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Butterflies: A Very British Obsession

Episode 8 of 14

Documentary featuring the fascinating lives of Britain's beautiful butterflies filmed in exquisite detail, and also a celebration of their enduring appeal to the British people.

Wildlife documentary featuring the fascinating lives of Britain's beautiful butterflies filmed in exquisite detail, and also a celebration of their enduring appeal to the British people. Butterfly-costumed carnival-goers dance at Notting Hill, street artist Nick Walker uses their image to brighten bare city walls, burlesque dancer Vicky Butterfly recreates butterfly dances, and women reveal their butterfly tattoos at Britain's biggest tattoo convention.

Britain's butterflies have never been so threatened, three-quarters are in decline - but do they still have a message for us? A search for butterflies leads to some of the most beautiful parts of Britain. It opens up the intriguing possibility that a passion for butterflies could help us preserve the landscapes that we love.

44 minutes

Music Played

  • Jon Hopkins

    Searchlight

  • Jon Hopkins

    The Wider Sun

  • The Ink Spots

    If I Didn't Care

  • Jon Hopkins

    Vessel

    Remix Artist: Four Tet.
  • The Adam & Eve Project

    Gulls N' Buoys

  • Max Richter

    Written on the Sky

  • Max Richter

    Shadow Journal

  • Nigel & Marvin

    Follow Da Leader

Credits

Role Contributor
Narrator Imelda Staunton
Editor Tim Martin
Producer Simon Bell

Broadcasts