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0:00:10 > 0:00:13- I've been birdwatching - and observing wildlife all my life.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- But pressures on nature - due to man's intervention...
0:00:20 > 0:00:24- ..have seen some species decline - or disappear altogether in Wales...
0:00:25 > 0:00:27- ..over the past half a century.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31- I'm travelling to England, to - locations teeming with wildlife...
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- ..to rediscover species - no longer found at home.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- I'm at the seaside, - a few miles north of Liverpool...
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- ..in the sand dunes - not far from Formby.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- Looking out over Liverpool Bay, - I can see North Wales.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- The Carneddau and Glyderau mountains - are in the distance.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- The Great Orme - disappears into the sea.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18- To the north, in that direction, - is Blackpool.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20- I'm in Lancashire.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31- The county - stretches from the River Mersey...
0:01:31 > 0:01:33- ..to the Lake District.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38- It's a vast county - with major towns...
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- ..such as Blackpool, - Preston and Lancaster.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47- Surrounding the towns are - wild areas where nature is thriving.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- I don't have to venture too far - before I see a rare creature.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- It's worth exploring - Formby's sand dunes...
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- ..because - they're teeming with wildlife.
0:02:05 > 0:02:10- It's interesting because - you come across rare species...
0:02:11 > 0:02:13- ..such as this dune tiger beetle.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- A pair - is mating just to my right...
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- ..but this one's interesting.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- This one - has tunnelled a small hole...
0:02:22 > 0:02:26- ..it's entered it - and now it's closing it.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31- It catches all kinds of insects - and caterpillars...
0:02:31 > 0:02:36- ..before taking them into the tunnel - and laying eggs inside.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39- When the eggs hatch, - food is there instantly.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48- They can be found in the sand dunes - of North Wales, in Clwyd and Towyn.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50- They're a rare species.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- I've left the sand dunes - for this wooded area.
0:03:05 > 0:03:10- This area near Formby is famous, - I remember reading about it...
0:03:10 > 0:03:12- ..for the red squirrel.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- A population - has always inhabited this wood.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- As squirrel numbers decline, - they've survived here...
0:03:20 > 0:03:24- ..because Liverpool and - neighbouring villages and towns...
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- ..are cut off from this area...
0:03:26 > 0:03:28- ..isolating the animals.
0:03:28 > 0:03:33- There are between 1,000-1,500 - red squirrels in the area...
0:03:33 > 0:03:35- ..and numbers are increasing.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- They're relatively easy to spot.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- It's difficult to see. - It's high up in the trees.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- It's hiding behind the branches.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50- I can see the head and tail - but I can't see the body.
0:03:54 > 0:03:55- I've lost it now.
0:03:56 > 0:03:57- No, it's still there.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03- They're hard to spot. They spend - so much time high up in the trees.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- If it were a grey squirrel, it'd - come down and walk on the ground.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- These, however, - spend much of their time high up.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41- I love being outdoors - this time of the morning.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- It's deserted.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47- The only sounds you hear - are those of birds.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- Nothing else. Nothing at all.
0:04:59 > 0:05:04- Martin Mere - is a centre for wetland birds...
0:05:04 > 0:05:07- ..similar to Penclacwydd - near Llanelli.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12- What's good about it is that there - are birds from all over the world...
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- ..in cages at the far end...
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- ..as well as - wild areas such as this.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- I prefer wild areas - where you can observe native birds.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- As well as the wetlands, - there are dry areas of Martin Mere.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- That's where I'm heading to look for - the farm's traditional inhabitants.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46- Because Martin Mere's land is farmed - simply, you'll find wildlife...
0:05:46 > 0:05:51- ..that's disappeared from - much of Wales' agricultural land.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- The barn owl - is hunting this section of land.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- Because it hasn't been farmed...
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- ..this is a wild area full of mice.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- That's why - it's focusing on this patch.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- It hunts back and forth...
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- ..looking at the ground.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- It's using its eyes and ears...
0:06:28 > 0:06:32- ..and once it hears something, - it swoops down.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- It's just done that.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- The reason - they've become so scarce...
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- ..is because - the land has been cultivated.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- If there's short grass, - there won't be any mice or food...
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- ..so you won't find birds like this.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- It's coming back and forth.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- It's lovely being able to stand here - and watch the barn owl hunt.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- Before leaving Martin Mere, - I'm meeting Simon Grant...
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- ..who's originally from Denbighshire - but now lives locally.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- I couldn't have chosen - a better day to come to Martin Mere.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- It's perfect, isn't it?
0:07:28 > 0:07:29- Do you come here regularly?
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- Do you come here regularly?- - Yes. It changes with the seasons.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37- In December the swans come in - and it's incredible to see that.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- Thousands of them - gather on the mere...
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- ..and the sound is magical.
0:07:45 > 0:07:50- When people think of Lancashire, - they think of the M6 and the M62.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- They pass through - en route to the lakes.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- But if you - give Lancashire a chance...
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- ..so much goes on here - and the nature here is incredible.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- The beaches are fantastic...
0:08:03 > 0:08:08- ..the sand dunes in Formby and - Ainsdale are teeming with wildlife.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- There are natterjack toads, - red squirrels.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- I cycle to work on a Thursday - and Friday and see partridges.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- The whole place comes alive.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23- It's a thriving habitat for nature. - It's a lovely place.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- I can see why you live here. - Well done, lad.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- There's plenty - to look forward to, then...
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- ..as I head up the M6.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- You wouldn't expect to see - a nature reserve next to the M6...
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- ..the north of England's - busiest road.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- This is the Brockholes. I must - admit, I hadn't heard of it.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54- It's incredible that 10 years ago...
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- ..this was an industrial area - - a sandstone quarry.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- Nature has obviously taken over.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- It's the local trust's reserve.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- Its most striking feature - is the island.
0:09:07 > 0:09:12- Look at the plants. It's covered - in a carpet of pinks and whites.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- The pink flowers are Ragged-Robin, - the white are ox-eye daisies.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- There are all kinds of birds here, - it reminds me...
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- ..of the RSPB reserve in Conwy...
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- ..situated next to the A55.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- What's great about the reserve...
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- ..is that it's near - Junction 31 of the M6.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- Within five minutes, - you can see amazing wildlife.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- From where I'm standing...
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- ..you can look down - on the great crested grebe's nest.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- They're creating - an island of plants...
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- ..and once the water level - rises after rainfall...
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- ..the nest rises with it.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- When it dries, - the nest drops back down.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- It's like a little raft.
0:10:11 > 0:10:16- The male has brought a little - something to improve the island.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- Every little helps!
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0:10:26 > 0:10:26- Subtitles
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- I've come to - the uplands of Bowland...
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- ..situated - right in the north of the county.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- The city of Lancaster - is to the west...
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- ..and the town of Clitheroe...
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- ..is down in the valley over there.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- It's overgrown with heather - and is controlled for grouse.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- There are few places in the county - that are as vast as this.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- It's a place to come - if you want to escape.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20- These uplands resemble Hiraethog, - or the Berwyn range, in North Wales.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- This is the kind of place - I like to sit for hours...
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- ..waiting for something to pass by.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- There's a roe deer behind me...
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- ..walking slowly alongside the wall.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- I've only just spotted it.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- It was so quiet, - I had no idea it was there.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- I'm not sure where it's going. - It isn't very big.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55- It's no bigger than a Labrador. - It's a small animal.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- It'd odd to see it at midday.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- Usually at this time, they look - for a wooded area to shelter.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- There's a forest - lower down the valley.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- Oh, wow, a female peregrine falcon - just flew over in that direction.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- I thought it was odd, - but then I spotted a pair of them.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- They're making a noise now. - The pair are striking the female.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- She's flying - too close to the nest...
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- ..and they - don't want her anywhere near.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- When you see them in the air, - they're very quick.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- They're hitting the female - back and forth.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- They won't give up - until she leaves the pair alone.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- They're very territorial.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- Bowland's area - of outstanding natural beauty...
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- ..covers more than 300 square miles.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- It's an area which attracts walkers, - naturalists...
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- ..and those - who enjoy the great outdoors.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- One such person is Gwenllian Angood.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- Here we are. - I'll sit down for a while.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45- It's not the comfiest, but it'll do.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- It's not often - I walk the mountains of England...
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- ..and come across a Welsh native.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- No, we're hard to find - in this region!
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- What on earth are you doing here?
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- I came to university in Preston...
0:13:59 > 0:14:03- ..and met a boy - who's a native of this area.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- We got married...
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- ..and he's the one - who's brought me to these places.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- It's a place where you can escape.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13- It's a place where you can escape.- - Definitely. It's so quiet here.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- You can walk the paths - along the river...
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- ..and not meet a single soul.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- You'd think it'd be busy in summer - but it's so quiet.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- What strikes me - is how much it resembles Wales.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- It reminds me of Wales.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- That's what's attracted me - to this location.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- If I'm with my friends or the dog...
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- ..and we're deciding - where to go for a walk...
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- ..this area - reminds me of Llanuwchllyn...
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- ..where I spent - lots of time with my grandparents.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- I'd climb the Aran...
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- ..or go for walks through the woods.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- It reminds me of that.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56- Does it make you feel homesick?
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- Does it make you feel homesick?- - Yes, definitely.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- It helps the longing in some way...
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- ..but it also makes me feel - that I should go home...
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- ..and go for walks - in familiar surroundings.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- I've left Bowland's uplands...
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- ..and headed - straight down to the coast.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- This is Sunderland Point - on the River Lune...
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- ..which runs through Lancaster...
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- ..to Morecambe Bay.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54- The best time to come here is in - winter because like every estuary...
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- ..it's teeming with birds.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- It's an interesting place, - nevertheless.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03- It's unique because there's - a village here and a few farms.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08- There's a community here, the only - one that's part of the mainland...
0:16:09 > 0:16:14- ..that's completely cut off - when the tide comes in.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19- It'd make you think twice about - popping to the shop to buy sugar!
0:16:21 > 0:16:27- The Lune, Mersey and Ribble - estuaries run into Morecambe Bay.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- They're great vantage points - for watching birds in winter.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- But the next location - is among the best in Britain...
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- ..to see wildlife - at any time of year.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- What a spectacular view.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- I've come to the north, - almost to the Lake District...
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- ..and I've come to one of - my favourite reserves in England.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53- This is Leighton Moss.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- I'm looking down on the woodland...
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- ..and the enormous marshland...
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- ..leading down to the sea.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- Leighton Moss is an RSPB reserve.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- It houses a centre to help you - discover the natural world.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- You'll find - all kinds of wildlife here.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- In spring, the marsh harrier - is the star of the show.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- This female is hunting.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- She's looking for a mouse or a bird - in the marsh.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45- This is the male with - the blue colouring on his wings.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- Both are nesting in the marsh.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- The female has caught something.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- There's something very special here.
0:18:16 > 0:18:22- On the other side of the water, near - the rushes, is an otter feeding.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- What's the time?
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- In order to see them, - they say you should head out...
0:18:29 > 0:18:31- ..early morning and late evening.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34- In Leighton Moss, - they're out at midday too.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- It's feeding.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- Even when it's underwater...
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- ..I can see the bubbles rising.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- It's not often - you can stand and watch an otter.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- Usually, - you only catch a brief glimpse.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- This is great. - There's not one but two here now.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- It's odd, - because ever since I was a child...
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- ..I'd venture out at night - to see otters and so on.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- Since they stopped hunting them - about 25 years ago...
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- ..it's as if they're heading out - in daylight now.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23- They're - coming into our towns now too.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28- It's nice to see them back - on almost every river and lake.
0:19:43 > 0:19:48- I've climbed up from Leighton Moss - to a national nature reserve...
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- ..called Gait Barrows.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- I'd never heard of the place before.
0:19:53 > 0:19:58- You might ask why I'm here - because there's very little to see.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- But if you look down...
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- ..you'll notice I'm standing - on a pavement of limestone.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- This is a rare habitat.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12- This large section of it is the best - example in the whole of Britain.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- On top of that, - very rare plants grow here too.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25- I'm not a twitcher, - I don't go very far...
0:20:26 > 0:20:28- ..to see rare plants and birds...
0:20:28 > 0:20:30- ..but I would go far to see these.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- This is the lady's slipper orchid.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- It's easy to see - why they were given that name.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42- The shape of the flower - looks like a shoe.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- What happens is a bee pollinates it.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- It's attracted - by its fragrant aroma...
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- ..and falls into the slipper...
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- ..to look for pollen.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- Its body gets coated in pollen and - it goes from one flower to the next.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- They die - soon after they're pollinated.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- That's why some - are in such good condition...
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- ..while others are starting to die.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- There's an interesting story - to them.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- They were so scarce - a few years ago...
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- ..only one plant survived, - and that was in Yorkshire.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- They're taking steps to reintroduce - them into suitable habitats...
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- ..and now they're thriving here.
0:21:36 > 0:21:42- I couldn't wish for a better place - than this to end my journey...
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- ..looking out - over Morecambe Bay behind me...
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- ..and the Lake District, - up to the north over there.
0:21:49 > 0:21:54- It's been an eye opener because - when I thought of Lancashire...
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- ..I thought of Liverpool, - Manchester Bolton, Blackburn...
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- ..and all these - densely populated towns.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- You don't consider - the reserves and rural settings.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- I've been enchanted - by Formby's red squirrels...
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- ..and all the birds - in Bowland's uplands...
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- ..not forgetting Martin Mere - and Leighton Moss.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- The next time I travel up the M6...
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- ..heading to - the Lake District or Scotland...
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- ..I'll stop, - switch off the engine...
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- ..and wander the county - of Lancashire once again.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- Next time, - I head to the Cotswolds...
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- ..an area of spectacular hills...
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- ..fertile meadows...
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- ..and sensational wildlife.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:18 > 0:23:18- .