A BBC Radio 4 nature series

Lindsey Chapman’s Living World from the Archives

Wildlife presenter Lindsey Chapman relives selected archive highlights from the popular nature series 
 
For over five decades, Living World has been introducing audiences to the astonishing diversity of British wildlife. Its veteran presenters have travelled the length and breadth of the British Isles, venturing far and wide with their microphones to immerse the listener and capture the excitement of getting close to nature. 
 
Hosted by Lionel Kelleway, Brett Westwood, Peter France and Michael Scott, these 15 archive episodes are hand-picked by Lindsey Chapman, who also gives an introduction to each one, bringing us up to date on developments since the initial broadcast. Recorded on location in some very special places, from South Harris in the Outer Hebrides to the River Exe in Devon, the programmes all feature guest experts with specialist knowledge of the local environment and its flora and fauna. 
 
Guiding our presenters through a particular habitat, they discuss the species who have made it their home, and set out to track them down. While a quest to find the great yellow bumblebee proves problematic, they revel in seeing a hen harrier on the wing; encounter the world's largest slug; experience a remarkable raven roost and catch a rare glimpse of wild boar. Plus, they discover the biology behind pigeon migration; learn why jays are key to the rejuvenation of the UK's forests and take a timeline walk from sea edge to dry land along Dungeness' shifting shingles. 
 
Full of amazing sights, sounds and stories, this specially curated collection will take you on an awe-inspiring journey through Britain's natural world, and encourage you to embark on your own wildlife adventures. 
 
Production credits 
Produced by Andrew Dawes 
 
Episode guide 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates: 
 
The Machair of the Western Isles 10 June 2018 
Presented by Brett Westwood with Martin Scott 
Catch the Pigeon 17 June 2018 
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Chris Armstrong 
Woolston Eyes 24 June 2018 
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Brian Martin 
Blackbirds 1 July 2018 
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Will Cresswell 
Hen Harrier 23 September 2018 
Presented by Brett Westwood wth Iolo Williams 
The World's Largest Slug 30 September 2018 
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with John Walters 
Underwater Architects 7 October 2018 
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Ian Wallace 
The Oak Tree Planters 14 October 2018 
Presented by Brett Westwood with John Tulley 
Dungeness 21 October 2018 
Presented by Peter France with Erica Towner and David Harper 
Avocet 9 December 2018 
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Malcom Davies 
Caledonian Pine Forest 16 December 2018 
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Roy Dennis 
Winter Ravens 23 December 2018 
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Leo Smith and Tom Wall 
Wild Boar 30 December 2018 
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Dr Martin Goulding 
The Green Isle 3 March 2019 
Presented by Michael Scott with Dave Dick and Peter Moore 
Stoats 11 March 2019 
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Robbie MacDonald and Becky Wright 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Brett Westwood (Author, Reader) 
Brett Westwood is a radio presenter and author, specialising in natural history. He is a regular presenter of natural history programmes on BBC Radio 4, several of which are available in Real Audio format from the BBC website. He is active in the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and for the Worcestershire Biological Records Centre, which cover the area around his home in Stourbridge.

Brett Westwood

Lionel Kelleway

Trai Anfield

Chris Sperring

Paul Evans

Peter France

Joanna Pinnock

Miranda Krestovnikoff

Sarah Pitt

Miranda Krestonikoff

Wildlife presenter Brett Westwood revisits selected highlights from the Living World archive 
 
Since 1968, the BBC's iconic Living World has been introducing listeners to the best natural history Britain has to offer. Its veteran presenters have criss-crossed the country in all weathers and through all terrains, in search of remarkable species and extraordinary stories. 
 
Introduced and updated by Brett Westwood, these classic archive programmes are hosted by Lionel Kelleway, Trai Anfield, Chris Sperring, Paul Evans, Peter France, Joanna Pinnock, Miranda Krestovnikoff, Sarah Pitt and Brett himself. Each show is filmed on location, in places ranging from Dartmoor to the Celtic rainforest, and features a guest naturalist eager to share their expertise with the presenters and us. 
 
Together, they uncover an array of natural wonders, including the elegant black-tailed godwit, the enigmatic glow worm and the industrious mason bee that makes its nest in a snail shell. They also hunt for adders in Loch Lomond, experience the sights and sounds of a Sika deer rut and a starling eruption, witness the small bands of Red Admiral butterflies flying in from the sea and find that night time is the right time for mountain hares. 
 
Immersive, inviting and informative, this specially curated collection will provide fascinating insight into Britain's wonderful wildlife, and inspire you to seek out your own encounters with nature. 
 
Production credits 
Produced by Andrew Dawes 
 
Episode guide 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates: 
 
Nest Finder of Dartmoor 11 June 2017 
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Mark Lawrence 
Adders of Loch Lomond 18 June 2017 
Presented by Trai Anfield with Chris McInerny 
A Shell Nesting Bee 2 July 2017 
Presented by Trai Anfield with John Walters 
Glow Worms 9 July 2017 
Presented by Chris Sperring with Robin Scagell 
Waxcap Grasslands 24 September 2017 
Presented by Paul Evans with Dr Gareth Griffiths and Bruce Langridge 
The Late Arrivals 8 October 2017 
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Richard Fox 
Sika Deer 22 October 2017 
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Dr Anita Diaz 
Godwits 17 December 2017 
Presented by Chris Sperring with Pete Potts 
Ancient Holly 24 December 2017 
Presented by Joanna Pinnock with Sara Bellis and Carl Pickup 
Ponds in Winter 31 December 2017 
Presented by Miranda Krestovnikoff with Jeremy Biggs 
Mountain Hares 7 January 2018 
Presented by Sarah Pitt with Derek Yaldon 
The Snowdrop 4 March 2018 
Presented by Brett Westwood with Christine Skelmesdale 
A Starling Eruption 11 March 2018 
Presented by Trai Anfield and Simon Clarke 
Essex Geese 18 March 2018 
Presented by Peter France with Graeme Underwood and Chris Tyas 
The Celtic Rainforest 25 March 2018 
Presented by Paul Evans with Ray Woods 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

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