Wildlife presenter Lindsey Chapman relives selected archive highlights from the popular nature series.

For over five decades, Living World has been introducing audiences to the astonishing diversity of British wildlife. Its veteran presenters have travelled the length and breadth of the British Isles, venturing far and wide with their microphones to immerse the listener and capture the excitement of getting close to nature.

Hosted by Lionel Kelleway, Brett Westwood, Peter France and Michael Scott, these 15 archive episodes are hand-picked by Lindsey Chapman, who also gives an introduction to each one, bringing us up to date on developments since the initial broadcast. Recorded on location in some very special places, from South Harris in the Outer Hebrides to the River Exe in Devon, the programmes all feature guest experts with specialist knowledge of the local environment and its flora and fauna.

Guiding our presenters through a particular habitat, they discuss the species who have made it their home, and set out to track them down. While a quest to find the great yellow bumblebee proves problematic, they revel in seeing a hen harrier on the wing; encounter the world's largest slug; experience a remarkable raven roost and catch a rare glimpse of wild boar. Plus, they discover the biology behind pigeon migration; learn why jays are key to the rejuvenation of the UK's forests and take a timeline walk from sea edge to dry land along Dungeness' shifting shingles.

Full of amazing sights, sounds and stories, this specially curated collection will take you on an awe-inspiring journey through Britain's natural world, and encourage you to embark on your own wildlife adventures.

Production credits:

Produced by Andrew Dawes

Episode guide:

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates:

The Machair of the Western Isles - 10 June 2018

Presented by Brett Westwood with Martin Scott

Catch the Pigeon - 17 June 2018

Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Chris Armstrong

Woolston Eyes - 24 June 2018

Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Brian Martin

Blackbirds - 1 July 2018

Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Will Cresswell

Hen Harrier - 23 September 2018

Presented by Brett Westwood wth Iolo Williams

The World's Largest Slug - 30 September 2018

Presented by Lionel Kelleway with John Walters

Underwater Architects - 7 October 2018

Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Ian Wallace

The Oak Tree Planters - 14 October 2018

Presented by Brett Westwood with John Tulley

Dungeness - 21 October 2018

Presented by Peter France with Erica Towner and David Harper

Avocet - 9 December 2018

Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Malcom Davies

Caledonian Pine Forest - 16 December 2018

Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Roy Dennis

Winter Ravens - 23 December 2018

Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Leo Smith and Tom Wall

Wild Boar - 30 December 2018

Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Dr Martin Goulding

The Green Isle - 3 March 2019

Presented by Michael Scott with Dave Dick and Peter Moore

Stoats - 11 March 2019

Presented by Lionel Kelleway with Robbie MacDonald and Becky Wright