When is Wild Islands on BBC One? UK release date for David Attenborough’s new series and what to expect

Wildlife and the wilds of Britain and Ireland are in the spotlight with the launch of a new BBC series presented by Sir David Attenborough.

Renowned TV presenter and conservationist celebrates the wonders of the British wilderness in The Wild Isles.

Filmed over the course of three years, it aims to showcase the amazing and dramatic habitats that exist right on our doorstep.

It is also a first for Sir David, who has never directed an iconic wildlife series set exclusively in the UK.

Here’s everything you need to know about the small screen and what audiences can expect.

When will Wild Islands air on BBC One?

The five-part series begins Sunday, March 12 at 7:00 pm with the first hour-long episode titled Our precious islands and will return weekly on Sundays for four consecutive episodes.

Viewers can also watch the series on BBC iPlayer.

Who is behind the new series?

The program is the result of a collaboration between the RSPB, WWF and The Open University in conjunction with the BBC and Silverback Films.

Series producer Alastair Fothergill of Silverback Films said, “I’ve been working on the original since blue planet, Planet Earth AND frozen planet series, I have always wanted to treat the British Isles and our natural history with the same ambitious and epic approach.

“I hope the public will be genuinely surprised by the richness of our natural history.

“At the same time, I hope they realize how fragile and precious it is.”

What can we learn?

During the three years of filming, the crew visited 145 locations, from the Shetland Islands in Scotland to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset.

Using the latest technology, from drones to thermal imagers and underwater cameras, the film crew was able to capture foxes hunting hares at night, killer whales hunting seals at sea, and wild horses fighting for mates.

For Sir David, shooting in Pembrokeshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and South West London provided an opportunity to focus on the importance of nature in our own backyards.

The 96-year-old presenter, who has worked for the BBC for more than seven decades, said: “In my long life I have been to almost every corner of the planet.

“I can assure you that in addition to breathtaking scenery, the British Isles also has exceptional animal drama and wildlife spectacle that rivals anything I have seen in my travels around the world.”

The first episode introduces viewers to killer whales, golden eagles and puffins, as well as creatures more familiar to our landscape.