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0:00:39 > 0:00:44- People have created paths in Wales - for thousands of years.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- Paths for walking...
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- ..paths across water...
0:00:59 > 0:01:03- ..paths - in the form of railway tracks...
0:01:04 > 0:01:07- ..and paths for vehicles.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- Paths have helped us reach - every part of the country.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28- They also enhance - the landscapes of Wales...
0:01:30 > 0:01:34- ..and they offer new habitats - for wildlife.
0:01:45 > 0:01:51- Following Paths
0:01:55 > 0:02:00- The best time to walk along - a woodland lane is in the spring.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- It's the busiest time of the year - for birds.
0:02:09 > 0:02:10- They're nesting.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- This woodland lane - is near Abermawr, Pembrokeshire.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- It's surrounded by mature trees.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32- Walking along a secluded lane - is a great way to watch birds.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- You usually hear them - before you see them.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- If you want to glimpse - a remarkable sight...
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- ..you must listen very carefully.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- This lane is near Wrexham.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- As I walked down here, I heard - the sound of chicks in their nest.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08- I thought there was a hole - in the wall, through which they feed.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- I searched - but couldn't find anything.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- I listened again and realized - they're inside this post.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- The nest is down here.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- The adults gain access - to their chicks through this hole.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- What a fantastic place to nest.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39- To a little tit, an old, hollow post - is like a hole in a tree.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- The nest is full of chicks.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55- They can be heard calling constantly - inside the post.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- The adults visit the nest - over 1,000 times every day.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- A robin is watching the action - as it unfolds.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- There are old and new paths - in every part of Wales.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- This is in Meirionnydd...
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- ..between Cader Idris - and the Mawddach estuary.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36- There has been a path in this valley - since prehistoric times.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38- The ancient stones...
0:04:39 > 0:04:43- ..which are over 3,000 years old, - suggest that is the case.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51- A wonderful feature - of our ancient paths here in Wales...
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- ..is that they cross some - of our most dramatic landscapes.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- This is Ffordd Ddu.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- It comes over the hill, - zigzags its way down...
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- ..before leading back up the valley.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- What is the origin of the path?
0:05:07 > 0:05:09- There's no doubt - it is an ancient road.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- It dates back to the Stone Age, - maybe to the Bronze Age.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- Some say the Romans - walked along this route.
0:05:17 > 0:05:22- It was here in medieval times - and in the days of the drovers.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- It's still used today.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- People through the ages - have used Ffordd Ddu.
0:05:29 > 0:05:35- It was at its busiest 200 years ago - when drovers drove cattle down it.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42- There are buildings linked - to those times along the route.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- Drovers would have seen this bird - during the summer.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- A wheatear.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- It's a bird which nests under stones - on the uplands.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01- A stone in an old ruin - suits it perfectly.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- I love old ruins like this one - and the wildlife within.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- There's lichen and ferns here.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- Birds nest in the walls.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18- These old buildings were usually - barns or farmhouses...
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- ..but this is an old tavern..
0:06:21 > 0:06:26- It stood near Ffordd Ddu which led - from the coast to Dolgellau and Bala.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- The drovers and their dogs - would stay here.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- When I first came here...
0:06:32 > 0:06:37- ..I couldn't fathom why there were - two walls here, side by side.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42- I've since learned that's where - they put animals overnight.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- The majority of the old paths on the - Welsh uplands are quite prominent.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- They've been well trodden, - over the centuries.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15- Some of the ancient paths - are far more difficult to spot.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- I'm following - one of the oldest routes in Wales.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- The Carneddau are to my right...
0:07:26 > 0:07:31- ..and Llanfairfechan and Anglesey - are to my left.
0:07:33 > 0:07:38- It's tricky to find the routes - and work out how old they are.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- This one - is covered in gorse and heather.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44- Research carried out here...
0:07:44 > 0:07:49- ..indicates there's an old - Roman road beneath my feet.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- That road leads - from Segontium, Caernarfon...
0:07:52 > 0:07:58- ..around that hill and onwards - to Caer Rhun, in the Conwy Valley.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02- I'd have assumed the old track here - was the ancient road...
0:08:03 > 0:08:04- ..but I'd be mistaken.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- There's hardly a trace of this - Roman Road, even from the air.
0:08:09 > 0:08:15- Ironically, these modern pylons - follow the path of the Roman road.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28- This road, between the Menai Straits - and Conwy Valley...
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- ..was used long before Roman times - and the national grid.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- Like Ffordd Ddu...
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- ..this road was also marked - by standing stones...
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- ..which were laid 3,000 years ago.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50- This is called Bwlch y Ddeufaen - - Pass of the Two Stones.
0:08:55 > 0:09:00- The heather and the gorse - are at their best in late summer.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- That's where you'll see birds...
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- ..such as the stonechat, - searching for insects.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- In August, - you're likely to see the skylark...
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- ..hiding on the ground - rather than singing high above.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21- The nesting season is over.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30- The old paths had no impact - on the landscape or the wildlife.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- They were simple paths - linking different areas of Wales.
0:09:38 > 0:09:44- They were used to drive livestock - and to transport produce to market.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- The only visible remains - on the landscape...
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- ..are small bridges like this one - in Dyffryn Ardudwy.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05- Industry brought with it - some far more permanent paths.
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0:10:21 > 0:10:27- Tennant Canal near Pant y Sais, - between Neath and Swansea.
0:10:28 > 0:10:34- Like the other canals of Wales, - it was built in the Industrial Age...
0:10:34 > 0:10:39- ..to transport coal, - iron and all sorts of goods.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- The canal's golden age, - in terms of traffic...
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- ..came before - the advent of the railway.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54- It was the only convenient method - to transport heavy goods.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01- This is the canal's golden age, - in terms of wildlife.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- This is a golden-ringed dragonfly.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13- Streams and rivers - are its natural habitat...
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- ..but the clean canal water - also appeals to it.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- This one has caught a wasp.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26- It's the insect world's - best predator.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- It takes its time to chew the wasp - into tiny pieces.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48- A special spider - has made Tennant Canal its home.
0:11:53 > 0:11:54- Here it is.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- The fen raft spider.
0:11:58 > 0:12:03- This is one of only three locations - in Britain in which it lives.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- It's our biggest spider.
0:12:09 > 0:12:10- This is a female.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- She has a sack of eggs - under her body.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- When the eggs are ready to hatch...
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- ..she'll spin a web to create - a nursery for the young spiders.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31- There's a female fen raft spider - half a metre in front of me.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- By her side, you'll see a pouch - made of spider's web.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41- There are hundreds of tiny spiders - in that pouch.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44- The mother lies next to the nest...
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- ..to protect her young - from any other spider or insect...
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- ..which may come along - and attempt to eat them.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- This habitat is perfect for her.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00- It's a combination of tall, dense - vegetation and clean, still water.
0:13:00 > 0:13:06- It's exactly the habitat she needs - and that's what the canal gives her.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- The young spiders - stay in the nursery for a week.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20- They'll then leave the web - and scatter in the dense vegetation.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29- Hundreds are produced - but very few will survive.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- This spider is seen only - during the summer.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- It takes three years - to reach maturity.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- It hides in the vegetation - in the winter.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45- In springtime...
0:13:45 > 0:13:50- ..it hunts on the surface of - the water and at the base of plants.
0:13:51 > 0:13:56- Having produced her offspring, - her work is done...
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- ..and she'll die - at the end of the summer.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- There are several canals in Wales.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- This is Llangollen Canal.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- It links Cheshire and Llangollen.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- This is Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- It carries the canal - over the River Dee.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- It's the longest, - highest aqueduct in Britain.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34- The canal was built to service - the coal and iron industries...
0:14:34 > 0:14:39- ..which were rapidly expanding in - this area in the early 19th century.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- Industrial works are still visible - near Pontcysyllte.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- They remind us why the canals - were originally built.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- The structure of the bridge - is remarkable...
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- ..and it is now - a World Heritage Site.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03- The richest canal in Wales - in the context of wildlife...
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- ..is Montgomery Canal.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- This is a family of swans.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- The canal forms - the perfect habitat for them.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- The thick growth along the banks - is ideal for nesting...
0:15:21 > 0:15:27- ..and there's a plentiful supply - of edible plants in the water.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34- The adult can graze - deep beneath the surface...
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- ..thanks to its long neck.
0:15:46 > 0:15:51- I live close to this canal - and I often walk along its banks.
0:15:52 > 0:15:57- This section of the canal is near - Llanymynech, north of Welshpool.
0:16:01 > 0:16:06- It's good to see the lock and - some of the machinery is still here.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- It's a pretty sight - with all the vegetation.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- They've been idle for over 50 years.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- Every other canal in Wales - is an industrial canal...
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- ..but this is a rural canal.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22- It was built in the 18th century...
0:16:22 > 0:16:28- ..mainly to transport lime taken - from the quarries near Llanymynech...
0:16:28 > 0:16:34- ..to mid Wales, where it was crushed - and scattered on the land.
0:16:35 > 0:16:41- Agricultural goods such as wool were - then transported back this way...
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- ..to urban areas of England.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50- The canal flows across - the rich flatlands of Montgomery.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55- Canal constructors chose flat areas, - wherever possible...
0:16:55 > 0:17:00- ..to keep the canal on one level and - to avoid building too many locks.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- In Llanymynech, it was necessary - to cross River Vyrnwy.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- An aqueduct was built - to carry the canal over the river.
0:17:10 > 0:17:15- Limestone from Llanymynech - was used to build the aqueduct.
0:17:17 > 0:17:22- The water which now flows across - the aqueduct is full of plants.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- They include a few rare species.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- This is one such plant - - water plantain.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- This is the best section - of the canal for wildlife.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- The canal is also full of fish.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59- As the water flows slowly, - they're different from river fish.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- These are rudd.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14- They like to be together, - in large shoals.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- Their red fins - make them very distinctive.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36- Here's a sight I didn't expect - to see when I walked along the canal.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- A three-foot long grass snake.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- Having said that, - it's a perfect habitat.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47- The water is full of frogs and fish - and there are mice along the banks.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- The vegetation provides shelter.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55- You rarely see them in the water. - It must be too hot for them today.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- It swims through the water - in search of food.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- It's sure to find something - in the vegetation.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- It swims quietly and quickly, - as it scours the canal banks.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- The grass snake isn't venomous.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- It uses speed to catch its prey.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- When it spots a fish, - a frog or a chick...
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- ..it will pounce.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- It tastes the air continually.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- That's how it smells - and senses what's around it.
0:20:00 > 0:20:05- This is Wales's largest snake - and it loves being in the water.
0:20:16 > 0:20:21- Canals only had a ten-year reign - as the main paths of industry.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- The canal was usurped - circa 1850...
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- ..when a better method - of transportation emerged.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- Railways appeared on the landscape.
0:20:33 > 0:20:39- In less than half a century, - they'd reached every part of Wales.
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0:21:15 > 0:21:17- This is Dolau station.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- I'm here to catch - the first train this morning.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26- I've lived in mid Wales all my life - but I've never been here before.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- It's a lovely station.
0:21:31 > 0:21:37- This must be the most picturesque - of all Wales's railway stations.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- The fact that it's still open - is very important.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- This is The Heart of Wales Line.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- It runs for 120 miles - from Shrewsbury to Swansea.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- It's one of the most beautiful - railway lines in Britain.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- It cuts across - some of Wales's most stunning areas.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- This is Cynghordy Viaduct.
0:22:36 > 0:22:41- It straddles the valley - between Llandovery and Llanwrtyd.
0:22:42 > 0:22:48- When the railway was built, - wonderful landscapes were created.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- The Heart of Wales Line...
0:22:53 > 0:22:58- ..climbs one of the country's - steepest hills near Sugar Loaf.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- It's a wonderful journey.
0:23:04 > 0:23:10- You see breathtaking scenery you'd - never glimpse from a car or on foot.
0:23:22 > 0:23:28- Most of the rural railways of Wales - have been closed, of course...
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- ..like this old line in Dryslwyn.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35- This linked Llandeilo - and Carmarthen...
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- ..but it's been closed - for over 20 years.
0:23:47 > 0:23:53- There are hundreds of miles of - disused railways like this in Wales.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57- They were important - as they connected communities.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01- Even today, years after they were - closed down...
0:24:01 > 0:24:06- ..they take you to secluded places - which you won't see from the road.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13- This old line is in Gilfach, - near Rhayader in mid Wales.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21- It ran from Llanidloes - to Talyllyn, in the Beacons.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33- At one time, it was very busy.
0:24:33 > 0:24:38- It was part of a network - which linked north and south Wales.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- Today, - it's an important nature reserve...
0:24:43 > 0:24:48- ..with mature growth which provides - shelter to a variety of wildlife.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55- This young jay - has recently flown the nest.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- The willow warbler - is a summer visitor to Wales.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16- Part of the line - which runs through Gilfach...
0:25:16 > 0:25:20- ..is surrounded by woodland - which is rapidly masking it.
0:25:38 > 0:25:43- It's wonderful to see bilberries - growing near the old railway.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46- This line has been closed - for over 50 years...
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- ..but when it was open, there was - a station at Marteg, behind me.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53- It was busy here in summer.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58- Hundreds of people flocked here - to pick bilberries...
0:25:58 > 0:26:03- ..mainly on the hills - but also near the tracks, like this.
0:26:03 > 0:26:08- These bushes are laden - with large, juicy, ripe bilberries.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10- They're tasty too.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23- The interesting feature - of an old railway...
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- ..is that it's also - a path for nature.
0:26:27 > 0:26:28- In July...
0:26:28 > 0:26:33- ..a flower which has benefited - from man-made paths, is in bloom.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35- This is rosebay willowherb.
0:26:36 > 0:26:42- The flowers are pretty but it will - be covered in white seeds by August.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46- Railways and roads have played - a major part in their history.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49- It was a rare plant 150 years ago.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54- It was carried into - and through Wales on the trains.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58- Seeds would get stuck in trains - and they'd be carried for miles...
0:26:59 > 0:27:04- ..then they'd work themselves free, - fall on the ground and grow again.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08- The following year, - they'd spread further down the line.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- They're now very common - in all areas.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24- In Gilfach, the mid Wales line - crossed Afon Marteg.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31- In other parts, it bridged - the Dulais, Irfon and Wye rivers.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34- It crossed rivers 20 times...
0:27:34 > 0:27:39- ..and travelled - through mountainous regions.
0:27:39 > 0:27:44- That was the great challenge faced - by railway constructors in Wales...
0:27:45 > 0:27:50- ..to lay a railway on some of the - most difficult terrain in Britain.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53- There was no greater challenge...
0:27:53 > 0:27:58- ..than building a railway - in Cwm Prysor near Trawsfynydd.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06- This is one of the most expensive - railways to be built in its time.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11- The line ran for 25 miles, - from Bala to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15- More than 70 bridges had to be built.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36- I love this old railway.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39- Look at that old bridge.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42- They built dozens of those.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- Imagine the expense involved in that.
0:28:45 > 0:28:50- They had to chisel out the rock - with explosives and by hand.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- They did this for miles, - here and there.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58- Since this line closed, - over 50 years ago...
0:28:58 > 0:29:00- ..wildlife has flourished.
0:29:00 > 0:29:05- Look at the wonderful mosses, ferns, - flowers and hazel.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09- The ponds are full of newts - and frogs.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14- Despite all the wildlife, - I wish this line was still open.
0:29:15 > 0:29:20- Imagine travelling on the train - and taking in the scenery.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33- To construct the railway - between Bala and Ffestiniog...
0:29:34 > 0:29:38- ..they had to open cuttings - through hard rocks.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42- It all added to the cost - of creating the railway.
0:29:43 > 0:29:48- Today, with the railway line - having closed down 50 years ago...
0:29:48 > 0:29:51- ..plants have had time - to grow on the rocks.
0:29:55 > 0:30:00- Wild thyme is common - both here and throughout Wales.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04- It flowers - between June and September.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11- The other pink flower here - is betony.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15- These are also - quite common in Wales.
0:30:19 > 0:30:25- By cutting through the rock, a - relatively wet habitat was formed...
0:30:25 > 0:30:29- ..as water flowed down - from the land above it.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32- It's a perfect habitat - for mosses.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38- This is a fascinating section - of the cutting.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40- It's really rich.
0:30:40 > 0:30:45- The plants here represent - at least three different habitats.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49- It's wet here - from the water dripping down here.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- That makes it look like a waterfall.
0:30:52 > 0:30:57- Consequently, plants you associate - with waterfalls grow here.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59- Mosses, lichen...
0:30:59 > 0:31:01- ..ferns and so on.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06- There are flowers - such as wild thyme here and there.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10- Plants associated with roadsides - or hay fields.
0:31:10 > 0:31:15- In addition to that, - there are plants seen on moorland.
0:31:17 > 0:31:18- This is a butterwort.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24- It eats insects because the land - is barren and terribly acidic.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29- Sundew is another - insectivorous plant.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32- They're all here - in an unnatural habitat.
0:31:36 > 0:31:41- The butterwort gets its nourishment - from digesting insects.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45- The long, thin leaves are sticky.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53- When a small insect lands on them, - as has happened here...
0:31:54 > 0:31:57- ..it sticks to the leaf - and becomes trapped.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01- The leaf slowly closes - and the insect is eaten.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10- Many of the old south Wales - railway lines...
0:32:10 > 0:32:14- ..were built - to serve the industrial areas.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19- This is Cefn Coed viaduct - near Merthyr Tydfil.
0:32:23 > 0:32:29- This magnificent structure has been - ruined and masked by the A470...
0:32:29 > 0:32:33- ..and new, far less attractive - buildings.
0:32:44 > 0:32:49- Nearby Pontsarn viaduct - crosses Taff Fechan River.
0:32:50 > 0:32:55- This line linked - Merthyr Tydfil and Brecon.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- Today, many of the old - railway lines...
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- ..have become cycling - and walking routes.
0:33:19 > 0:33:24- This is an old coal mine line in - Parc Cwm Darran near Merthyr Tydfil.
0:33:27 > 0:33:32- The trees that line the path - are as old as the railway line.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37- They've had time to mature.
0:33:38 > 0:33:43- This is a series of small coppices - which attract all sorts of birds.
0:33:49 > 0:33:54- This green woodpecker has created - a nesting hole in an old oak tree.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- This is Wales's largest woodpecker.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11- This is a male.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- It has a red line on its cheek.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23- In the spring, - you hear birds call and sing.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31- A large number of birds - are concealed in the trees.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37- It's worthwhile taking a close look - at these trees.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41- If you look among the highest - branches of this tree...
0:34:41 > 0:34:42- ..there's a tawny owl.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45- Where do owls go during the day?
0:34:45 > 0:34:48- We usually see them and hear them - at night.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- They spend their days - in quiet locations.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- This one has tucked itself - close to the tree trunk.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58- It looks like - an old piece of wood.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00- It's vital it does this...
0:35:00 > 0:35:05- ..because if small birds - were to find it, they'd persecute it.
0:35:05 > 0:35:10- However, this one - can perch up there quietly.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17- This owl is used to humans - walking along the path...
0:35:17 > 0:35:20- ..and stopping to stare at it.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24- It's fully aware of its surroundings - at all times.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28- It knows exactly - whom and what is nearby.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33- It's safely tucked away - high in the tree.
0:35:39 > 0:35:40- .
0:35:41 > 0:35:41- 888
0:35:41 > 0:35:43- 888- - 888
0:35:49 > 0:35:52- A woodland path in north Pembroke.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55- There are similar paths - throughout Wales.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00- Spring is the best time of the year - to walk along these paths.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04- The leaves haven't all opened...
0:36:04 > 0:36:08- ..and plenty of sunlight - reaches the roadsides.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14- For that reason, - early flowers bloom here.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17- What a wonderful sight!
0:36:17 > 0:36:22- It's the best display I've seen - on any roadside in Wales.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26- The variety of flowers - is a kaleidoscope of colour.
0:36:27 > 0:36:32- Wood sorrel and its white flowers, - violets and celandines.
0:36:32 > 0:36:36- The most prominent of all - is the primrose.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39- It's among - the first flowers of spring.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44- What happened, historically, - to create such a habitat?
0:36:45 > 0:36:49- Man built a wall as a boundary - between the road and the fields.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53- Over centuries, - leaves fell from the trees.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56- They decayed on the wall - and created soil.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01- That soil formed - the perfect habitat for these plants.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08- This habitat is similar - to a copse floor.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16- These are the sorts of plants - found in open woodlands.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20- That's their natural habitat.
0:37:23 > 0:37:28- The English name "primrose" - stems from the Latin - prima rosa...
0:37:28 > 0:37:30- ..the first rose.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33- It's one of the first flowers - to bloom.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37- It can appear - during the month of February.
0:37:41 > 0:37:47- Wood sorrel usually grows in coppices - or in ancient hedgerows.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51- This gives us an idea of - just how old some of our roads are.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- This wall has stood here - for centuries.
0:38:09 > 0:38:14- Roadsides are fascinating - because they change every week...
0:38:14 > 0:38:17- ..during the spring - and summer months.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24- New flowers appear - from season to season.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- The names of these flowers - are interesting.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40- This is the stitchwort.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- It was formerly thought - to cure a stitch in the side.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53- In early spring, - the side of an old path...
0:38:53 > 0:38:56- ..is a good place - to see hedgerow animals.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00- This is near Garn Fawr - in Pembrokeshire.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05- It's an interesting path.
0:39:05 > 0:39:10- It's quiet here and the walls - are high and close together.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12- It's a windy, chilly day...
0:39:12 > 0:39:15- ..but down here, - it's sheltered and warm.
0:39:16 > 0:39:17- I've seen two lizards.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21- One back there and there's one - on the rock in front of me.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24- They're on the side facing the sun.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- They're lying on the stones...
0:39:27 > 0:39:31- ..which means they get heat - from the sun and from the stone.
0:39:33 > 0:39:39- Common lizards come in - different shades of brown and green.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45- This is a young one, - whose tail is as long as its body.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54- This one has shed its tail.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59- Something must have tried - to catch it and off came its tail.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03- It's how it protects itself.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06- It's grown a new, far smaller tail.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11- These aren't the only - hedgerow sunbathers.
0:40:15 > 0:40:20- I'm lucky to be in the right place - at the right time.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23- This is another quiet spot - facing the sun.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26- There's a pair of adders here.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29- The large, bronze one is a female.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32- The smaller, silver adder is a male.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- One has curled itself - around the other.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40- They're reproducing very quietly - at this very moment.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47- Adders mate early in the year...
0:40:47 > 0:40:50- ..soon after they awake - from hibernation.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58- The silver male wraps itself - around the bronze female.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08- The mating ritual - lasts for several minutes.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- Once it's over, they separate...
0:41:25 > 0:41:29- ..and they live independently - throughout the summer.
0:41:33 > 0:41:38- Roadsides are among the richest - wildlife habitats in Wales.
0:41:39 > 0:41:44- A new road can be as rich - in wildlife as an ancient path.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- This is the A55 on Anglesey.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57- It's one of Wales's newest roads.
0:41:59 > 0:42:04- Wildlife has established itself - around the new road.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08- This kestrel is searching for mice.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16- If there's one scene from nature - familiar to us all...
0:42:17 > 0:42:19- ..this must be it.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- You can never grow tired - of this sight.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33- The kestrel can hover - in the same spot...
0:42:33 > 0:42:37- ..keeping its head still - so it can study the ground.
0:42:44 > 0:42:49- The main road is now the kestrel's - most important habitat.
0:42:50 > 0:42:55- That's because mice and other - creatures live on the roadside.
0:43:01 > 0:43:07- Despite the traffic, it's a habitat - which is left largely undisturbed.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10- Along the road...
0:43:10 > 0:43:16- ..the strips of wild land may be - narrow but they stretch for miles.
0:43:47 > 0:43:53- A new bridge on the A40 across - Grwyne Fawr river near Abergavenny.
0:43:56 > 0:44:01- Whatever man builds, a creature - will spot it and use it eventually.
0:44:02 > 0:44:06- In this case, a gap in the wall - has attracted dippers.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15- A pair of dippers have chicks here.
0:44:15 > 0:44:20- The parents filled the gap with moss - and built a nest there.
0:44:23 > 0:44:27- Nobody knows why dippers - waggle up and down, like this.
0:44:28 > 0:44:32- Many river birds bob in the same way.
0:44:53 > 0:44:58- They dive into the water in search - of insect larva on the river bed.
0:45:01 > 0:45:07- This dipper has caught some larvae - and feeds it to the chicks.
0:45:10 > 0:45:15- The location of the nest, - under the bridge, is important.
0:45:15 > 0:45:20- It must be above water, so the - chick's waste falls into the river.
0:45:20 > 0:45:25- It must also be high enough - to be safe should water levels rise.
0:45:27 > 0:45:32- This pair would normally have built - a nest on rocks above a river...
0:45:33 > 0:45:36- ..but the nest in the wall - is just as good.
0:45:36 > 0:45:41- A supply of food in the river - is all that matters.
0:46:00 > 0:46:02- The M4 near Newport.
0:46:06 > 0:46:09- It's the busiest road in south Wales.
0:46:12 > 0:46:16- Very little wildlife - thrives in this busy area.
0:46:19 > 0:46:24- We've travelled a long way - since the days of our first roads.
0:46:34 > 0:46:38- Wildlife has adapted - to the new paths we've created.
0:46:52 > 0:46:57- It's hard to imagine any creature - living near our new motorways.
0:46:59 > 0:47:02- It's a tough location - for any wildlife...
0:47:02 > 0:47:04- ..for the time being, at least.
0:47:10 > 0:47:15- I sometimes feel downhearted - when I see new roads being built...
0:47:15 > 0:47:17- ..and more cars on the roads.
0:47:17 > 0:47:21- Landscapes and habitats - are being destroyed...
0:47:21 > 0:47:25- ..and I yearn to go back - to the way it used to be.
0:47:25 > 0:47:27- Then, something changes my outlook.
0:47:28 > 0:47:33- You'd think I was walking along - a quiet, country lane...
0:47:33 > 0:47:35- ..but until 12 years ago...
0:47:36 > 0:47:40- ..this was part of the A40 - between Llandeilo and Carmarthen.
0:47:41 > 0:47:45- It's been closed for over a decade - and look what's happened!
0:47:45 > 0:47:47- Nettles extend onto the road.
0:47:48 > 0:47:51- The trees were here - when the road was open, of course...
0:47:52 > 0:47:56- ..but nowadays, ash and hazel trees - cover the road completely.
0:47:57 > 0:47:59- If this road was left to grow wild...
0:48:00 > 0:48:05- ..the branches would close in and - the man-made road would disappear.
0:48:05 > 0:48:07- In the modern age...
0:48:07 > 0:48:12- ..it's comforting to know - that nature can win the battle.
0:48:21 > 0:48:25- We've been building paths - for thousands of years.
0:48:25 > 0:48:29- We created them to facilitate - our journeys across Wales.
0:48:35 > 0:48:39- It's good to know - that wildlife uses the same paths.
0:48:39 > 0:48:42- Nature's showcase - enhances our journeys.
0:49:11 > 0:49:14- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones
0:49:14 > 0:49:15- .