The Reed Bed
Peter France narrates the extraordinary story of a Fenland reed bed, following the seasonal changes over a single year, as recorded by wildlife sound specialist Chris Watson
The Reed Bed - Episode 1
In late February, the song of a male cuckoo echoes across the Fens as it calls to attract a mate after its long migration from East Africa.
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The Reed Bed - Episode 2
In summer, dragonflies and damselflies patrol the ditches whilst adult birds flit amongst the reeds searching for food to feed their chicks.
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The Reed Bed - Episode 3
A fenland raft spider rests its front legs on the water's surface as its prepares to ambush its unsuspecting prey. By the 14th century, the fenlands were at their most prosperous.
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The Reed Bed - Episode 4
Meanwhile, the 17th century is witness to a great change in the landscape as the Dutch engineer Vermuyden embarks upon an ambitious drainage scheme.
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The Reed Bed - Episode 5
Centuries of drainage have destroyed much of our wetland and very little of our ancient fenland remains intact. So what does the future hold for these relics of our wetland past?
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