Wild Britain With Ray Mears Season 1 Episode 4 Heather Moorlands and Uplands

In season 1 episode 4 of Wild Britain With Ray Mears, entitled Heather Moorlands and Uplands, viewers are taken on a journey through the stunning landscapes of the British uplands, exploring the unique habitats and diversity of wildlife that thrive in these challenging environments.

Starting in the Peak District, Ray Mears takes us to the heather moorlands that stretch across this area of northern England. Known for their vibrant purple hue in late summer, these moorlands are home to a variety of bird species, including the red grouse, which is one of the most iconic birds of the uplands. Ray meets with gamekeepers who work to maintain the heather moorland and keep the red grouse population thriving.

Moving further north, Ray heads to the Scottish Highlands, where he visits an ancient Caledonian pine forest and discovers the role these trees play in supporting biodiversity in the uplands. Here, he observes capercaillie, the largest member of the grouse family, and learns about the conservation efforts that are being made to protect this bird and its fragile habitat.

Ray also explores the uplands of Wales, where he encounters the country's national bird, the red kite. These magnificent birds of prey were once close to extinction in the UK, but thanks to conservation projects, their populations have been successfully reintroduced in many areas.

Throughout the episode, Ray also highlights the importance of heather moorlands and uplands in mitigating the impacts of climate change. These landscapes act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide, and protecting them is crucial in the fight against global warming.

Overall, Heather Moorlands and Uplands is a fascinating and insightful exploration of some of the UK's most beautiful and important landscapes, and the unique wildlife that calls them home.