News / avon wildlife trust
New BBC Attenborough series features nature reserves near Bristol
Several locations cared for by Avon Wildlife Trust are featured in the BBC’s new wildlife series, Wild Isles.
The five part series, presented by David Attenborough, celebrates the wonders of British wildlife, taking viewers on a journey through the spectacular nature on their doorstep.
Hutton Woods and Folly Farm in Somerset and Prior’s Wood outside Bristol, featured in the series, are all managed by Avon Wildlife Trust – the largest wildlife protection charity in the West of England.
The 45 hectares of woodland and grassland that makes up Hutton Woods were left to Avon Wildlife Trust by local builder and landowner Bernard Cole, after he died in 2018.
Viewers were given insight into the surprising – and smelly – pollination process of lords-and-ladies flowers, filmed at Hutton Woods.
The rolling hills of Hutton Hill nature reserve – photo: Avon Wildlife Trust
Swathes of bluebells carpeting the floor of the wood in spring time at Prior’s Wood were also featured on the series. The nature reserve is known for its streams, and an ancient woodland, making the area rich in wildlife.
Folly Farm, which looks over Chew Valley Lake and the Mendips, is host to rare wildflower meadows, unspoiled by pesticides or fertilisers.
Other locations included in Wild Isles are Skomer in Wales, Lower Woods and Daneway Banks in Gloucestershire, Lackford Lakes in Suffolk, and Clattinger meadows and Langford Lakes in Wiltshire.
Prior Wood’s bluebell carpet in spring – photo: Joe McSorely
Chief executive of Avon Wildlife Trust, Ian Barrett, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have played a part in this prestigious documentary series, highlighting just how striking and precious the nature on our doorstep truly is.
“From our iconic bluebell woods to the intricacies of arum pollination, we’re excited to see Avon represented in what is set to be a sensational deep dive into the best that British wildlife has to offer.
“I hope that everyone who watches this series feels inspired to take action for nature, whether that’s by planting wildflowers for bees or building a nest box for birds. Anything you do for the benefit of our natural world will help to create a wilder future.”
Wild Isles was produced by Silverback Films and the BBC Natural History Unit, both based in Bristol. The series was co-produced by RSPB, WWF and the Open University.
Wild Isles aired at 7pm on Sunday, March 12 on BBC One.
Main photo: Joe-McSorely
Read more:
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- Work begins on West of England’s biggest and most ambitious woodland
- Bristol’s urban wildlife uncovered in sensational new documentary
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