Wildlife presenter Chris Packham leafs through the Living World archives, revisiting classic episodes and bringing them up to date

For over half a century, landmark natural history series Living World has provided an inspiring introduction to the flora and fauna of Great Britain and beyond. Filmed on location at key ecological sites, it sees BBC wildlife presenters joined by guest experts for enthusiastic discussions and close encounters with our native wildlife.

These classic archive programmes have all been specially selected by Chris Packham, who introduces each episode and gives us an overview of the places, people and species featured on the show. Twenty are hosted by veteran broadcaster Lionel Kelleway, with the remaining two presented by Brett Westwood. Accompanied by ornithologists, biologists and a host of other specialists, they take us on a tour around the British Isles in search of amazing plants and animals.

Among their discoveries are swifts, stag beetles, sticklebacks and red squirrels - as well as the endangered white-clawed crayfish; the slumbering dormouse or 'seven-moth sleeper'; the diminutive wren (known as the King of the Birds) and the under-appreciated wasp (more benign and beneficial than people realise). In addition, they hunt for crabs in a Scottish rockpool; take a festive look at mistletoe; await the arrival of roosting rooks and listen to the call of the booming bittern.

Full of fascinating facts and surprising stories, this carefully curated collection will transport you to Britain's mountains, moorlands, woodlands and coasts, immersing you in the wonder and importance of our natural world.

Production credits

Produced by Andrew Dawes

Episode guide

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates:

Swifts 3 May 2015
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Chris Perrins

Mayfly and the Chalkstream 12 July 2015
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Mike Ladle

The Stag Beetle Hunt 26 July 2015
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Jonathon Spencer and Roger Key

The Seven-Month Sleeper 11 October 2015
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Michael Woods

Water Vole 18 October 2015
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Rob Strachan

Lichens of Scotland 25 October 2015
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Brian and Sandy Coppins

Herons 8 November 2015
Presented by Lionel Kelleway

The Wader with the Crest 10 January 2016
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Andy Wilson

A Life of Slime 17 January 2016
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Mary Seddon

Rooks and a Winter Roost 24 January 2016
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Joe Cullum and Ian Henderson

Sticklebacks 12 June 2016
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Iain Barber

The Highland Midge 19 June 2016
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Alison Blackwell

The Ways of the Wasp 21 August 2016
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Tom Ings

Catching Crabs 11 September 2016
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Stephen Wiseman

Crayfish 4 December 2016
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Martin Frayling

Red Squirrels 11 December 2016
Presented by Brett Westwood with Jason Reynolds

A Very Berry Christmas 18 December 2016
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Jonathan Briggs

Wren Hunt 25 December 2016
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Matthew Evans

Fieldfares in a Winter Orchard 1 January 2017
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Steve Dodd and Dave Cocker

Freshwater Pearl Mussels 5 March 2017
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Mary Seddon

Toads (The Toad) 12 March 2017
Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Julia Wycherley

Booming Bitterns 19 March 2017
Presented by Brett Westwood with Ian Hawkins and Ken Smith