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

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