Scottish Wildcat, Britain’s most endangered mammal KIELDER FOREST, NORTHUMBERLAND Across the countryside and coastlines, around the globe is on the brink of collapse. Many species are fighting for survival, facing ever-increasing pressures as human activity and modern day living At 250 square miles, continue to impact the natural world. Wild Animal Rescue celebrates Northumberland’s the incredible range of wildlife that lives all around us, and explores the spectacular Kielder forest is challenges that these animals now face. the largest working forest in England and the largest Presenters (BAFTA®-winning naturalist, writer and expanse of dark sky in presenter, 60) Bill Oddie (The Oddies, ), . Dark sky is a land Miranda Krestovnikoff The( One Show) and Lindsey Chapman possessing an exceptional (Springtime on the Farm, Animals After Dark) join forces with quality of starry nights and dedicated wildlife experts and activists who are fighting tirelessly to Dark sky, Kielder Forest help different species flourish once more. We learn what can be done a nocturnal environment to ensure that our precious wildlife survives for future generations to that is specifically experience and enjoy, in the limits of the wild and in our own gardens. protected by law.

ORIGINAL BROADCASTER: Channel 5 (UK) ORIGINAL PRODUCER: Daisybeck Studios, an Entertainment One company S1: 4 × 60’ - NEW

Harbour porpoise, identified by unique dorsal fin Native Red Squirrel, close to extinction

EPISODE 1 EPISODE 2 Miranda discover the threats facing native red squirrels Peter Wright (The Yorkshire Vet) discovers why while Steve journeys into the heart of the forest in search 70% of seabird populations around the world have of these elusive predators once common throughout disappeared in the last 50 years and experiences most of the country. the spectacular sight of gannets diving for fish off Bempton Cliffs on the east coast. The Wildlife Aid Foundation team respond to one of their most unusual call outs in four decades, a swan is Steve meets conservationists who are fighting to save discovered stuck fifteen metres up a tree only inches the Scottish wildcat from extinction in Britain. He then from an active powerline. joins the West Midlands Hedgehog Rescue team who are on a mission to save Britain’s favourite mammal Bill and Lindsey meet the ecologists working hard that could disappear within the next decade. to protect the ten species of bats that call the Northumberland forest home. Miranda leaps into action to help the king of the fish - Atlantic salmon - on the River Tyne, in North East England. Ratty the charming riverside water vole from The Wind in the Willows makes a welcome return to Kielder.

On the east coast of Lincolnshire, grey seals Shane, Darrell and Spencer are completing a nine-month long One of the rescued hedgehogs recovery and look forward to a return to the open ocean. EPISODE 3 Steve joins forces with animal loving rock legend Dr (Queen) as they help hand feed rescued hedgehogs, nurse convalescing bats and enjoy an encounter with a visiting fox in need of a good meal.

Julian Norton (The Yorkshire Vet) discovers the incredible range of exotic animals that are managing to survive in Britain.

Bill tracks a migratory master hunter – the majestic Osprey that’s attempting the 3000-mile-long journey from Kielder forest to Gambia.

Lindsey finds out why Britain’s coastline is now a haven for an amazing number of , whales and porpoises, and meets a kayaker who has spent 30 years getting up close EPISODE 4 and personal with the spectacular marine wildlife. In the final episode ofWild Animal Rescue, the team study the majestic white-tailed eagle – off the West Coast We discover how nature’s great engineers, beavers, have of Scotland. made a surprise return to our countryside after a 400-year absence. At the Wildlife Aid Foundation, the team battle to At the Wildlife Aid Foundation animal hospital, a hedgehog save a tawny owl hit by a car in . needs emergency treatment after been found covered in hot tar. The poor hog’s protective spines are stuck together and there are concerns his skin is burnt.

Champions of conservation, known as the ‘Butterfly Brothers’, demonstrate how you can create a thriving wildlife haven in your back garden. Ospreysa tawny first sighted owl in 2009 Lindsey goes in search of Britain’s only venomous snake, the adder, with ecologist Nigel Hand.

At Vale Wildlife Hospital in Gloucestershire, the team help a young badger found with a fractured jaw and broken pelvis after a suspected road traffic collision and fight to ready him for a release back into the wild.

Lindsey and Miranda discover why the internationally renowned dark skies of Kielder Forest help wildlife thrive. all episodes available now eOne.InternationalDistribution.com