Living World

Wildlife presenter Brett Westwood revisits selected highlights from the Living World archive.

Since 1968, the BBC's iconic Living World has been introducing listeners to the best natural history Britain has to offer. Its veteran presenters have criss-crossed the country in all weathers and through all terrains, in search of remarkable species and extraordinary stories.

Introduced and updated by Brett Westwood, these classic archive programmes are hosted by Lionel Kelleway, Trai Anfield, Chris Sperring, Paul Evans, Peter France, Joanna Pinnock, Miranda Krestovnikoff, Sarah Pitt and Brett himself. Each show is filmed on location, in places ranging from Dartmoor to the Celtic rainforest, and features a guest naturalist eager to share their expertise with the presenters and us.

Together, they uncover an array of natural wonders, including the elegant black-tailed godwit, the enigmatic glow worm and the industrious mason bee that makes its nest in a snail shell. They also hunt for adders in Loch Lomond, experience the sights and sounds of a Sika deer rut and a starling eruption, witness the small bands of Red Admiral butterflies flying in from the sea and find that night time is the right time for mountain hares.

Immersive, inviting and informative, this specially curated collection will provide fascinating insight into Britain's wonderful wildlife, and inspire you to seek out your own encounters with nature.

Production credits

Produced by Andrew Dawes

Episode guide

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates:

Nest Finder of Dartmoor - 11 June 2017

Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Mark Lawrence

Adders of Loch Lomond - 18 June 2017

Presented by Trai Anfield with Chris McInerny

A Shell Nesting Bee - 2 July 2017

Presented by Trai Anfield with John Walters

Glow Worms - 9 July 2017

Presented by Chris Sperring with Robin Scagell

Waxcap Grasslands - 24 September 2017

Presented by Paul Evans with Dr Gareth Griffiths and Bruce Langridge

The Late Arrivals - 8 October 2017

Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Richard Fox

Sika Deer - 22 October 2017

Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Dr Anita Diaz

Godwits - 17 December 2017

Presented by Chris Sperring with Pete Potts

Ancient Holly - 24 December 2017

Presented by Joanna Pinnock with Sara Bellis and Carl Pickup

Ponds in Winter - 31 December 2017

Presented by Miranda Krestovnikoff with Jeremy Biggs

Mountain Hares - 7 January 2018

Presented by Sarah Pitt with Derek Yaldon

The Snowdrop - 4 March 2018

Presented by Brett Westwood with Christine Skelmesdale

A Starling Eruption - 11 March 2018

Presented by Trai Anfield and Simon Clarke

Essex Geese - 18 March 2018

Presented by Peter France with Graeme Underwood and Chris Tyas

The Celtic Rainforest - 25 March 2018

Presented by Paul Evans with Ray Woods