Where was David Attenborough's Wild Isles Filmed?

Have you tuned into David Attenborough’s new BBC series Wild Isles? This new five-part nature documentary explores stunning locations across the UK, sharing stories of the wildlife that can be found here. If you find yourself wanting to visit these locations and witness the wonder in-person we have compiled a list of filming locations to visit and nearby walks for you to try whilst you’re there. 

Richmond Park, Surrey

If you want to learn more about the UK’s glorious ancient trees, Richmond Park is the place to go. Home to over 1,200 ancient trees the park is the UK leading site for ancient trees, in particular the oak tree. It’s also home to Red and Fallow deer which have been roaming freely since 1637. Try this walk in Richmond Park. 

Shetland Islands

The only place in the British Isles that orcas visit to breed, is the Shetland Islands. Wild Isles Episode One shares the incredible footage of a hunting orca pod as it communicates  with one another to orchestrate an attack on unsuspecting seals. Try a circular walk in the Shetland Islands using our Green Routes feature. 

Lower Woods, Gloucestershire 

April is the time for bluebells and there’s an abundance of locations where you can see bluebells. The Wild Isles team headed to Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s Lower Woods to film the Lords and Ladies (or Cuckoo-pint), which attracts flies with an unusual scent. Here’s a walk around Lower Woods you can try. 

Snettisham, Norfolk

Summer and autumn in Norfolk is the place to be for bird watching. The skies above the mudflats of The Wash come alive with 100,000 red knots. Watch them perform aerial patterns, similar to the stunning murmurations by starlings. 

Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim

Wild Isles not only helps viewers discover our wildlife, it also allows us to celebrate Britain and Ireland’s diverse geology. And where better to do so than at the volcanic basalts of Northern Ireland’s Giant Causeway. Enjoy a walk around the Giant’s Causeway. 

Old Harry Rocks, Dorset 

In Episode 1, Our Precious Isles, you may have marvelled at Old Harry Rocks. These unique rock formations along the Jurassic coast are a brilliant spot to visit for wildlife watching. Find a walk in Dorset here. 

Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire 

Puffin enthusiasts will not want to miss out on a trip to Pembrokeshire. Skomer Island is located less than a mile off the coast of this Welsh county and is the perfect place to spot puffins. They arrive on the island to breed between the months of April and July. Experience some of the best walks in Pembrokeshire here. Including the Green Bridge walk, which was the opening location for the Wild Isles episode Oceans. 

Clattinger Meadows, Wiltshire 

Wild Isles headed to not one, but two Wiltshire locations to film its Freshwater episode. Clattinger Farm and Meadows is cared for by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It’s the UK’s finest remaining example of enclosed lowland grassland and is one to fabulous wildflowers, on land that has only ever been farmed with traditional methods. 

This is just a taste of the many stunning filming locations for Wild Isles. You can catch up with all episodes of Wild Isles on BBC iPlayer and you can find out more on the RSPB or WWF websites too.