Iolo Williams reveals career highlight in new BBC series
Iolo Williams from near Newtown has revealed his career highlight in a new river valley series.
The well-known wildlife presenter and naturalist is exploring four river valleys across Wales in the new series.
He will be travelling from sea to source, uncovering the hidden stories and natural wonders of the Rheidol Valley, the Dyfi Valley, the Conwy Valley, and the Vale of Clwyd.
Throughout the series, Iolo is met with sightings of rare birds and elusive mammals, including the UK's smallest bird of prey, a merlin, and a rare glimpse of a pine marten.
However, his most significant encounter is with a wild beaver in the Dyfi Valley, which he describes as his career highlight.
Iolo said: "The real big moment was when I saw my first ever wild beaver in Wales.
"This was a real highlight, not just of the series, but of my 27 years working within TV.
"I'll be honest, nobody knows where the beaver has come from, they've been there for about two years, possibly three and it's quite well known locally.
"But I'm absolutely delighted because this is an animal that we should have back in the wild."
His new series, Iolo's River Valleys, is a four-part BBC Cymru Wales production, which started on BBC Two, BBC One Wales, and iPlayer on Tuesday, May 6.
The series was produced and directed by Osian Griffiths, with John Gwyn as the executive producer.
Iolo also expressed his fascination with the river valleys of Wales, stating: "People moan that it rains a lot in Wales, but it's because of that rain that we have such stunning river valleys, streams and waterfalls.
"Each and every one of them has a different character and each and every one of them is beautiful from source down to sea."
He also shared his excitement about seeing a pine marten in daylight, another significant moment in his wildlife watching career.
He said: "Such a beautiful animal.
"I've seen one before in Wales but only at night, so to be sat in the hide in daylight just watching a pine marten is enthralling.
"It's one of the highlights of my wildlife watching career, and I've been watching wildlife for 55 years.
"I've achieved a childhood ambition."
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