In splendid isolation…
Springwatch presenter Iolo Williams turns photographer for TV Times to showcase the incredible wildlife in his own back garden
SPRINGWATCH
TUE-FRI / BBC2 / 8PM / EPS 9-12 of 12 / NATURE
As TV Times chats to Springwatch presenter Iolo Williams, it’s impossible not to be swept up by his passion and enthusiasm for our natural world.
This year, the proud Welshman, along with Chris Packham and Gillian Burke, have been busy bees presenting the BBC2 series live from their home turfs because of lockdown restrictions. Iolo is based in a friend’s garden near his home just outside Newtown, Powys, while Chris is at his New Forest house and Gillian is reporting from Cornwall.
As this season of Springwatch draws to a close, we asked Iolo, 57, to turn photographer for us and capture some of the wonderful wildlife inhabiting his own back garden – we love his six favourite shots (see right)!
Here, he tells us why more people than ever are finding solace in nature…
When did you first become interested in wildlife?
I think I’ve been into wildlife since I was in the womb! Some of my very earliest memories involve animals and birds. I remember picking up a baby weasel, which I thought had been abandoned, when I was about three. I have a clear memory of it biting me, it hurting a great deal and me bawling my eyes out. I also remember the excitement of finding a wood pigeon nest when I was about four years old.
Are you pleased to be showing viewers the natural wonders on your home turf?
Definitely. People tend to pass through mid-wales on their way to the coast, to Pembrokeshire, the Brecon Beacons, Anglesey or Snowdonia, but they don’t stop so much here, which pleases me because it means I’ve got the place to myself!
But, obviously, there are people in mid-wales who rely on tourism. There are some really lovely parts and fantastic wildlife here, so it’s great to be able to show that.
What are you most excited about showing us this year?
There are wonderful birds around here. There’s the chough, a very rare crow with red claws and a red beak. Wales has two-thirds of the entire UK chough population. I’m also hoping we get to see a firecrest nest. Firecrests are Britain’s smallest birds and also rare. I love being able to bring these sights into people’s living rooms – birds, stoats, bees, whatever we find. Springwatch is like a wildlife soap opera. There are trials and tribulations, and, as we know, it doesn’t always end well.
Engaging with nature has such a positive impact on our wellbeing, doesn’t it?
The benefits of nature are enormous. One of the escapes from lockdown is being able to go outside and listen to the birdsong, listen to the bees, to watch the butterflies, to enjoy the amazing flowers. We’ve had at least one generation, if not two, where we’ve just lost contact with nature and it would be lovely if we reconnect and realise just how important it is.
SPRINGWATCH is previewed on
SPRINGWATCH
IS LIKE A WILDLIFE SOAP
OPERA