Our Coast Season 1 Episode 2 Anglesey

Our Coast is an exciting and informative series that explores the dramatic and ever-changing British coastline. This second episode takes us to the beautiful island of Anglesey, situated off the coast of North Wales.

Anglesey is a place of great natural beauty, with stunning beaches, rocky cliffs, and rolling hills dotted with sheep and cows. The show highlights the incredible wildlife that can be found on and around the island, from seals and dolphins to rare birds of prey.

We meet locals who are passionate about protecting the environment and preserving their unique way of life. We also learn about the island's rich history, from prehistoric ruins to 19th-century shipwrecks.

The episode begins with a breathtaking aerial view of Anglesey, showing the vast expanse of coastline and the patchwork of fields and villages that make up the island. Presenter Mehreen Baig joins local farmer and conservationist Gareth Wyn Jones to explore some of the island's most stunning natural features.

One of their first stops is Porth Swtan, a secluded cove on the west coast of the island. Here, they meet marine biologist Natasha who is studying the seals that live in the area. We learn that grey seals are one of the rarest mammals in the world and that the Irish Sea is a crucial habitat for them. Natasha uses a drone to capture footage of the seals from a distance, without disturbing them.

Next, Mehreen and Gareth take a trip to South Stack Lighthouse, perched on a steep cliff overlooking the sea. They meet Roger, a local birdwatcher who has been studying the rare chough birds that live on the island. Choughs are small, red-beaked birds known for their acrobatic flight patterns. They were once common on Anglesey, but their numbers have dwindled due to changes in farming practices and loss of habitat. Roger shows Mehreen and Gareth how to identify the different calls of the choughs and points out some of the other rare bird species that can be seen on the island.

The episode also delves into Anglesey's fascinating human history. Mehreen visits the Bronze Age burial chambers at Bryn Celli Ddu, where she meets archaeologist Ffion Reynolds. Ffion explains the significance of the site and the mysteries that still surround it. The burial chamber is aligned with the rising sun on the summer solstice, suggesting that it was an important gathering place for early Britons who were interested in astronomy and the changing seasons.

Later, we meet local historian Huw Williams, who shows us around the town of Beaumaris. Beaumaris is home to one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Britain, built by King Edward I in the 13th century. Huw explains the strategic importance of the castle and the role it played in Welsh history.

Throughout the episode, we hear from locals who are passionate about protecting Anglesey's unique environment and way of life. We meet a group of kayakers who are cleaning up plastic pollution from the coast, and we hear from a farmer who is working to promote sustainable agriculture and protect traditional breeds of livestock.

Our Coast: Anglesey is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of one of Britain's most beautiful and historically rich islands. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for an inspiring and informative programme, this episode is not to be missed.