The Magical Forest
Episode 3 Secrets of our Living Planet
BBC Two, 7pm Sunday 1 July 2012
Seasonal forests, such as those that cover the UK and most of North America, are special. Their ecosystems have to cope with drastic change twice a year, in Spring and Autumn. Not only do the inhabitants have to deal with the change, but the entire ecosystem has to transform itself – and it has to do this in perfect synchronicity.
In this episode, Chris spends all of his time in the vast seasonal forests of North America. Here, he sees why the whole forest depends on the Autumnal activities of a flying squirrel. And uncovers how the activities of an obscure moth caterpillar in Spring can mean the survival of the Canadian lynx in winter. Perhaps most amazing of all though, is how the great forests of British Columbia depend upon bears to catch salmon and take them into the forest, where their carcasses then fertilise its massive trees. Amazingly, up to 85% of the nutrients that feed these trees come from salmon. That’s how much the tree needs the salmon.
Secrets of our Living Planet was a challenging series to make on many levels; travelling to all the locations in a short shooting season, grappling with all the world’s climatic extremes and actually meeting the animals tested the team’s practical skills, and temperaments, to extremes. But perhaps our most difficult quest was telling our story; concisely and comprehensibly explaining the remarkable complexity of nature, truly portraying its magnificence and its subtle nuances so that viewers can see Secrets of our Living Planet.
The Magical Forest
Episode 3 Secrets of our Living Planet
BBC Two, 7pm Sunday 1 July 2012
Main image: Presenter Chris Packham and Orang-utan. Borneo, Malaysia. Photographer: Adam White.
Copyright: Adam White. Used with the kind permission of the BBC.
Top right image: Presenter Chris Packham with a baby giant anteater. Brazil. Photographer: Adam White.
Copyright: Adam White. Used with the kind permission of the BBC.
I cannot think of a superlative incredible enough to describe “Secrets of our living planet”. At last, really informative, sticking to one subject at a time – I WANT EVERYONE TO WATCH IT -whether they are interested in wildlife or not. They should be shown to EVERY school in the country. THANK YOU, Chris Packham.
Also the last series of Spring Watch was the best ever.
Fantastic! At last a series with some real science. Stunning photography too. More please.
Brilliant series. Wonderful to see the ecological complexities revealed so compellingly.
Sincere thanks to Chris and the team for this magnificent series. Chris tells the stories of interdependence so movingly and reverently and with such respect for nature. Each Sunday evening, I feel proud and honoured to be a billion-billionth part of evolution’s relentless progress.
Thank-you
Thank you Chris for such a brilliant, thought provoking series. I just did not move from my settee during these 3 programmes. There has never been to my knowledge programmes that look at this aspect of nature. Usually I sit & knit whilst watching TV, but not when your series is on. Thank you for all your hard work & research. Beryl Depledge
thought my first comment had disappeared into the ether!!
I’ll enthusiastically join the throng.
What a compelling series. Environments deconstructed and their key relationships laid bare. This is an absolute triumph. I have long been a huge admirer of David Attenborough, and now I see the emergewnce of a very worthy successor. How good is that?
Magnificent and Magical with an explanatory depth lacking in most nature coverage.
Would love to know what the music was accompanying the bear/salmon sequence.
Regards
DT
A wonderful series Chris bringing to light the most fantastic and hidden parts of natures secrets and abilities, also superbly hosted by your good self bring that enthusiasm that has got my kids hooked on nature.
Brilliant job
Jester
Brilliant series, one of the best I\’ve seen (maybe better than David Attenboroughs!). Chris has such a passion for wildlife and the environment.
Absolutely brilliant series. We started watching it last night on iplayer and cannot praise it enough. @BBC please please please keep commissioning these programmes, not all youngish viewers (we are in our twenties) want to watch ‘bubble-gum’ reality TV programmes. Keep up the great work Chris Packham and the team.