Wild Isles

The RSPB, WWF and the Open University have been collaborating for more than three years on a major new BBC natural history series called Wild Isles, to be presented by Sir David Attenborough.

Showcasing the beauty and diversity of the UK’s landscapes

Wild Isles will show the wildlife and wild places of the United Kingdom as never before. Using the latest technology the series will reveal dramatic new behaviour of UK wildlife – from battling butterflies to hunting sea eagles and killer whales.

Presented by Sir David Attenborough  

Sir David said: “In my long lifetime, I have travelled to almost every corner of our planet. I can assure you that in the British Isles, as well as astonishing scenery there are extraordinary animal dramas and wildlife spectacles to match anything I have seen on my global travels.”

Beccy Speight, Chief Executive of the RSPB said: “Wild Isles will be essential viewing at a time when we are facing into a nature and climate emergency. Showcasing the UK’s spectacular places and wonderful wildlife gives us a powerful platform to build the broadest and most diverse movement for nature there’s ever been.”

Tanya Steele, Chief Executive of WWF, said: “The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world – we need to change that. Our aim is that this stunning series featuring some of our best loved species will inspire people to take action to safeguard and restore nature for future generations.”

Capturing dramatic new behaviour 

Wild Isles was filmed over three years and used the very latest technology to capture dramatic new behaviour. Gulls are seen stealing fish from puffins off Northumberland, blue fin tuna are shown off the coast of Cornwall, red deer stags rut in one of Ireland’s wildest corners and foxes are shown hunting for rabbits at night.  The first episode will explain why the UK is globally important for nature, while the remaining four episodes will celebrate our woodlands, grasslands, freshwater and marine habitats.

When is Wild Isles on?

The series will broadcast in spring, likely March, although details are yet to be confirmed.