Latest news with #WildIsles
Wales Online
28-05-2025
- Wales Online
Record numbers of unique bird now populating a tiny Welsh island
Record numbers of unique bird now populating a tiny Welsh island Skomer Island's puffin colony has previously been described as 'exceptional' by David Attenborough A record number of puffins have been counted on Skomer Island (Image: Mike Alexander / WTSWW ) A record number of puffins have been recorded on a small Welsh island famous for its wildlife. The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) counted 43,626 during its observation on Skomer Island, off the coast of Pembrokeshire, this year. This record high bucks the trend of decline seen globally in puffin populations. A warden said that Skomer Island is an example of a "conservation success story" but warned that the species is still at risk. Puffins are listed as vulnerable to extinction on the global red list. Like many seabird species, they they are facing the pressures of pollution, food shortages and climate change. However, puffin numbers on Skomer Island have been steadily increasing over recent years, with over 40,000 birds now returning to the island from April to July. The last record was set in 2023, when 42,513 puffins were recorded on and around the island. David Attenborough once described Skomer's puffin colony as an 'exception' (Image: Jonathan Myers ) The growth in Skomer Island's population is likely linked to the abundance of food in the wider area, meaning there is plenty of fish for chicks resulting in high breeding success. The absence of rats and other predators on the island thanks to its isolation has also contributed to the success of seabird populations on Skomer. Article continues below The treasured island has long been a pride and joy to the Welsh coastline, tucked away in Pembrokeshire. Skomer attracts visitors from all over the world alongside being a regular touring spot to discover vibrant wildlife in the country. Even David Attenborough called the 40,000-strong puffin colony on the island "exceptional" compared to other parts of the world when he visited Skomer for BBC One series Wild Isles. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Every year WTSWW undertakes their annual seabird counts to monitor the population of Puffins that return to the island every spring to breed. Leighton Newman, Skomer Island warden, said: "Our annual Puffin count is no small undertaking, with 6 members of staff working to count every Puffin on Skomer. The island is broken up into seven sections and we systematically count every bird; on the land, rafting on the sea and we estimate the number in the air during our counts. "This is undertaken in the evening, when there are generally more Puffins around the island and early enough in the season that birds are not already in burrows. Big land falls this year, has led to Puffins being seen further up the cliffs than ever before!" Over 40,000 puffins return to Skomer Island each spring (Image: Getty Images ) Article continues below Lisa Morgan, Head of Islands and Marine Conservation at WTSWW, said: "It was a joy to see the masses of birds using the island during our spring count. However, we remain concerned about the increasing pressures on many seabird species. "Novel threats facing our seabirds include avian influenza and the recent marine heatwave conditions experienced around parts of the UK coastline. The long-term impacts are still largely unknown highlighting the importance of our annual seabird monitoring and research programs on Skomer."
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
David Attenborough's world turned upside down by tragic phone call
Beloved broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough will celebrate his 99th birthday on Thursday, but will be without his wife, Jane, who died almost 30 years ago As Sir David Attenborough celebrates his 99th birthday this Thursday, the world will take a moment to honour his remarkable career and contributions. However, the day may be tinged with sadness for the beloved broadcaster. The beloved presenter and biologist lost his wife nearly three decades ago, leaving him to navigate the latter stages of his life without his partner. Sir David was filming in New Zealand when he received the devastating news in 1997 that his wife Jane, aged 70, had suffered a brain haemorrhage and slipped into a coma, reports the Mirror. "She never regained consciousness but she knew I was back because she clasped my hand," Sir David once shared. "The surgeon very gently and compassionately said that there was no way he could operate because she simply wasn't strong enough. She passed away one day short of our 47th wedding anniversary. We had a very happy marriage." Childhood sweethearts Sir David and Jane first crossed paths at the tender age of 18 and exchanged vows six years later, after the BBC broadcaster completed his national service with the Royal Navy. The couple were blessed with two children; son Robert and daughter Susan. Reflecting on his late wife in a conversation with the Daily Mail, Sir David shared touching memories: "My wife was a very special woman. She gave up her career as a cook when we married because she was old-fashioned enough to believe that being married and having a family was a career. But she was special in the sense that she let me go off around the world. She knew it made me happy; she wanted that for me." As Sir David approaches his landmark birthday this Thursday, it has been revealed that he will host an immersive experience at the Natural History Museum exploring the narrative of humankind. The esteemed naturalist and broadcaster, renowned for his work on BBC documentaries such as Wild Isles and the Planet Earth series, will share insights from his illustrious career and his aspirations for the future of our planet in the engaging exhibition set to open in June. The exhibit, titled Our Story With David Attenborough and situated in the museum's Jerwood Gallery, will utilise state-of-the-art cinematic projection technology to animate the gallery space with captivating scenes from the natural world. Sir David commented: "Humanity is the most influential species on Earth. We depend entirely on this magnificent planet, yet its future is in our hands." He expressed his desire for the exhibition, saying: "My hope is that visitors of all ages will experience our extraordinary journey at the Natural History Museum and come away feeling inspired, informed and most of all, empowered about their integral role in our world. This is our story and we can all play a significant role." Starting from the dawn of our planet, over four billion years ago, Sir David Attenborough takes us through our earliest origins and how we've shaped the world around us. He also reflects on the highs and lows he's seen throughout his career and shares his hopes for our planet. The 50-minute immersive experience has been crafted in partnership with Sir David and production team Open Planet Studios. This new offering joins a line-up of other experiences from the museum, following the launch of Fixing Our Broken Planet in April and the upcoming Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth?, set to arrive on May 16. Our Story With David Attenborough will open at the Natural History Museum on June 19, 2025. Tickets will be available from May 22.
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Tragic phone call that turned David Attenborough's world upside down
Sir David Attenborough met his wife when they were just 18 years old, and the happy couple welcomed two children into the world together before her tragic death in 1997 Sir David Attenborough turns 99 on Thursday, with the world using his birthday as a chance to celebrate his incredible career and achievements. However, the beloved broadcaster will likely experience a tinge of sadness on his special day. The presenter and biologist's wife died almost 30 years ago, leaving Sir David to live his final chapter on earth without his soulmate by his side. The dad-of-two was filming in New Zealand when he received the life-changing call in 1997 telling him that his wife Jane, 70, had suffered a brain haemorrhage and had fallen into a coma. "She never recovered consciousness but she knew I was back because she clasped my hand," Sir David once recalled. "The surgeon very gently and compassionately said that there was no way he could operate because she simply wasn't strong enough. She died one day short of our 47th wedding anniversary. It was a very happy marriage." Childhood sweethearts Sir David and Jane met at the age of 18 and tied the knot at the age of 24, when the BBC broadcaster had finished his national service with the Royal Navy. The happy couple welcomed two children into the world together; son Robert and daughter Susan. Discussing his late wife with the Daily Mail, Sir David fondly remembered: "My wife was a very special woman. She gave up her career as a cook when we married because she was old-fashioned enough to believe that being married and having a family was a career. But she was special in the sense that she let me go off around the world. She knew it made me happy; she wanted that for me." Ahead of his milestone birthday on Thursday, it was announced that Sir David is to present an immersive experience at the Natural History Museum that delves into the story of humankind. The naturalist and broadcaster, who is known for BBC documentaries including Wild Isles and the Planet Earth series, will draw upon his career and hopes for the planet in the immersive display that opens this June. Our Story With David Attenborough , located in the museum's Jerwood Gallery, includes cinematic projection technology that will bring the gallery walls and floor to life with footage of the natural world. Sir David said: "Humanity is the most influential species on Earth. We depend entirely on this magnificent planet, yet its future is in our hands. "My hope is that visitors of all ages will experience our extraordinary journey at the Natural History Museum and come away feeling inspired, informed and most of all, empowered about their integral role in our world. This is our story and we can all play a significant role." Beginning at the start of the planet, more than four billion years ago, Sir David documents our earliest beginnings and how we came to change the world around us. He also reflects on the good and the bad he has witnessed throughout his career and shares his hopes for our planet. The 50-minute 360 immersive experience has been created in collaboration with Sir David and production team Open Planet Studios. The new experience adds to a roster of other offerings from the museum following the opening of Fixing Our Broken Planet in April and the imminent arrival of Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth?, on May 16. Our Story With David Attenborough opens at the Natural History Museum on June 19 2025. Tickets will be available from May 22.
Metro
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
How to watch David Attenborough's film Ocean as TV legend nears 99th birthday
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video As Sir David Attenborough turns 99, he's showing no signs of slowing down with his next movie about to come out. The beloved natural history TV presenter will return to the screen later this week with his new Disney+ feature documentary, Ocean with David Attenborough. The movie will address his most urgent message about the health of the world's oceans as he 'nears the end of his life', sharing a 'story of optimism' about recovering their former glory. Last week, he shared a sneak peek at the feature-length documentary with the well-known conservationist saying: 'When I first saw the sea as a young boy, it was thought of as a vast wilderness to be tamed and mastered for the benefit of humanity. 'Now, as I approach the end of my life, we know the opposite is true. After living for nearly a hundred years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.' He describes the oceans as 'the greatest asset against climate change' before adding a stark warning. 'Today, it is in such poor health I would find it hard not to lose hope were it not for the most remarkable discovery of all. 'If we save the sea, we save our world. 'After a lifetime of filming our planet, I'm sure nothing is more important,' he said. Ocean with David Attenborough will be available to stream from Thursday, May 8 for those with a Disney+ subscription, which offers a seven-day free trial and then costs £4.99 per month for a standard plan with ads. For those hoping for the big screen experience, the movie will also be screening in cinemas across the UK to coincide with his 99th birthday. You can find dates and times near you here. In the US it will premiere on National Geographic on June 7 before streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the next day. And that's not all, he also has a 'landmark' show already on the horizon. But his next project is already set to follow hot on its heels with a five-part documentary coming to the BBC this summer. The new nature series, Parenthood, will trace the 'extraordinary' lengths different species will go to ensure the survival of their children in the high-stakes wildlife world, per the Mirror. BBC specialist factual commissioning boss Jack Bootle told the publication: 'This is a wonderful, warm, engaging and surprising series, made by some of the very best wildlife filmmakers in the world, and I'm thrilled Sir David is joining us again to narrate it.' And comes from the creators of shows like Wild Isles, The Hunt and The Mating Game, Silverback Films, who have done a 'deep dive' over the course of two and a half years. Series producer and director, Jeff Wilson, added that the show is 'the ultimate celebration of the joys and challenges of raising offspring in the natural world.' He also promised that the 'landmark series has something for everyone' including 'moments of heart-warming tenderness, high stakes narrative, and a timely guide from a huge cast of unbelievably engaging cast of characters on how to navigate the complex world of Parenthood.' Available on BBC iPlayer: Planet Earth trilogy Blue Planet I and II Frozen Planet I and II Africa Asia Life (of Birds, on Earth) Zoo Quest in Colour Dynasties I and II The full collection can be found here. Available on Netflix: David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Secret Lives of Orangutans Life in Colour Our Planet I and II Available on Disney+: Secrets of Wild India Ocean with David Attenborough (from May 8) The show does a sweep of the vast wildlife that inhabits our planet, from adopted lion cubs to hunting blue whales to hippos surviving a brutal night. There are elephants, cardinalfish, orangutans and plenty more species for audiences to discover – need we go on? He has been a staple of the screen for seven decades, hosting his first ever show called Zoo Quest in the 1950s and going on to create iconic franchises like Blue Planet and Life on Earth. Although the Planet Earth host no longer travels around the globe with his new documentaries, he is showing no signs of ending his stalwart narration. In 2023, Planet Earth III producer Mike Gunton told The Independent: 'Working with him in his nineties is not that hard, because he can do almost anything.' In 2018, he even outlined why retirement isn't on the cards for him if he can help it. 'I do dread not working, although there are things I can do without running up steps six times – books to be written, things I never got round to,' he said. And then added to Radio Times: 'If I think I'm not producing commentary with any freshness, or which is apposite or to the point, I hope I would be able to recognise it before someone else told me.' And has previously said he 'sees no reason why I can't live past 100'. More Trending There are hopes he will narrate Blue Planet III, which is tipped to come out in 2026 after his centenary celebrations. 'As long as David wishes to continue doing narrations, we are of course delighted to have his brilliant contributions,' a source told i paper about his ongoing contributions. Ocean with David Attenborough comes out on May 8. Parenthood will air this summer. View More » This article first came out on May 5, 2025. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Stacey Solomon is 'regretting tell-all TV show with husband Joe Swash' MORE: Doctor Who's moral lectures are becoming harder to justify MORE: Exciting news David Attenborough fans – his next TV series is 'weeks away'
Metro
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Exciting news David Attenborough fans - his next TV series is 'weeks away'
As Sir David Attenborough turns 99, he's showing no signs of slowing down with his next 'landmark' show already on the horizon. The beloved natural history TV presenter has already confirmed his return to the screen later this week with his new Disney+ feature documentary, Ocean with David Attenborough. The movie will address his most urgent message about the health of the world's oceans as he 'nears the end of his life', sharing a 'story of optimism' about recovering their former glory. But his next project is already set to follow hot on its heels with a five-part documentary coming to the BBC this summer. The new nature series, Parenthood, will trace the 'extraordinary' lengths different species will go to ensure the survival of their children in the high-stakes wildlife world, per the Mirror. BBC specialist factual commissioning boss Jack Bootle told the publication: 'This is a wonderful, warm, engaging and surprising series, made by some of the very best wildlife filmmakers in the world, and I'm thrilled Sir David is joining us again to narrate it.' And comes from the creators of shows like Wild Isles, The Hunt and The Mating Game, Silverback Films, who have done a 'deep dive' over the course of two and a half years. Series producer and director, Jeff Wilson, added that the show is 'the ultimate celebration of the joys and challenges of raising offspring in the natural world.' He also promised that the 'landmark series has something for everyone' including 'moments of heart-warming tenderness, high stakes narrative , and a timely guide from a huge cast of unbelievably engaging cast of characters on how to navigate the complex world of Parenthood.' The show does a sweep of the vast wildlife that inhabits our planet, from adopted lion cubs to hunting blue whales to hippos surviving a brutal night. There are elephants, cardinalfish, orangutans and plenty more species for audiences to discover – need we go on? Available on BBC iPlayer: Planet Earth trilogy, Blue Planet I and II, Frozen Planet 1 and II, Africa, Asia, Life (of Birds, on Earth), Zoo Quest in Colour, Dynasties I and II. The full collection can be found here. Available on Netflix: David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet; Secret Lives of Orangutans; Life in Colour; Our Planet I and II. Available on Disney+: Secrets of Wild India; Ocean with David Attenborough (from May 8) Last week he shared a sneak peek at his upcoming Ocean documentary, the well-known conservationist said: 'When I first saw the sea as a young boy, it was thought of as a vast wilderness to be tamed and mastered for the benefit of humanity. 'Now, as I approach the end of my life, we know the opposite is true. After living for nearly a hundred years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.' He has been a staple of the screen for seven decades, hosting his first ever show called Zoo Quest in the 1950s and going onto create iconic franchises like Blue Planet and LIfe on Earth. Although the Planet Earth host no longer travels around the globe with his new documentaries, he is showing no signs of ending his stalwart narration. In 2023, Planet Earth III producer Mike Gunton told The Independent: 'Working with him in his nineties is not that hard, because he can do almost anything.' In 2018, he even outlined why retirement isn't on the cards for him if he can help it. 'I do dread not working, although there are things I can do without running up steps six times – books to be written, things I never got round to,' he said. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video And then added to Radio Times: 'If I think I'm not producing commentary with any freshness, or which is apposite or to the point, I hope I would be able to recognise it before someone else told me.' More Trending And has previously said he 'sees no reason why I can't live past 100'. There are hopes he will narrate Blue Planet III, which is tipped to come out in 2026 after his centenary celebrations. 'As long as David wishes to continue doing narrations, we are of course delighted to have his brilliant contributions,' a source told i paper about his ongoing contributions. View More » Ocean with David Attenborough comes out on May 8. Parenthood will air this summer. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Bridget Jones author claims she was repeatedly groped while working at BBC MORE: Disgraced BBC star Huw Edwards 'refuses requests to return £200,000 he was paid after arrest' MORE: BBC viewers comparing new Doctor Who episode to 'worst ever'
