Arctic from Above

In this episode, presenter Liz Bonnin journeys to one of the planet’s remaining vast wildernesses, aiming to uncover fresh perspectives on the creatures that inhabit it. She spends time observing the region’s iconic fauna, most notably the polar bear and the killer whale, and shares the latest findings about their behaviour and ecology. By venturing into this remote landscape, Bonnin highlights how these species survive in such an extreme environment, offering viewers a clearer understanding of their lives. The programme blends on‑location footage with expert commentary, delivering in‑depth, today’s new information about the wildlife that calls this untouched area home.

Liz Bonnin journeys to one of Earth’s remaining great wildernesses, a remote and largely untouched expanse that still bears the imprint of ancient ecosystems. In this stark environment she comes face‑to‑face with roaming caribou, watching the herd move across the tundra and noting their behaviour from up close. She then abseils down a sheer cliff, allowing her to study gyrfalcons perched high on the rock faces and to observe their hunting tactics in the wild. Later, in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, she joins a local crew to help capture seals, gaining a practical insight into the region’s marine predators and the delicate balance of its wildlife.

Liz Bonnin sets out to investigate how plastic waste is harming seabirds, observing the consequences of litter on their habitats and feeding habits. As she follows the trail of debris, she highlights how even small fragments can disrupt the birds' lives. She points out that discarded packaging often ends up in nesting colonies, where it can be mistaken for food. During the journey she comes across a bison, using the encounter to illustrate challenges wildlife face. The programme then turns to the effects of climate change on mammals, showing how shifting temperatures are altering the behaviour and survival of both bears and beavers. Bears are forced to adjust their foraging patterns, while beavers must cope with altered water levels.