Ep 7. Ireland's Wild River

In season 32 episode 7 of Nature, entitled "Ireland's Wild River," viewers are taken on a journey along one of Ireland's most important waterways, the Shannon River. The Shannon stretches across the entire country and is home to an abundance of wildlife, both on its surface and beneath it. The episode introduces us to some of the fascinating species that call this river home, from otters and kingfishers to dolphins and seals.

The episode opens with stunning aerial shots of the Shannon River as it winds its way through lush, green hills and bustling towns and cities. We then meet wildlife filmmaker and presenter Colin Stafford-Johnson, who will be our guide on this journey. Colin is a native of the area and has spent much of his life exploring the river and its surrounding countryside. He is the perfect host for this adventure, with his intimate knowledge of the area and his infectious enthusiasm for the wildlife that inhabits it.

As we travel farther up the river, Colin introduces us to some of the creatures that call it home. One of the most fascinating is the elusive otter. We see them swimming and playing in the river, and learn about their impressive hunting skills. We also meet the kingfisher, a beautiful, brightly colored bird that can be seen darting along the river's edge in search of fish. Other species featured include the peregrine falcon, which nests on the river's many cliffs and ledges, and the colourful rainbow trout, which thrives in the river's clear waters.

But it's not just the wildlife that makes the Shannon so special. The river also holds a special place in Irish folklore and history, and Colin takes us on a tour of some of the river's most important sites. We visit the ancient monastic settlement of Clonmacnoise, which was founded by St. Ciarán in the 6th century and played a key role in Irish history for centuries. We also see the impressive engineering feat of the Shannon River locks, which were built in the early 19th century to make the river navigable for commercial traffic.

As we travel farther up the river, we encounter its most impressive residents: the dolphins and seals. The Shannon is one of the few places in the world where these two species coexist, and we are treated to some amazing footage of them swimming and playing together. We also learn about the efforts being made to protect these animals, including a project to install underwater microphones that can detect their movements and behaviour.

Throughout the episode, Colin's infectious enthusiasm for the wildlife and landscape of the Shannon River shines through. He is a fantastic host, sharing his intimate knowledge of the area and revealing its many secrets and wonders. The stunning cinematography and beautiful musical score only add to the sense of awe and wonder that viewers will feel as they travel along the river.

Overall, "Ireland's Wild River" is a beautiful and informative episode of Nature that will appeal to anyone with an interest in wildlife, nature, or Irish culture. It is a wonderful reminder of the beauty and diversity of our planet, and a reminder of the importance of protecting it for future generations.