0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
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0:00:42 > 0:00:45- Dinorwig Quarry - near Llanberis, Gwynedd.
0:00:52 > 0:00:58- The snow highlights the tips, - the old inclines and the tramways.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- It's a dramatic location - at any time of year...
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- ..but winter snow - makes it even more striking.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25- This is Fron Quarry - in the Nantlle Valley.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- It's only about - ten miles west of Dinorwig.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39- Men worked on these cliffs - in all weathers.
0:01:47 > 0:01:52- There are similar quarries - dotted all over Snowdonia.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59- Communities were created because of - a valuable rock beneath the surface.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05- This is one of the landscapes - that typify Wales.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23- Industry often creates - magnificent landscapes.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34- We almost accept them as a natural - part of the Welsh landscape.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42- We aren't the only ones.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58- A Sign of Work
0:03:02 > 0:03:03- Blaenau Ffestiniog.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- There were once pastures - on the slopes of Moelwyn Mawr.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17- In a little over 100 years, - man transformed the landscape.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25- It's an extreme example - of man's power to alter terrain.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- Industry has left - an indelible mark here.
0:03:40 > 0:03:46- Modern machinery makes man's impact - on the landscape much more dramatic.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55- The land reclamation scheme - at Ffos-y-Fran near Merthyr Tydfil.
0:04:06 > 0:04:12- This was the site of mines and works - linked to Merthyr's iron industry.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21- Since 2007, the old industry - has been literally scraped away.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- It's a perfect example of how man...
0:04:37 > 0:04:42- ..can markedly alter the landscape - in a very short space of time.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48- This is the largest industrial site - I've ever visited.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- It covers an area of 1,000 acres.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- The spot on which I'm now sitting - was a hill.
0:04:54 > 0:04:59- They dug it all out to reach - the coal that lay beneath it.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- The company digging for coal - will have to restore the land...
0:05:07 > 0:05:11- ..and recreate the uplands - as accurately as possible.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17- Before reclamation work started, - this derelict land was dangerous.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- The land had to be made safe.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29- The solution was to use new industry - to eradicate the old one.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- In the meantime, the barren land - has been put to good use.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48- A lapwing nests - and sits on her eggs.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- Very few lapwings - now nest in Wales...
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- ..but several pairs are breeding - at Ffos-y-Fran.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- The landscape closely replicates - the natural habitat they need.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11- Flat, bare land that offers them - a clear view of their surroundings.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- It makes it easier for them - to spot predators.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- They're great birds - to see and to hear.
0:06:38 > 0:06:39- This is the male.
0:06:39 > 0:06:44- His crest is longer than the female's - and he shares parenting duties.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- The birds call almost ceaselessly.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- They keep in contact - with each other...
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- ..and with their chicks - once they've hatched.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- The chicks can leave the nest - immediately.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- In such an exposed location, - this puts pressure on the parents.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- Most of the chicks are killed - by crows and birds of prey.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- These chase a kestrel - away from the nesting site.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- With a bit of luck, one or two - Ffos-y-Fran chicks will survive...
0:07:48 > 0:07:52- ..and return to the Merthyr uplands - to nest themselves.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- In another part of Ffos-y-Fran...
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- ..another form of wildlife - has re-established itself.
0:08:33 > 0:08:38- Plants now grow in the old ponds - that supplied the old industries...
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- ..and wetland birds - have made their homes here.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57- This is yellow iris, a plant - that likes wetlands and bogs...
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- ..which it found - on industrial land.
0:09:02 > 0:09:08- As we've already seen, wildlife - can thrive on industrial land.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- The Point of Ayr gas terminal, - Flintshire.
0:09:19 > 0:09:25- This plant processes gas extracted - from undersea rocks in Liverpool Bay.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- Owing to the dangers of gas, - the plant is closed to the public...
0:09:33 > 0:09:38- ..but this fence - doesn't keep out wildlife.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- This is a great place for wildlife.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- The gas terminal - is a dangerous place for humans.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- The whole area is fenced off - in order to keep people out.
0:09:51 > 0:09:56- You'd never think this would be - a haven for wildlife, but it is.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- Birds work their way in and animals - go under or over the fences.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- This place is full of rabbits.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- Look around and you'll see - rabbits everywhere...
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- ..nibbling away at the grass.
0:10:09 > 0:10:14- Where there are rabbits, - there will also be predators.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- The gas terminal - is ideal for rabbits...
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- ..because there's lots of grass here.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- There are also lots of hiding places - for them, if necessary.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- They have found a fantastic home.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43- However, life isn't perfect.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- There are foxes - beyond the gas terminal fence.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- With few people around, - it's a safe hunting ground...
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- ..even in broad daylight.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- This one is obviously - very familiar with the location.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- It knows there's plenty of food here.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- This isn't a rabbit, it's a hare.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04- The hare is too fast for the fox, - but a rabbit isn't so lucky.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- Sometimes, it's good to be a hare.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- This location is a safe one - for the fox's cubs.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- These two are about two months old.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- They already have - the adult's large ears.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- There are four of them in all...
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- ..a successful breeding season.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- The mother keeps an eye - on her cubs as they play.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- Has this one already - learned to hunt?
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- It's more likely to be a gift - from his mother.
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0:14:00 > 0:14:05- Mynydd Epynt, between Brecon - and Llanwrtyd in south Wales.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- The army is in combat training.
0:14:19 > 0:14:24- Few realize that such drama - happens on the uplands of Wales.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29- Training exercises - are staged here quite regularly.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42- The army has owned this land - on the Epynt uplands since WW2.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- They use the land - as an artillery range.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- They've even built - a fake village here.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06- It looks like an old German village, - but nobody lives here.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19- Most of Epynt is uninhabited - because the area is so dangerous.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- The army controls this area closely.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- Sheep graze here all year round...
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- ..but no-one is allowed - to cultivate the land.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- It is left unfertilized.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- It's a perfect situation for waxcaps.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- They are fungi - that grow in the early autumn.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- There are several varieties.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- They come in all shapes and colours.
0:16:01 > 0:16:02- Scarlet waxcaps.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- Meadow waxcaps.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- Butter waxcaps.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- There's great detail under the caps.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- These are beautiful, - attractive forms.
0:16:17 > 0:16:22- No-one knows what their purpose is - because no creature eats them.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30- Wales is one of the best places - in the world for this sort of fungus.
0:16:31 > 0:16:36- Waxcaps grow here on Epynt - because the army controls the land.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50- Holyhead.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- It's among Britain's busiest ports.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- Of course, this landscape - is totally man-made.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13- You won't see - a scrap of natural land here.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- All you'll see are a few rocks.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- It's an ideal place for gulls - to gather and to fall out!
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- Yet, in its own way, - the port is a rich landscape...
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- ..because of the habitat it offers.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- A black guillemot - has caught a prawn.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- It must have fallen off - a fishing boat.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- The gulls spot it immediately.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- Gulls are among - our most aggressive birds.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59- They kill and eat - anything that they can swallow.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- It's left in peace this time.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- Gulls are a common sight - in our ports and villages.
0:18:13 > 0:18:18- A black guillemot in a Welsh harbour - is a very rare sight.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- They nest on the quay here.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30- They usually nest in crevices - in rocks along the coast.
0:18:30 > 0:18:35- In the whole of Wales, there are - only a few pairs on Anglesey...
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- ..and one pair in Fishguard.
0:18:37 > 0:18:42- This is the only place in Wales - where they nest in man-made terrain.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- There are a few families here.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51- They never nest together - in large numbers...
0:18:52 > 0:18:54- ..not even in a natural habitat.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- You'll only see them here - in the summer.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- They live on the sea - for the rest of the year.
0:19:21 > 0:19:26- This pair feed their chicks far from - prying eyes, in the harbour wall.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- The port is a perfect place - for them.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- There's plenty of food - in the harbour...
0:19:38 > 0:19:43- ..and the holes protect them from - predators that could eat the chicks.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- There are plenty of those around.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- Gulls are nature's coastguards.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- Llanymynech near Oswestry.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- This is an old limestone quarry.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- There's an old quarry - in almost every part of Wales.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- So much of the landscape - has been quarried over the years...
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- ..because of the valuable rocks - we have here.
0:20:28 > 0:20:33- The quarry at Llanymynech - is clearly visible from the air...
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- ..but the old scars - are fading gradually.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- Trees and plants - are re-establishing themselves.
0:20:50 > 0:20:51- There are birds here too.
0:20:55 > 0:21:01- Kestrels live in several habitats, - as long as there are plenty of mice.
0:21:01 > 0:21:07- The screech of a different bird - can be heard in the background.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- This is the classic habitat - of the peregrine.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- Mountainous rocks - are its natural nesting place.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- The ledges cut into the cliffs - suit it perfectly.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- A pair nests here, - with this year's chicks.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- It's hard to tell them apart, - but this is a chick.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42- Its back is slightly browner.
0:21:46 > 0:21:52- They're noisy birds, - especially when it's feeding time.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55- This one will have to wait.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- I enjoy visiting old quarries.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- They're interesting places, - both historically and naturally.
0:22:08 > 0:22:13- Vegetation grows on the rocks, - there's a kestrel flying around.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- There's a peregrine - feeding its chicks.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- There's a lot of colour - on the ground.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- This is the most important place - for wildlife here.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- There are plenty of butterflies, - dragonflies and bees here...
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- ..but most importantly, the flowers.
0:22:34 > 0:22:35- Some are exceedingly rare.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45- In summer, the quarry floor - is a carpet of orchids.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- These are common spotted orchids.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- They like calcareous soil.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- Each stem is full of little flowers.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12- A wild habitat is fast developing - at the old Llanymynech quarry.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- The lime from the limestone cliffs...
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- ..has helped create a habitat - where life can regenerate.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- In Penffordd near Wrexham, - there's another quarry.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- Stones from here were used - to construct the Mersey Tunnel.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- The wildlife here is so rich - that it's now a nature reserve.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- There's a huge variety of life here.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58- The wild liquorice - has attracted countless insects.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- This is a cuckoo bee - rather than a honey bee.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- It's distinctive - because of its white rear.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14- Like the cuckoo, it lays its eggs - in another bee's nest...
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- ..usually in a wasp's nest.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- This is an oak weevil.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- It has a long snout - that it uses to bore into acorns.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- It then lays eggs inside the acorns.
0:24:41 > 0:24:42- This is a shield bug.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47- It's named because its back - resembles a shield.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57- There are dragonflies here too.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02- This is a clubtail dragonfly.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- There's a swelling - on the male's tail.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- This is a green tiger beetle.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29- It lays its eggs on the ground.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42- Crane flies also mate here.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- The fact that this - is the site of an old quarry...
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- ..doesn't worry these creatures - one little bit.
0:25:53 > 0:25:53- .
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0:26:04 > 0:26:05- The Nantlle Valley.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08- A glaciated valley - with steep sides...
0:26:08 > 0:26:12- ..rising to the summit of Y Garn - on the right.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17- Lower down the valley - is the old Cilgwyn Quarry.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24- They don't dig for slate here today.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26- They bury household refuse here.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42- This tip can't hold any more refuse.
0:26:43 > 0:26:48- Work here will have ceased - by the time you view this programme.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52- The waste will have been - hidden by soil.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59- They will have to find - another hole to fill.
0:27:01 > 0:27:06- Only time will tell what effect - this process has on the terrain.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- As things stand, - we can't answer the question...
0:27:11 > 0:27:14- ..and we can't solve the problem.
0:27:15 > 0:27:16- We're all to blame.
0:27:23 > 0:27:28- When the machines leave, the land - won't be disturbed for a while.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31- Nature can then re-establish itself.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35- There is already life here.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40- The crow eats worms, small animals, - any dead animal...
0:27:40 > 0:27:43- ..and other birds' eggs and chicks.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55- Picking through our rubbish - is far easier.
0:27:59 > 0:28:04- This is one reason - why crows and gulls abound.
0:28:08 > 0:28:13- They have adapted to living with man - and they thrive on our waste.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26- Cwmystwyth in Ceredigion.
0:28:26 > 0:28:31- Like many Welsh valleys, - it's rich in ore.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37- That's because the valley - lies on a geological fault.
0:28:40 > 0:28:45- Millions of years ago, - as these hills were being created...
0:28:45 > 0:28:50- ..ore-rich veins were pushed into - weak points in the original rocks.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56- As a result - of that geological event...
0:28:57 > 0:29:01- ..man has mined for metal - for almost 4,000 years.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05- At first, they mined for copper - on the hills.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11- They then used water to scrub - the slopes for lead and silver.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16- More recently, they dug for zinc.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22- The work stopped around 90 years ago.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27- The old buildings - and the spoil heaps left behind...
0:29:27 > 0:29:33- ..create a landscape that records - an important part of Welsh heritage.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36- It's a monument to an old industry.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41- The land has been worked - to such a degree...
0:29:41 > 0:29:46- ..that it takes time for wildlife - to re-establish itself here.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50- Having said that, - specialized life can survive...
0:29:50 > 0:29:52- ..even on highly toxic land.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02- Parys Mountain on Anglesey.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13- This was once the world's - largest copper mine.
0:30:23 > 0:30:28- It's also one of the world's - earliest mining sites.
0:30:31 > 0:30:36- The extensive mining seen here, - especially in the 18th century...
0:30:38 > 0:30:42- ..created a dramatic, unique - and beautiful landscape.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49- These could be pictures of Mars.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08- Parys Mountain - is an interesting place.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11- It's a strange place too.
0:31:11 > 0:31:17- It's a scar, a huge man-made hole, - but a beautiful scar in my opinion.
0:31:19 > 0:31:25- Just look at all these colours - - the oranges, reds, browns and greys.
0:31:26 > 0:31:32- These days, we seem to prefer - filling in old industrial sites...
0:31:32 > 0:31:34- ..and covering them with grass.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37- From a wildlife perspective, - that's a shame...
0:31:38 > 0:31:40- ..especially in a place like this.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44- Some very specialized creatures - live here.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51- The soil on the heaps is coloured - by copper, lead and sulphur.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05- These minerals - create a highly acidic habitat...
0:32:05 > 0:32:09- ..challenging conditions - for any form of life.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- The only obvious plant - you'll see is heather.
0:32:14 > 0:32:19- It grows on the thin layer of soil - that has developed on the surface.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- Heather likes acidic soil.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28- It grows across Wales, - especially on the uplands.
0:32:28 > 0:32:34- There is less obvious and unique life - here too, and it grows on the rocks.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45- Some special creatures grow here - on the bare rocks.
0:32:47 > 0:32:48- These are lichens.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- I call lichens creatures...
0:32:51 > 0:32:55- ..even though they were classed - as plants when I was at school.
0:32:55 > 0:33:00- Experts now say lichens - should be in a separate category.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- These lichens grow - in a toxic location.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05- There's metal in these rocks.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08- There are three close together here.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- One orange, one yellow-green - and one dark green.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18- The orange one has locked away - the iron and put it to one side.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22- It had to do that - in order to be able to feed.
0:33:22 > 0:33:28- The light-coloured lichen is linked - with ore-rich industrial areas.
0:33:29 > 0:33:34- The dark green lichen is always - closely linked with copper.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38- Lichens like these have an advantage.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43- Very little else will grow here, - so they face no competition.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52- Whether they be - creatures or plants...
0:33:52 > 0:33:56- ..lichens may not be the most - amazing life forms in the world.
0:33:57 > 0:34:03- But they show life's ability - to evolve in harsh conditions...
0:34:04 > 0:34:10- ..and its potential to survive - on even the strangest terrain.
0:34:13 > 0:34:14- .
0:34:17 > 0:34:17- 888
0:34:17 > 0:34:19- 888- - 888
0:34:22 > 0:34:26- Blaenavon, Gwent, - in the shadow of Blorenge mountain.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33- It's one of the most exposed areas - on the Welsh uplands.
0:34:34 > 0:34:39- The village was established - because of coal and iron.
0:34:39 > 0:34:44- There was a plentiful supply - of limestone, coal and iron ore here.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- The work may have stopped...
0:34:52 > 0:34:56- ..but the landscape commemorates - south Wales's industrial past.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07- There's some wild moorland - between the old coal tips.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10- It's a perfect spot for owls.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22- This is a short-eared owl.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25- It's searching for a vole.
0:35:37 > 0:35:42- These owls hunt during the day, - usually in the last hour of daylight.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56- They live and nest - on the uplands in summer...
0:35:56 > 0:36:00- ..and move to lowlands - and estuaries in winter.
0:36:04 > 0:36:10- Clearly, this one finds enough food - in Blaenavon even in winter.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16- It flies low and slowly...
0:36:16 > 0:36:18- ..swooping when it spots a vole.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51- It caught one.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56- It eats the vole in one gulp.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04- Owls wouldn't have flown here...
0:37:05 > 0:37:09- ..when the coal and iron industries - were in their heyday.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14- Today, there's a large area of land - available to owls.
0:37:16 > 0:37:22- The very fact that owls hunt here - means other creatures live here too.
0:37:23 > 0:37:28- Wildlife can re-establish itself - if it's left in peace.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34- Often, new habitats are created - on old industrial landscapes...
0:37:34 > 0:37:39- ..habitats that are far removed - from what was there originally.
0:37:40 > 0:37:46- The life that re-establishes itself - isn't what was here originally...
0:37:46 > 0:37:50- ..or what was here - when industry flourished.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56- Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01- Another area with close ties - to the coal industry.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- An old coal tip - still stands here too...
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- ..but there's - far more vegetation here.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15- That's because - it's lower than Blaenavon...
0:38:15 > 0:38:18- ..and it's in a sheltered hollow.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29- It's surrounded - by relatively untamed land.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- Life on this tip - is very different from Blaenavon.
0:38:37 > 0:38:43- I find it odd that people think - old coal tips are bereft of life.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47- That's far from true. - They're very interesting.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51- This is reindeer moss.
0:38:53 > 0:38:58- It usually grows in the Highlands, - places like the Cairngorms...
0:38:58 > 0:39:00- ..or on the tundra.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04- It flourishes here because - of the waste beneath the soil.
0:39:04 > 0:39:10- This, in turn, attracts wildlife - such as the grayling.
0:39:11 > 0:39:16- It's a butterfly you usually see - in dry areas near the coast.
0:39:17 > 0:39:22- There's food for the grayling here - and it sunbathes on the lichen.
0:39:22 > 0:39:27- It's also fond of dark, bare soil, - which is what coal provides.
0:39:28 > 0:39:33- It warms up and retains heat - far better than this vegetation.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37- Butterflies often sunbathe - on those bare spots.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42- The grayling has perfect camouflage.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47- It closes its wings - when it rests.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- Its body shape - melts into the background.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57- You will only see glimpses - of its colour.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05- The butterfly and the lichen - have discovered a new habitat.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08- One created by the coal industry.
0:40:12 > 0:40:17- Wildlife is re-establishing itself - in the quarries of north Wales too.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20- This is Dorothea Quarry.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26- It was the Nantlle Valley's - biggest quarry in its day.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28- It closed 40 years ago.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36- There is now a lake - where the deep quarry pit once stood.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47- The old buildings - are like slate pyramids.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15- From this pyramid, - a cable ran across the pit...
0:41:15 > 0:41:19- ..to help men lift heavy slates - from the bottom of the quarry.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24- The old buildings - and the equipment...
0:41:25 > 0:41:29- ..make it an important site - in Welsh industrial history.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38- You could argue that this terrain - is as important...
0:41:38 > 0:41:41- ..as the natural terrain - higher up the valley.
0:41:41 > 0:41:46- You could also argue that more - vegetation grows on the old tips...
0:41:46 > 0:41:49- ..than on the upland pastures.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58- Since the quarry closed, - bracken and moss have grown here.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21- Imagine this place - when work was at its peak.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25- Hundreds worked here, - if not thousands.
0:42:25 > 0:42:31- Nature had no opportunity to grow - or to even take root here.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35- Fresh waste was always being dumped.
0:42:35 > 0:42:40- Once the quarry closed, - moss and bracken began to grow.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45- I like this one, - officially known as parsley fern.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49- It's also known locally - as quarryman's fern.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52- These die and create soil.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55- Flowering plants then come in.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00- Over decades, trees like birches - and willows grow.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04- In 150 years' time, I'm sure - there will be oak trees here.
0:43:08 > 0:43:12- We think of industrial locations - as contaminated land.
0:43:13 > 0:43:18- That's true to some extent, - but they also encourage new life.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24- The Trostre works near Llanelli.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30- Here, you'll see one of the best - evening bird shows imaginable.
0:43:36 > 0:43:40- Jackdaws flock to roost - on land around the tinplate works.
0:43:52 > 0:43:55- They gather - on the electricity pylons.
0:44:02 > 0:44:06- A few arguments break out - over who can stand where...
0:44:10 > 0:44:13- ..but it's generally - a friendly gathering.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19- They communicate - with each other constantly.
0:44:19 > 0:44:21- They're very sociable.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31- Many of them - are related to each other.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34- By sticking close together...
0:44:34 > 0:44:39- ..they share information about good - feeding grounds for the next day.
0:44:41 > 0:44:45- There's just time for some preening - before bedtime.
0:44:48 > 0:44:50- This one looks like it's had a perm!
0:44:53 > 0:44:58- But this gathering takes place - in a man-made location.
0:45:00 > 0:45:05- We often accept industrial land - as part of the natural landscape.
0:45:09 > 0:45:13- Amazing sights can make us forget - about industrial sites.
0:45:19 > 0:45:23- This is one such site, - in Abereiddi Bay, Pembrokeshire.
0:45:25 > 0:45:27- This was once a slate quarry.
0:45:30 > 0:45:34- The cliffs aren't unlike others - along the Pembrokeshire coast.
0:45:35 > 0:45:38- Jackdaws come here - to find nesting places.
0:45:43 > 0:45:45- They're very common along the coast.
0:45:46 > 0:45:49- This is one of their natural - nesting places.
0:45:51 > 0:45:54- Fulmars also nest here.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00- For these birds, - the cliffs chiselled by man...
0:46:00 > 0:46:04- ..are as effective - as ones shaped by the sea.
0:46:07 > 0:46:10- The ruins of the old quarry - are still here.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14- They're covered in vegetation.
0:46:18 > 0:46:22- The sea campion likes level locations - such as an old wall.
0:46:22 > 0:46:25- It blooms between May and August.
0:46:28 > 0:46:31- Pennyworts flourish on the wall too.
0:46:37 > 0:46:41- Originally, these plants - grew on coastal rocks...
0:46:42 > 0:46:46- ..but an old wall - is equally suitable.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51- This amazing view - was created by industry.
0:46:51 > 0:46:53- It's easy to forget that.
0:47:00 > 0:47:05- Industry has left its mark - on the landscape all over Wales...
0:47:05 > 0:47:08- ..from the quarries of north Wales...
0:47:10 > 0:47:13- ..to the oil refineries - of south Wales.
0:47:17 > 0:47:19- In less than 300 years...
0:47:19 > 0:47:24- ..industry has changed the shape - and structure of the terrain.
0:47:28 > 0:47:32- It has often done so - in the most dramatic way imaginable.
0:47:34 > 0:47:37- Wildlife has adapted - to these new habitats.
0:47:41 > 0:47:45- The peregrine - lives near an ironworks.
0:47:51 > 0:47:55- Lapwings roost - in the shadow of an oil refinery.
0:48:01 > 0:48:05- Choughs nest - in an old quarry building.
0:48:09 > 0:48:12- Swans use pools near huge works.
0:48:18 > 0:48:23- To a large extent, no Welsh landscape - is free of industry.
0:48:25 > 0:48:30- Industry has had an impact - on every part of the terrain.
0:48:32 > 0:48:35- New industries - are being added to the old ones.
0:48:40 > 0:48:42- For better or for worse...
0:48:42 > 0:48:46- ..industry is a huge part - of the Welsh terrain.
0:49:13 > 0:49:16- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones
0:49:16 > 0:49:17- .