Europe's Great Wildernesses

The Big Frog

02:07

Synopsis

Europe is the second smallest continent, yet is incredibly diverse. Its temperatures range from 40 degrees to minus 40 degrees across several ecoregions. Europe's Great Wildernesses is a three part series exploring its wildlife and the mosaic of habitats in which they live.

Clips

Episodes

Season 1
  • Life Below Zero

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    Over the last million years, our planet suffered a series of major ice-ages. Much of the northern hemisphere was covered in ice sheets several kilometers thick and creatures had no choice but to adapt or die. Over time, temperatures rose, causing these glaciers to retreat, however, in certain parts of Europe the ice-age never left. For many creatures, the struggle to survive 'a life below zero' continues.

  • Europe's Green Heart

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    Europe was once covered by forest, from the Arctic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. Wiped out in a mini ice age around 15000 years ago, they, and the wildlife that inhabit them are making a spectacular recovery. Today, Europe's forests cover around 1 000 million hectares (about 30 times the size of Poland). From Mediterranean cork forests; Central Europe's great oak and beech woodlands to the evergreen taiga just below the Arctic Circle, these wild woodlands form some of the most secret, complex and beautiful habitats on the planet.

  • Europe's Living Waters

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    The story of Europe's living waters begins at great altitude. Melt waters from the highest snow-capped peaks feed some of the greatest rivers. On their relentless downward journey, streams and rivers have carved through all of Europe's greatest landscapes. Gorges, lakes and wetlands are home to an incredible array of wildlife and seas and oceans have sculpted a coastline of endless variety.