the first sight I see and hear...
0:02:48 > 0:02:52- ..is the symbol - of the Northumberland National Park.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- The curlew.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04- A pair of curlews are nesting on a - section of moist and rough terrain.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06- It's encouraging...
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- ..coming to an area where the curlew - is still a common resident.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- Only once have I left Wales - for a length of time...
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- ..and that was - when I went away to college.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- What I missed - more than anything else...
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- ..was the curlew's cry.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- Why are there - high numbers of them here?
0:03:28 > 0:03:33- The answer's simple - because - there's plenty of rough terrain.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- Especially rough and wet terrain...
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- ..because they need - to bury their long beaks in the mud.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- It's nice to see - the male and female together.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47- Only then - can you differentiate between them.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52- Look carefully and you'll notice - the male has a shorter beak.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- The female's beak - is considerably longer.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- We don't know - why the female's beak is longer.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04- One theory suggests it's because - they aren't in competition for food.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- They burrow into - different levels of the soil.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10- But who knows?
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- I've come a mile or two - to an ancient woodland...
0:04:27 > 0:04:28- ..on lower ground.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32- There are dozens - of similar woodlands in Northumbria.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- There are large beech trees here.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- Judging from the birdsong, - it's obviously a good place to nest.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49- This is a coal tit...
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- ..with a caterpillar in her beak - to feed her young.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- I've disturbed a roebuck.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- It must've been hiding - in the nearby bushes.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- This woodland is rich in wildlife.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- There's a pair of starlings...
0:05:31 > 0:05:36- ..feeding its young in a hole - in the ash tree over there.
0:05:36 > 0:05:41- I noticed the adults going back and - forth with caterpillars and worms.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- They're - constantly going back and forth.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- One is flying in now.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- I can hear the chicks inside.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54- I came to realize - that there's another pair here...
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- ..within 30 metres - of the other nest.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01- There's also - another pair over there...
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- ..and one more further across.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08- During my childhood in Llanwddyn, - these birds were common.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- I'd inspect trees for owls' nests...
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- ..and common kestrel nests and - I'd find starling nests everywhere.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22- Nowadays, they've become - relatively rare birds in Wales.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- I'm not sure why.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- I can't tell you why.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32- Why are there still high numbers - here but very few at home?
0:06:32 > 0:06:37- In reality, there are plenty - of woodlands such as this in Wales.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43- It's not our woodlands - that are to blame.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- It's something else...
0:06:46 > 0:06:51- ..which affects the bird or has - affected the species in the past.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57- The starling is burrowing - for insects to feed its chicks.
0:06:57 > 0:07:02- Maybe springtime in Wales doesn't - provide enough of the right insects?
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- I've come to a woodland - near Bellingham.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- It's early morning, - the sun hasn't risen yet.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- I'm on my way to meet two girls...
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- ..who are working to save - the red squirrel in this area.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- With a bit of luck, - I'll get to see the animal too.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- This is predominantly - an oak woodland.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- Judging from their height, they've - been growing for centuries...
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- ..on fertile soil.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- Hello. You must be Katy and Emma. - I'm Iolo.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- Good to see you. - Hello there. Have you seen any reds?
0:08:05 > 0:08:06- We've been watching three.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- We've been watching three.- - I can see one moving up there.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- Two adults and - one of this year's kits, I think.
0:08:13 > 0:08:14- Quite a young one.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16- Quite a young one.- - Wow. That's cool, first thing.
0:08:30 > 0:08:31- Is there another one down there?
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- Is there another one down there?- - Yes, it's just gone round the tree.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- It's been so wet, they'll be hungry.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- So it's a good thing - for us to be here this morning.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- He's posing for us.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- Oh, wow, yes. It is too!
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- That's the little one, is it?
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- He hasn't got any ear tufts yet. - He looks small to me.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- I love the way they sit - with their tail right up their back.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06- He's watching us. - He knows we're here.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- Katy and Emma - are two of a team of wardens...
0:09:16 > 0:09:20- ..who look after - the red squirrel in Northumbria.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- This is one of - the few locations in Britain...
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- ..where the red squirrel - lives in its natural habitat.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- The sun - is rising over the horizon now...
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- ..and this is - the best time to be out.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36- The birds are singing all around.
0:09:37 > 0:09:43- It's nice seeing red squirrels - in their natural habitat.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- I associate them - with foreign pine trees nowadays...
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- ..but they're meant to be - in oak woodlands like this.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- There are two adults and one kit.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- They're - jumping from branch to branch.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- They're very swift. - It's nice seeing a red squirrel.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- It's always nice to see one.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- Behind me is Kielder Reservoir...
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- ..the biggest reservoir in Europe.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- The forestry - surrounding the water is also huge.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- A quarter of the trees - produced in England...
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- ..come from this forest.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04- First thing tomorrow, I'm heading - east, to the edge of the forest...
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- ..where there's a clearing.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- They say areas like these - are great for spotting wildlife.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- Kielder Forest is - the biggest plantation in Europe...
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- ..stretching 250 miles square.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- Northumbria's landscape is vast.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- It's five o'clock in the morning...
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- ..and my luck is in.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- A roebuck is grazing - on an exposed area of land.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- This is a male.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- I only normally see the backside - of a deer as it runs away...
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- ..so it's nice - being able to watch one foraging.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- They're very timid creatures. - They're easily frightened.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- He raises his head now and then - and looks around often...
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- ..before grazing again.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- They spend their days - in dense vegetation in the forest.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- At night and early morning, - they venture out to feed...
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- ..on new vegetation - that's full of nourishment.
0:12:41 > 0:12:42- The sun's up now.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- It's just this moment - risen over the horizon.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51- He's making his way - very gradually back to the forest.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- He'll stay there all day.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- He looks very healthy.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- He's in optimum condition.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- He must build his strength - at this time of year...
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- ..because in six weeks' time, - he'll have to compete for a mate...
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- ..when the rutting season begins.
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0:13:19 > 0:13:19- Subtitles
0:13:19 > 0:13:21- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- I've reached the Cheviot Hills...
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- ..in Northumbria's highlands.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- To give you an idea - of just how huge this county is...
0:14:04 > 0:14:09- ..to go from the south, where we - were at Hadrian's Wall, to here...
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- ..is like travelling - from Cardiff to Welshpool...
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- ..or from Welshpool to Caernarfon.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- The mountain - behind me is called the Cheviot.
0:14:20 > 0:14:25- It's Northumbria's highest mountain, - which is over 800 metres high.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30- Sitting here in the sun and - listening to the birds is wonderful.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- A choir of woodlark - is singing from the lofty branches.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- It's a rather nondescript bird.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- A bird you'll see - in some areas of Wales.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- It's singing with all its might.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52- It's the second week of May - and it's nesting time.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- This bird - is also protecting its territory.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- It's a willow warbler.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- It's one of - the more familiar sounds of spring.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- It sings whilst catching insects.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- It also has time to clean itself.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- It's obviously very meticulous.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- This is Seahouses Harbour.
0:15:57 > 0:16:02- You can't go further eastwards - in Northumbria than this.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- This is the end of the journey, - more or less.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- I'm going to explore - the islands next.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- If you're a naturalist - and especially a birdwatcher...
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- ..you must visit the Farne Islands.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- How are you? - I'm Iolo. Good to see you.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- When Saint Cuthbert, the - patron saint of northern England...
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- ..visited the Farne Islands - in the seventh century...
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- ..he was astounded - by the birds that lived there.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- Upon discovering - that local people ate the birds...
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- ..he introduced laws - to protect them.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12- Cuthbert was one of the world's - first ever conservationists.
0:17:12 > 0:17:17- It's thanks to him and - many after him that these islands...
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- ..are among the best locations - to observe seabirds.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26- What a welcome! I'm greeted - by a multitude of Arctic tern.
0:17:26 > 0:17:31- They've migrated here - all the way from Antarctica.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- They've only just arrived, - thank goodness.
0:17:34 > 0:17:39- If they'd had time to settle and - lay eggs, they're very aggressive.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- Away he goes!
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- They're very aggressive - and attack anyone in their path.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- Thank goodness - they're friendly today!
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- They nest - anywhere they can on the ground.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11- These two are preparing - their small patch of land.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21- Part of the mating process - involves sharing a fish with a mate.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- This shows how good - the potential mate will be...
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- ..when it comes to - hunting food for hungry chicks.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- Legend has it that Cuthbert...
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- ..had a soft spot - for the common eider...
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- ..known locally - as Cuddy's duck or Cuthbert's duck.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12- The males have a strange way - of impressing the females.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- There are - thousands of birds on this rock.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27- Most of them are guillemots.
0:19:27 > 0:19:32- You may think they're nesting, - and they do nest on steep cliffs...
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- ..but that's not - what they're doing here.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- They're loafing, or hanging around.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43- In time, when the chicks arrive, - they'll have to hunt fish...
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- ..and they'll be - rushing back and forth.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- For now, - they've plenty of time to relax.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- You can walk around - the main island in 20 minutes.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- You'll view a variety of species, - thousands of them at that.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- I've never been anywhere like this - before in my life.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- More than 50,000 pairs - of puffins nest here.
0:20:22 > 0:20:27- They're very bold. They're happy - for me to sit here beside them.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- The reason for that - is because they've been raised here.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- These islands attract - thousands of visitors in summer.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- The don't fear humans, so that's why - they're putting up with me.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- I've never sat - this close to seabirds before.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- These aren't at their best yet.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55- In a week or two, their beaks - will be far more colourful.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- That's when - the proper mating season begins.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05- But the shag is already nesting.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- I love the way these shags - have already chosen a place to nest.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19- There are four of them in a row.
0:21:19 > 0:21:24- They're at least a neck and beak - away from each other.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- That's because - they can fight ferociously.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- There's a hook - at the end of the beak.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35- If I were to touch it with my - finger, it'd certainly draw blood.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- They're such pretty birds.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- It's only when you're up close - that you realize that.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- They have a green sheen - to their coat.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- From afar, they're quite plain.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49- But they're not at all.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- They have piercing green eyes...
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- ..and the bottom of their beak - is a lovely yellow colour.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- To be honest...
0:21:58 > 0:22:04- ..these are in my top 10 list - of Britain's prettiest birds.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- They've an unique way - of regulating temperature.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- They use their necks - to release heat.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- By trembling, - the blood in the neck's veins...
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- ..transfers heat from the body - on a warm day.
0:22:23 > 0:22:28- You'll also see large numbers - of kittiwakes on the island.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- Razorbills too.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- The Farne Islands - are a birdwatcher's paradise.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- Best of all, they're merely a 20 - minute boat ride from the mainland.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40- I embarked on my journey - from the famous Hadrian's Wall...
0:23:40 > 0:23:44- ..and I end it at Bamburgh Castle.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- I've wandered one of - the country's largest counties.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- What's made - a lasting impression on me...
0:23:51 > 0:23:56- ..isn't the wildlife, although - there's a wealth of it here...
0:23:56 > 0:24:00- ..or the people, who are - very friendly and welcoming.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- It's the vast expanse of scrubland.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- This is a very different area - and a different country.
0:24:06 > 0:24:11- There are plenty of quiet places - in which to lose yourself.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:24:33 > 0:24:33- .