Hugh's Wild West

Nature lover Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall continues his wildlife adventures across the West Country. This time, Hugh is exploring the diverse county of Dorset, where the mild climate creates ideal conditions for all kinds of creatures. In spring, Hugh joins ornithologist Martin Cade at Portland Bird Observatory to monitor migrating birds like blackcaps and wheatears as they arrive on our shores after their epic journeys from Africa.

In the woodlands nearby, bat enthusiast Colin Morris is keeping a watchful eye on the extremely rare Bechstein's bat - he even knows individuals by name. And retired policeman Mick Jenner hopes to catch up with an otter family that he has been filming over the past few years. Hugh also tries to track down one of our largest (and loudest) insects, the great green bush cricket, but it is easier to hear than see. And as autumn arrives Hugh gets a glimpse of the sika deer rut, when stags compete for dominance.