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0:00:34 > 0:00:36- A back garden in Aberdare.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- It has been designed - to attract wildlife.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- There's enough food here - to sustain several families.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08- There's thick vegetation - in which to hide from danger.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14- It's a haven for any creature - that likes bushes and a food supply.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- A vixen, heavy with milk.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- She must have a family somewhere.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33- This is a healthy animal, - in good condition.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46- She only has one cub, - which is about six weeks old.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52- It is also a picture of health.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04- This small garden - is an ideal habitat.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- You could argue - that the whole of Wales is a garden.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20- The framework of the terrain - was formed by natural forces...
0:02:24 > 0:02:28- ..but the landscape we see today - has been shaped by humans.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- The rich habitats created by man...
0:02:34 > 0:02:39- ..affects the type of wildlife - that lives in Wales.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54- The Landscape
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- There isn't a more dramatic view - anywhere in the world.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15- This is known as the roof of Wales.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- I'm on the slopes of Pumlumon, - looking north.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- When I stand here, - I get the feeling...
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- ..that I'm looking across - the whole country.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- There are indelible traces - of Ice Age glaciers.
0:03:31 > 0:03:36- There's a huge hole here - that was created by ice.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- There are also traces - of human activity.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45- Those fields and hedgerows - weren't there a century ago.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50- There are traces - of recent human activity too.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54- The wind farm over there - dates from the last decade.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- Humans are still altering - the landscape today.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- This is the new face of the uplands.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- You can argue about their impact - on the energy crisis...
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- ..on the environment - and on the landscape itself.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- The fact remains, we're changing - the character of the landscape.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- People have done this - for thousands of years.
0:04:31 > 0:04:37- Our ancestors changed the uplands - from wild woodland to open pasture.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40- Today, we build on the hills.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50- Over thousands of years, - we have cultivated the terrain.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53- We have excavated the terrain...
0:04:55 > 0:04:58- ..and we have built on the terrain.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- Even in the most remote - parts of Wales...
0:05:09 > 0:05:11- ..the views are far from natural.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- Despite the dramatic changes - made to the landscape...
0:05:19 > 0:05:23- ..we consider some areas - to be relatively wild habitats.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- Upland Wales - at Nant Ffrancon in Snowdonia.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- Tryfan is the backdrop - for the Ogwen Falls.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- The waterfall was created - by the erosive power of glaciers...
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- ..as they flowed down the valley.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- This is the closest thing - to wild terrain in Wales.
0:05:58 > 0:06:03- In the distant past, there were more - trees and vegetation on these hills.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- Man created these pastures.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11- Wildlife has adapted to a habitat...
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- ..that's partly wild - and partly created by man.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- The raven lives on the uplands...
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- ..because there are rocks there - on which it can nest.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- This is its natural habitat.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- There is some carrion here too.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- The wheatear is a summer visitor.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- This is the male.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- This is the female.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56- They visit the Welsh uplands to nest - under stones on the bare land.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- Eglwyseg Rocks, near Llangollen.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- This escarpment was formed - in a tropical sea...
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- ..some 360 million years ago.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- Jackdaws nest on the cliffs.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- This is their natural home.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- They're social birds - and nest in communities.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- Here, they nest in holes - in the rocks.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- Jackdaws are far smaller than ravens.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- Lower down the valley, - they can find food in gardens.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- The Brecon Beacons.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- The highest uplands in south Wales.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- These mountains - are older than Eglwyseg Rocks.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- They're made of sandstone - deposited here by huge rivers...
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- ..which flowed over Wales - around 400 million years ago.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- This is Pen y Fan, the highest peak, - in the grip of winter.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- It's a far less welcoming location - following heavy snowfall.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- Craig Cerrig-gleisiad - is opposite Pen y Fan.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- It's a huge hollow - that was created by a glacier.
0:08:55 > 0:09:01- Behind me, those steep rocks - stretch right up to the clouds.
0:09:01 > 0:09:07- This is among the coldest places - in the whole of Wales.
0:09:08 > 0:09:14- Despite the hostile conditions, - a very rare plant grows there.
0:09:17 > 0:09:23- Even on a bitterly cold day, - with a thick blanket of snow...
0:09:23 > 0:09:28- ..this special little plant - is preparing to flower.
0:09:37 > 0:09:43- As the snow melts, the hollow shape - of the valley becomes clearer.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- At the end of March, - the rare plant flowers.
0:09:58 > 0:09:59- Purple saxifrage.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- This frail-looking - Arctic Alpine flower...
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- ..can live in a cold, tough habitat.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- It has been here since the Ice Age.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- It flowers - as soon as the ice and snow melts...
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- ..during the short Arctic summer.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- It grows in one - of the Beacons' coldest valleys...
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- ..but is part of a far colder period - in the history of Wales.
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0:10:46 > 0:10:49- Llyn Cowlyd, near Capel Curig.
0:10:50 > 0:10:56- It's the deepest lake in Wales, - up to 70 metres deep in places.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- So much ice formed at the head of the - Ogwen Valley during the Ice Age...
0:11:04 > 0:11:09- ..that an enormous glacier overflowed - through a gap in a mountain ridge...
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- ..creating a deep new valley.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- When the glacier retreated, - the valley flooded...
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- ..and a lake was formed.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- The Welsh uplands - are full of lakes and streams.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- This is source of the River Wye - on Pumlumon.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- It's a mere stream at this point.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- As it cascades down - the upland slopes...
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- ..it gathers water as it flows - towards Llangurig.
0:12:02 > 0:12:07- When it reaches the lowlands, - it has become a wide river.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11- It looks at its best in summer.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- This section, - between Llanelwedd and Brecon...
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- ..is very rich in wildlife.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38- Thanks to our wet climate, we have - some magnificent rivers in Wales.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- This is the River Tywi near Dryslwyn.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51- This is the River Aber Garth Celyn - near Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- Our rivers are teeming with life.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- The grey wagtail - nests near rivers.
0:13:13 > 0:13:19- Its yellow chest may be prominent, - but it's named for its grey back.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- Its relative, the yellow wagtail, - is yellow all over.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- This is the male.
0:13:28 > 0:13:29- It has a black throat.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- It's the wagtail with the longest - tail and the shortest legs.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- You'll see the dipper - on every river.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- It needs clear water - in order to see insect larvae...
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- ..that live among the stones.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- When the river is swollen - and the water is brown...
0:14:03 > 0:14:08- ..the dipper looks for insects - in smaller streams on higher ground.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- When water levels are high - during December...
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- ..salmon make their way up - Welsh rivers to reproduce.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31- These are leaping - in the River Cletwr in mid Wales.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52- Pistyll Rhaeadr, - near Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- This is the highest waterfall - in Wales.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- It formed because - there's hard rock at the top...
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- ..and soft rock at the bottom.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- It's in full flow in midwinter.
0:15:12 > 0:15:13- Wow!
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- You have to get close - to the waterfall...
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- ..before you can appreciate - the power of the water.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- The noise is deafening!
0:15:23 > 0:15:28- Justifiably, it's one of Britain's - most famous natural wonders.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- From top to bottom, it's 240 feet...
0:15:36 > 0:15:41- ..which makes it higher - than the Niagara Falls.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- The waterfall creates dew, - which encourages moss to grow.
0:15:54 > 0:16:00- The moss thrives because the air - is moist all year round.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- As you can see, it covers everything.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- The moss is at its best in winter.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- There are no leaves on the trees...
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- ..so plenty of light - reaches the ground.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- It's like a thick green carpet.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- All life needs water.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- Where water is plentiful, trees grow.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- This is Wales's natural wild terrain.
0:16:38 > 0:16:39- Deciduous woodland.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50- Over 5,000 years ago, the whole - of Wales was covered in trees...
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- ..most of which were oak trees.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04- Today, agricultural land - surrounds the ancient woodlands.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- Coed Crafnant in Ardudwy...
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- ..one of north Wales's - ancient woodlands.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- Ty Canol Woods in Pembrokeshire...
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- ..one of south Wales's - ancient woodlands.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- Trees have grown in these places - for thousands of years.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- This is Pengelli Forest - in Pembrokeshire.
0:17:59 > 0:18:04- There have been trees here since - medieval times, if not earlier.
0:18:05 > 0:18:11- That doesn't necessarily mean - the trees themselves are ancient.
0:18:11 > 0:18:16- You expect to get here - and see massive oak trees...
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- ..with thick trunks - stretching high into the sky.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22- That isn't the case every time.
0:18:22 > 0:18:28- If you have infertile, stony ground, - the trees will be much smaller.
0:18:28 > 0:18:34- This woodland has been carefully - managed by man for centuries.
0:18:34 > 0:18:39- Man used wood to build ships, - houses and so on.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- As a result of those two factors...
0:18:42 > 0:18:47- ..the trees we see today - are relatively thin and straight.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- Whatever the size of the trees, - they all attract birds.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00- The chaffinch is with us - all year round.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06- The redstart comes here from Africa - to nest every spring.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- Birds nest either inside trees - or on trees.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- The marsh tit - has a very distinctive black cap.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- This one has built its nest - inside a cleft in the tree.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- It's carrying a caterpillar - for its chicks.
0:19:31 > 0:19:36- Deciduous woodlands are important - habitats for a variety of wildlife.
0:20:06 > 0:20:12- Old and new forests border each other - in the Dolgellau area.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16- The ancient deciduous woodland - of Ganllwyd...
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- ..is on this side - of the Mawddach Valley.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- On the other side - is Coed y Brenin forest.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- Like most of Wales's - coniferous forests...
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- ..these evergreen trees were planted - during the last 200 years.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- Most were planted to overcome - the timber shortage after WW1.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42- Prior to that, - these trees didn't grow in Wales.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48- Evergreens are now the most common - trees on the Welsh landscape.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- They offer a rich habitat - to a variety of species.
0:21:13 > 0:21:14- This is a goshawk chick.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- Goshawks have made their home - in our new forests.
0:21:22 > 0:21:27- Over thousands of years, man cleared - the terrain of natural woodlands.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- That created a timber shortage.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- We tried to solve the problem...
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- ..by planting foreign trees - on the terrain.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- Most of those are planted - on the uplands...
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- ..because the land is too poor - to be used for agriculture.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- We're familiar with these views.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- We consider them to be - the wild lands of Wales.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- But this is a new landscape, - created by man.
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0:22:06 > 0:22:07- The lowlands of Wales.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- Most of it was - turned into agricultural land...
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- ..during the past 7,000 years.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- Over several generations...
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- ..the terrain has been - divided and cultivated.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- This field has been assigned to hay.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38- The land is perfect for swallows.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- These catch insects - disturbed by the tractor.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- Farm outbuildings are perfect - for rearing a family.
0:23:01 > 0:23:06- Fertile land, - like this area near Abergavenny...
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- ..is earmarked for crops.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- Farmland attracts its own wildlife.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- Wildlife that takes advantage - of treated land...
0:23:23 > 0:23:28- ..and wildlife that lives in wild - areas between cultivated land.
0:23:33 > 0:23:39- One of the most important lowland - areas for wildlife are hedgerows.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42- In spring, - they're good places to nest...
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- ..and in which to hide.
0:23:54 > 0:23:59- In autumn, they're important places - for food and shelter.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05- In winter, they attract birds - from the Continent.
0:24:07 > 0:24:12- The most striking bird you'll see - during that period is the waxwing.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22- Parts of the lowlands - are too wet to be cultivated.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28- These wetlands are relatively - wild areas of the terrain.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35- Ponds and marshes - attract specialist wildlife.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44- The reed warbler visits Wales - every summer to nest.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58- One of the largest marshes in Wales - is near Malltraeth on Anglesey.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03- This land was reclaimed - from the Afon Cefni estuary...
0:25:03 > 0:25:05- ..early in the 19th century.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07- Afon Cefni was canalized...
0:25:08 > 0:25:13- ..and Malltraeth Cob was built - on the western side of the island.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17- The land was then used - for agriculture.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23- Coal was mined here for a while.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29- Some of the works buildings - still stand.
0:25:36 > 0:25:42- Malltraeth Marsh on Anglesey - has a fascinating history.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48- It's a story of the battle - between man and nature.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- Centuries ago, this was an estuary.
0:25:51 > 0:25:56- It stretched all the way - towards Llangefni over there.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59- Gradually, man reclaimed the land.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04- Man straightened the river - and built enormous ditches...
0:26:05 > 0:26:07- ..to extract water from the land.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- Agricultural land - has gradually been formed.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13- During the past decade...
0:26:13 > 0:26:17- ..conservationists have started - to return this land to nature.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- There's a mix of elements here today.
0:26:21 > 0:26:26- There are hedgerows, ditches, - reeds and small ponds.
0:26:29 > 0:26:34- This variety of habitats makes it - a wonderful place for wildlife.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39- A variety of waterfowl - lives on the marsh.
0:26:45 > 0:26:46- These are coots.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51- There are also greylag geese here.
0:26:59 > 0:27:00- These are little grebes.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- There are several species - of duck here.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12- These are shovelers.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25- Llyn Clywedog, near Llanidloes.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29- It's one of Wales's - largest reservoirs.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32- It was constructed during the 1960s.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37- There are several reservoirs - in Wales.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39- The terrain is perfect for them.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- During the Ice Age, - huge glaciers expanded...
0:27:46 > 0:27:50- ..deepening valleys and creating - perfect locations for lakes.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57- The uplands are full of them.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01- This reservoir - is in the Elan Valley in Powys.
0:28:03 > 0:28:08- Reservoirs are a relatively - new terrain in Wales.
0:28:08 > 0:28:13- They attract waterfowl, - especially in autumn and winter.
0:28:15 > 0:28:16- These are teal.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- They're the smallest ducks in Wales.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31- Pontsticill Reservoir, near Merthyr.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34- The history of this reservoir...
0:28:34 > 0:28:38- ..reminds us that the landscape - under the water is very much alive.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43- At the far end of the lake - is the small Pentwyn Reservoir.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47- This was the original reservoir.
0:28:49 > 0:28:54- Unfortunately, the dam was located - on one of Wales's geological faults.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58- The limestone rocks - around the reservoir...
0:28:58 > 0:29:00- ..dissolve gradually in water.
0:29:00 > 0:29:05- Because of these two factors, - the small reservoir leaks.
0:29:05 > 0:29:10- There was no choice but to build - a new dam on firmer ground...
0:29:10 > 0:29:13- ..and create a far larger reservoir.
0:29:22 > 0:29:27- Wildlife has lived alongside us, - in our buildings, since early times.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- This is Raglan Castle in Gwent.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38- Jackdaws naturally nest - in holes in rocks...
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- ..but a chimney will do nicely.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44- If anything, it's far better.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58- Pigeons originally nested - on coastal rocks.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05- A building is also a good place - to raise a family.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19- These starlings are mainly here...
0:30:19 > 0:30:24- ..because there's plenty of food - on the surrounding land.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- The castle is also a good place - to roost and to nest.
0:30:37 > 0:30:38- In rural Wales...
0:30:38 > 0:30:43- ..wildlife often chooses to live - with us rather than on the land.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49- This is a smallholding - in Cwm Penanner, near Bala.
0:30:52 > 0:30:57- The walls and buildings - shelter wildlife and humans alike.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07- Like every house in the valley, - this is an old stone house.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10- There are holes everywhere - in this wall.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- I can see a variety of mosses, - which live on the lime.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- There's plenty of water for them, - of course.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22- Birds feed on the insects - that live in these holes.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24- There's a shed and a coal shed here.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27- There's a large hole - under the eaves.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31- Anything going in there - knows it will be warm and cosy...
0:31:32 > 0:31:34- ..whatever the weather.
0:31:37 > 0:31:38- This is a treecreeper.
0:31:39 > 0:31:44- It's usually a tree bird, - but this one lives in this garden.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51- In its natural habitat, - it uses its downcurved bill...
0:31:51 > 0:31:54- ..to find insects beneath tree bark.
0:31:54 > 0:31:59- This one searches for food - on the stones.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05- Its sturdy tail helps it climb - up and down the wall.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19- This is a stoat in ermine.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24- Its normal orange-brown fur - has turned white for winter.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30- It lives under the shed roof...
0:32:31 > 0:32:34- ..and hunts on the land - around the smallholding.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40- Rabbits are its favourite prey.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49- It usually catches live animals...
0:32:49 > 0:32:53- ..but is willing to eat - dead animals in winter.
0:32:54 > 0:32:55- But not this time!
0:32:57 > 0:32:59- It's a very fast animal.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- Not every stoat is in ermine - over winter.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09- Its partner has kept its normal fur.
0:33:12 > 0:33:17- Stoats are quite common creatures - in several Welsh habitats.
0:33:20 > 0:33:25- This one and his friend - decided to live on the smallholding.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38- The terrain is full of buildings.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44- We've established villages - in every part of Wales.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- Many of them are close to rivers.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57- This is Llangollen on the River Dee.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- Carmarthen lies on the River Tywi.
0:34:10 > 0:34:16- From the air, it's hard to believe - that wildlife could live in towns.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22- It's a habitat that suits animals - just as well as humans.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26- It's even true of our capital city.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- This is a part - of the old Cardiff docks.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40- The canals have been cleaned.
0:34:40 > 0:34:45- Homes and offices have been built - where dock buildings once stood.
0:34:51 > 0:34:56- It's no great surprise to see swans - on water in a city centre.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03- The same is true of ducks.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05- This is a very common sight.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11- It's no surprise either...
0:35:11 > 0:35:16- ..to find birds living in vegetation - around the buildings.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- However, there's a wealth - of wildlife here.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29- This is the largest dragonfly - in Wales.
0:35:31 > 0:35:32- The emperor.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35- It lives in the heart of the city.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42- This is a female.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46- It's laying eggs in the canal.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53- It dips its tail - beneath the surface of the water...
0:35:53 > 0:35:56- ..and lets the eggs fall - to the bottom of the canal.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01- They will hatch and the nymphs - will live and grow in the canal...
0:36:02 > 0:36:06- ..until they mature and become - dragonflies themselves.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15- A damselfly has also - made its home here.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22- As a result of us altering - the terrain so dramatically...
0:36:22 > 0:36:27- ..wildlife was forced to adjust - to living in artificial habitats.
0:36:29 > 0:36:35- If a location offers food, water - and shelter, it will suffice.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39- Sometimes, it's far better - than a wild habitat.
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0:36:52 > 0:36:57- The Mawddach Estuary, - traversed by Barmouth Bridge.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03- It's a wide, level expanse.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13- At the end of the Ice Age, - the Mawddach Valley was deep...
0:37:13 > 0:37:16- ..akin to the fjords of Norway - and New Zealand.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25- During the past 7,000 years, - as its level rose...
0:37:25 > 0:37:29- ..the sea drowned the valley, - filling it with sand and mud.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38- The valley floor has been raised - and levelled by the sea.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46- The same thing happened - at Lavan Sands, near Bangor.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54- For around 4,000 years - after the glacier melted...
0:37:54 > 0:37:56- ..at the end of the Ice Age...
0:37:56 > 0:38:01- ..there was no sea and no estuary - between the mainland and Anglesey.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- Today, it has been filled - with sediment.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39- I love estuaries.
0:38:39 > 0:38:45- The wide expanse of flat land - sometimes stretches for miles.
0:38:46 > 0:38:51- In places like this, the sky - seems huge as it looks down on you.
0:38:52 > 0:38:57- It's said that this mud is among - the world's richest habitats.
0:38:58 > 0:39:04- There are more creatures per square - metre here than anywhere else.
0:39:05 > 0:39:10- That's why hundreds of thousands - of birds come here every winter.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46- Waterfowl aren't the only residents - of Welsh estuaries.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- The estuary of the River Nevern, - near Newport, Pembrokeshire.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00- Kingfishers are often seen - fishing near estuaries.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06- There are plenty of small fish - for them in the pools.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13- The pied wagtail has come here - to wash itself in the sea.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24- This is a bird which has settled - in Wales during the past 20 years.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31- Today, little egrets are common - on every Welsh estuary.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47- Another creature whose numbers - have grown is the otter.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04- They are often seen fishing - near riverbanks...
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- ..where the flow of water is slower.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- Some otters - are specialist estuary hunters.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32- They're fond of fishing - near old trees...
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- ..because vegetation - creates shelters for fish.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- The Lleyn Peninsula coast, - near Llanbedrog.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07- The Welsh coast stretches over - 1,600 miles from north to south.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14- This part faces Cardigan Bay, - in the New Quay area.
0:42:16 > 0:42:21- The agricultural land ends abruptly - where the sea has eroded the rocks.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28- This is the coast of Skomer Island, - Pembrokeshire.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34- Hard rocks that can withstand - the effect of the waves.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43- The Welsh coast - is a mixture of sand dunes...
0:42:43 > 0:42:45- ..long beaches and dramatic rocks.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50- It's a glorious terrain.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56- The south Glamorgan coast - is among the very best.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01- This section is between - Ogmore-by-Sea and St Donat's.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07- The cliffs are relatively young.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10- They were formed - 180 million years ago...
0:43:11 > 0:43:14- ..when this area of Wales - lay beneath the sea.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19- These are the cliffs at Nash Point.
0:43:27 > 0:43:32- There are thick layers of limestone - and layers of soft mudstone here.
0:43:37 > 0:43:41- As the weather and the elements - work the stone...
0:43:41 > 0:43:43- ..the soft layers erode quickly.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48- The hard limestone eventually falls.
0:43:49 > 0:43:52- The shelves created - through this process...
0:43:52 > 0:43:55- ..make perfect nesting sites - for birds.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00- The fulmar, to name but one.
0:44:12 > 0:44:14- The kestrel, to name another.
0:44:20 > 0:44:25- Rock pipits are a common sight - along the coast.
0:44:28 > 0:44:32- This one is searching for insects - on the rocks.
0:44:38 > 0:44:42- A little to the west of Nash Point - is the Ogmore coast.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47- These are also limestone cliffs...
0:44:49 > 0:44:55- ..but they're far older, having been - formed 350 million years ago.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02- That's another period when this part - of Wales was under the sea.
0:45:06 > 0:45:11- The geological history of Wales - can be seen clearly in these cliffs.
0:45:22 > 0:45:24- When I come to places like this...
0:45:24 > 0:45:29- ..I often wish I'd listened more - during geology lessons at school.
0:45:29 > 0:45:31- Rocks are fascinating.
0:45:31 > 0:45:35- If you want to learn about - the history of Wales...
0:45:35 > 0:45:39- ..the history of the landscape - and its different shapes...
0:45:39 > 0:45:42- ..you must learn to read the rock.
0:45:42 > 0:45:43- It's like a book.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47- With a book, you turn a page - but here, you turn a layer.
0:45:48 > 0:45:52- The sea has eroded one layer - and revealed another layer.
0:45:52 > 0:45:54- This layer is made of limestone.
0:45:56 > 0:45:58- It was formed by marine creatures.
0:45:59 > 0:46:02- There are still animals here, - in the form of fossils.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07- Can you see this shape? - That's coral.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10- There are seashells here and there.
0:46:11 > 0:46:15- They've been here - for hundreds of millions of years.
0:46:18 > 0:46:22- The fossils tell us that this area - was under the sea...
0:46:22 > 0:46:24- ..some 350 million years ago.
0:46:28 > 0:46:29- By reading the rocks...
0:46:30 > 0:46:34- ..we can also deduce that Wales - was then closer to the equator.
0:46:39 > 0:46:42- Stanner Rocks in Radnorshire...
0:46:43 > 0:46:47- ..prove that Wales lay under the sea - 700 million years ago.
0:46:47 > 0:46:51- At that time, we were close - to where South Africa now lies.
0:46:53 > 0:46:56- When we study - the rocks of Snowdonia...
0:46:56 > 0:47:01- ..we can see Wales experienced - tempestuous volcanic periods.
0:47:01 > 0:47:06- The terrain was thrust upwards - by strong continental forces.
0:47:08 > 0:47:09- In other parts of Wales...
0:47:10 > 0:47:14- ..we know the sea levelled - and shaped the landscape...
0:47:14 > 0:47:16- ..several times during its history.
0:47:18 > 0:47:23- Relatively recently, the landscape - was shaped by Ice Age glaciers.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29- The ice melted, - around 11,000 years ago.
0:47:30 > 0:47:35- Rich marine life has since developed - in the sea around Wales.
0:47:47 > 0:47:52- Water has created amazing landscapes - below ground in Wales.
0:48:07 > 0:48:09- The land of Wales - has a long history.
0:48:09 > 0:48:12- It is far older than human history.
0:48:17 > 0:48:21- On the surface, it seems humans - had a huge impact on the landscape.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29- That's true, to a great extent.
0:48:35 > 0:48:38- But we're merely gardening - in the great garden.
0:48:41 > 0:48:45- The powers of nature have a far more - lasting effect on the landscape.
0:49:22 > 0:49:24- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones
0:49:24 > 0:49:25- .