Leafing us for a big fall
BBC2, 8pm
SO striking is autumn in New England that everyone has heard of the American fall.
The seasonal spectacle that sees the forests – containing around six billion trees – shed their leaves in a mix of red, orange and gold, is so big it can be seen from space.
And now, thanks to Autumnwatch, we can even see this from our sofas here in the UK. Saves the cost of a plane ticket.
On four nights this week, the special sees Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Gillian Burke broadcast live from Squam Lake, New Hampshire, in the heart of New England.
Their makeshift studio will be – of course – a traditional New England cabin, suitably draughty and ramshackle, with a roaring fire.
We will see some familiar species, such as foxes, squirrels and deer, but there might be other more surprising creatures too.
Moose, flying squirrels and black bears are expected to be spotted lurking near the forests, lakes and ponds, with remote cameras unearthing their secret lives.
We’ve also been promised coverage of huge hawk migrations, aggressive turkeys and secretive bobcats.
Extra films will look further afield – from the colder northern reaches of Maine, to the coastal habitats of Cape Cod, the mountains of Vermont to the bogs of Massachusetts and rivers of Connecticut.
The team will also explore the culture and traditions of the fall, from pumpkin harvests to Native American traditions and maple syrup production.
And they join tourists – or “leafpeepers” – on a whistle-stop tour of the sights.
A stunning visit that might give you a touch of wanderlust.