Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

What was the hardest species to film?

Cuttlefish! We fashioned a modified, open-ended trap that I was convinced would work, but we missed the breeding season by a couple of weeks. When the breeding season did start, a storm pulled the animals offshore. We did get some lovely unexpected footage of squid though.

Which ‘hero’ stood out most?

Everyone was fascinating, but if I had to pick one it would be Stephanie Tyler. She has been studying dippers for 40 years and is still working out in the field, clambering up ladders and through narrow tunnels to survey nests.

What is your must-see?

Everyone should experience a starling murmuration. As well as an exciting wildlife event, it’s something you can share with a crowd, which is a heartwarming experience.

Which species are needing particularly intensive help?

The lesser horseshoe bat is a good example. Its UK range has shrunk drastically. Conservation involves maintaining old buildings and their surrounding habitat to meet the bats’ roosting and feeding needs, and even excavating hibernation caves.

What did you learn that most surprised you?

Probably the fascinating balance between native and alien species. For instance, part of the success of the egrets at Ham Wall is down to the Iberian frog, which settled here 50 years ago.

is a food writer, chef and presenter of Hugh’s Wild West