2009

Season 3 · 2009 · 8 episodes

Following UK wildlife in the autumn

1Episode 1From the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol, Chris Packham and Kate Humble share their autumnal adventures in a wildlife-rich cider orchard. Simon King reports from the red deer rut on the Scottish island of Rum, while Gordon Buchanan is tracking killer whales in the North Sea. Martin Hughes-Games is on hand to show viewers how to get involved with the series and autumn wildlife near them.
2Episode 2Chris and Kate are on the Dorset coast to say goodbye to the summer's migrants and hello to the autumn arrivals; it is bound to be a rich treat for any bird lover. Simon King gives an update on autumn's most dramatic spectacle, reporting from the Scottish island of Rum on the red deer rut. Martin Hughes-Games reveals how you can become more involved with wildlife, while Gordon Buchanan is on the trail of the best of your stories.
3Episode 3Chris and Kate are at a wildlife hospital helping to rescue and care for sick and injured animals. Autumn is a busy time for them. In particular, hedgehogs need to be in peak condition if they are to successfully hibernate and survive the winter. Simon King is in border country to report live on the arrival of thousands of migrating barnacle geese. Martin Hughes-Games reveals how to get more involved with wildlife, while Gordon Buchanan is on the trail of the best stories from viewers.
4Episode 4Chris Packham and Kate Humble are in north Norfolk to witness one of the most spectacular autumn phenomena. The 'knot spectacle', 40,000 wading birds flying in formation, is a truly unforgettable wildlife event. Meanwhile, Simon King reports live from the Forest of Dean, unearthing yet more surprising autumn stories as well as unveiling the final chapter of the red deer rut. Gordon Buchanan concludes his North Sea quest for killer whales and Martin Hughes-Games shows how to get more involved with wildlife.
5Episode 5For Halloween week, Chris Packham and Kate Humble are in deepest, darkest Gloucestershire seeking out things that go bump in the night. The setting is a haunted mansion whose residents include bats, badgers and spiders. Meanwhile, Simon King is reporting live from a London graveyard to reveal the animals that have made this unusual wildlife location their home, Gordon Buchanan is on the trail of another viewer's story and Martin Hughes-Games explains how to get more involved with wildlife and with the series.
6Episode 6Chris and Kate are in the Lake District to witness a British wood at its seasonal best - a colourful and spectacular sight. The trees are host to red squirrels, jays and tawny owls - all very busy at this time of year. Simon King is in Scotland to follow the fortunes of wild salmon - in autumn they face the daunting task of swimming many miles upriver to breed. Gordon Buchanan is on the trail of another viewer's story, and Martin Hughes-Games demonstrates how to get more involved with the wildlife and the series.
7Episode 7Chris Packham and Kate Humble are in Pembrokeshire, south Wales, to find out how our marine wildlife is faring this autumn. Seasonal storms stir up a rich mix in our seas and it's at the coast where you can witness the results, whether it's by looking in a rock pool or simply combing the beach. Simon King is in Senegal, west Africa, on the trail of arguably Britain's most spectacular summer visitor - the osprey. These migratory raptors fly south for the winter in search of the world's best fishing grounds. Gordon Buchanan is on the trail of another viewer's story and Martin Hughes-Games reveals how to get more involved with the wildlife and the series.
8Episode 8For the final Autumnwatch, Chris and Kate are in the Cairngorms to witness winter's arrival. These mountains in Scotland are home to ptarmigan, mountain hares and stoats - all of which perform one of nature's greatest tricks: they turn white, helping them blend in with their wintry surroundings. Simon King is in the company of rooks, as thousands gather in a spectacular winter roost in a small patch of woodland in Norfolk. Gordon Buchanan is on the trail of his own seasonal wildlife story, and Martin Hughes-Games shows how to look after garden birds this winter.

Episodes