BBC Celebrates Nature with "Wild About Nature Week" in October
The BBC is launching its first ever "Wild About Nature Week" from Monday, October 6th to Sunday, October 12th, coinciding with World Mental Health Day on Friday, October 10th. The initiative aims to highlight the joys of nature and encourage audiences to reconnect with the natural world around them. This celebration coincides with the launch of the BBC’s latest natural history series, Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles.
A Week of Nature-Focused Programming
Programmes across the BBC are participating, showcasing the benefits of nature through various mediums. Kate Phillips, the BBC’s Chief Content Officer, expresses her excitement for the week-long celebration, emphasizing that there will be something for everyone to enjoy and hoping it encourages everyone to engage with the nature around them. For the first time in its five-year history, Morning Live will be broadcasting live from an urban nature paradise in Central Manchester on Tuesday, October 7th.
"Morning Live" Outside Broadcast and Expert Guests
Gethin Jones, Helen Skelton, and the Morning Live team will be joined by Dr Xand, who will explore the science behind nature’s mental health benefits, including sunlight's role in combatting Seasonal Affective Disorder. Jaz Singh from The Traitors will share his love of angling, and Jack Baddams from Springwatch will uncover nocturnal creatures in urban areas. These experts will provide diverse perspectives on the importance of nature in our daily lives.
Radio Highlights
- Radio 4’s The Archers will feature a storyline where George Grundy finds solace and emotional recovery in nature after being released from prison.
- Wild About Nature: Radio 3 in Concert will be live from the Barbican Centre in London, featuring the BBC Symphony Orchestra performing works by Luther Adams, Ligeti, and Thorvaldsdottir.
- Radio 2’s Vernon Kay will delve into the history of community allotments in 1970s Birmingham.
- Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour will feature mental health campaigner Vicky Balfour discussing mountain biking and nature's role in supporting parents of SEND children.
TV Highlights
- The One Show will showcase nature films and feature Hamza Yassin discussing Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles, including a visit to a vulture sanctuary in Llandeilo.
BBC Sounds and Digital Initiatives
BBC Sounds’ What’s Up Docs podcast will feature twin doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken investigating the science behind nature’s restorative powers with biodiversity expert Dame Kathy Willis. Radio 3’s Breakfast will broadcast birdsong variations recorded for Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles. Unwind, Radio 3’s new digital station, will debut a new version of David Attenborough’s Mindful Mix.
CBBC and Environmental Engagement
CBBC’s Saturday Mash-Up will air a special 'wild' edition, featuring Matthew Haywood and Cam Whitnall, promoting mental health awareness and animal care. CBBC will also debut the documentary My Life: Puffin Patrol, about two young Icelanders rescuing lost pufflings. The BBC’s Nature Week coincides with the Climate Creatives Conference on Tuesday, October 7th at London’s Royal Geographical Society, and the Green Sport Awards on Monday, October 6th at the BBC’s Radio Theatre.
Participating Programmes
Several programs across TV, Radio and Online will be participating in the BBC’s Nature Week, including Morning Live, The One Show, Gardener’s World, Countryfile, CBBC Saturday Mash-Up!, CBeebies Bedtime Stories, BBC News, BBC Newsround, Radio 2, Radio 4, Radio 3, and more.
Supporting Organizations
The BBC is supported by organizations such as Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Wakehurst, RSPB, WWF, Woodland Trust, National Trust, Chester Zoo, Natural History Museum, The Wildlife Trusts, and Mind.
