Chris Packham’s Living World from the Archives

Wildlife presenter Chris Packham leafs through the Living World archives, revisiting classic episodes and bringing them up to date For over half a century, landmark natural history series Living World has provided an inspiring introduction to the flora and fauna of Great Britain and beyond. Filmed on location at key ecological sites, it sees BBC wildlife presenters joined by guest experts for enthusiastic discussions and close encounters with our native wildlife. These classic archive programmes have all been specially selected by Chris Packham, who introduces each episode and gives us an overview of the places, people and species featured on the show. Twenty are hosted by veteran broadcaster Lionel Kelleway, with the remaining two presented by Brett Westwood. Accompanied by ornithologists, biologists and a host of other specialists, they take us on a tour around the British Isles in search of amazing plants and animals. Among their discoveries are swifts, stag beetles, sticklebacks and red squirrels - as well as the endangered white-clawed crayfish; the slumbering dormouse or 'seven-moth sleeper'; the diminutive wren (known as the King of the Birds) and the under-appreciated wasp (more benign and beneficial than people realise). In addition, they hunt for crabs in a Scottish rockpool; take a festive look at mistletoe; await the arrival of roosting rooks and listen to the call of the booming bittern. Full of fascinating facts and surprising stories, this carefully curated collection will transport you to Britain's mountains, moorlands, woodlands and coasts, immersing you in the wonder and importance of our natural world. Production credits Produced by Andrew Dawes Episode guide First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates: Swifts 3 May 2015 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Chris Perrins Mayfly and the Chalkstream 12 July 2015 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Mike Ladle The Stag Beetle Hunt 26 July 2015 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Jonathon Spencer and Roger Key The Seven-Month Sleeper 11 October 2015 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Michael Woods Water Vole 18 October 2015 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Rob Strachan Lichens of Scotland 25 October 2015 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Brian and Sandy Coppins Herons 8 November 2015 Presented by Lionel Kelleway The Wader with the Crest 10 January 2016 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Andy Wilson A Life of Slime 17 January 2016 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Mary Seddon Rooks and a Winter Roost 24 January 2016 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Joe Cullum and Ian Henderson Sticklebacks 12 June 2016 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Iain Barber The Highland Midge 19 June 2016 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Alison Blackwell The Ways of the Wasp 21 August 2016 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Tom Ings Catching Crabs 11 September 2016 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Stephen Wiseman Crayfish 4 December 2016 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Martin Frayling Red Squirrels 11 December 2016 Presented by Brett Westwood with Jason Reynolds A Very Berry Christmas 18 December 2016 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Jonathan Briggs Wren Hunt 25 December 2016 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Matthew Evans Fieldfares in a Winter Orchard 1 January 2017 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Steve Dodd and Dave Cocker Freshwater Pearl Mussels 5 March 2017 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Mary Seddon Toads (The Toad) 12 March 2017 Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Julia Wycherley Booming Bitterns 19 March 2017 Presented by Brett Westwood with Ian Hawkins and Ken Smith © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.