Hugh's Wild West
Series 1
Lifelong nature lover Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall pursues his fascination with the wildlife of the English West Country by meeting up with some of the region's most dedicated conservationists.
Where to Watch Series 1
12 Episodes
- Episode 5E5
Episode 5This time Hugh is in the Somerset Levels to witness one of our greatest wildlife spectacles - huge winter flocks of starlings swirling in the sky as they come in to roost. The reedbeds where they seek refuge have been created from old peat quarries and thanks to dedicated volunteers they are now a haven for rare bitterns and great white egrets. - Episode 6E6
Episode 6Hugh goes in search of the imposing wild boar that have returned to the forest after three centuries. And he gets up close to the elusive 'phantom of the forest' - the goshawk, a bird of prey perfectly adapted to hunting in woodland. He also discovers why the forest is so good for insects like moths and beetles. - Episode 7E7
Episode 7This time, Hugh's journey takes him across Dartmoor, from the granite peaks to the sea. Hugh follows the fortunes of a buzzard family as their single chick fledges and heads towards independence, he seeks out salmon as they migrate upstream to breed, and he helps marine biologists to survey dolphins off the Devon coast. - Episode 8E8
Episode 8This time, Hugh is exploring the diverse county of Dorset, where the mild climate creates ideal conditions for all kinds of creatures. In spring, Hugh joins ornithologist Martin Cade at Portland Bird Observatory to monitor migrating birds like blackcaps and wheatears as they arrive on our shores after their epic journeys from Africa. - Episode 9E9
Episode 9This time, Hugh is in the Wye Valley hoping to come face to face with an animal that has intrigued him since boyhood - the barbel, also known as the Prince of the River. With the help of local angling guide, the appropriately named Adam Fisher, Hugh wants to fulfil his dream of swimming with these large, regal fish. - Episode 10E10
Episode 10This time, Hugh discovers how the people and animals of Dartmoor live alongside each other in this challenging landscape. He visits an ancient hill farm with dozens of nesting house martins and swallows that thrive thanks to the careful farming practices of tenants Mark Owen and Naomi Oakley.
