TODAY’S RADIO

Living World 6.35AM, RADIO 4

The Caledonian Forest was already thousands of years old when the Romans arrived in Britain. It now only exists in remnants, but the trees that survive are direct descendants of the trees of the prehistoric forest. In this archive programme, Lionel Kelleway takes a walk among the pines.

Tweet Of The Day 8.58AM, RADIO 4

All this week, our very own

Monty Don shares recordings of birdsong with us. He opens his selection with his own story of the fieldfare. These birds have plumage of white, brown and grey, and their song is nothing special; yet, as Monty reports, the sight of these thrushes arriving for winter is a cheering one.

Christmas Around Europe 1PM, 4PM, RADIO 3

This is always radio’s loveliest Christmas live event. Music from churches and halls across Europe comes together in two broadcasts today. The bells of Helsinki’s Kallio Church ring out in the opening work by Sibelius; then, we are taken to Leipzig for English, German and French carols, as well as classical works. Danish choirs, Portuguese singers and Austrian musicians are just some of the many talented performers who will be taking part in this uplifting broadcast.

An Ideal Husband 3PM, RADIO 4

‘Even you are not rich enough,

Sir Robert, to buy back your past. No man is.’ Robert Chiltern is an honourable man who has pursued a political career that has been free of corruption, and he has given generously to charities. Then, a woman with a dubious past and an incriminating letter arrives in London. This two-part dramatisation of Oscar Wilde’s play is sharp and clever, but with a serious undertone. SJ

Oscar Wilde (3pm, Radio 4)