Strictly stunning: Hamza’s new TV series showcases UK wildlife

We’re delighted to welcome everybody’s favourite twinkle-toed wildlife expert back to BBC One. Armed with his trusty long lens, familiar warmth and keen knowledge, cameraman and Strictly Come Dancing winner Hamza Yassin will uncover some of the UK’s most elusive species and spectacles.

Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles takes you on a journey through the seasons, meeting the UK’s fascinating wildlife, including that on RSPB nature reserves, from Arne in Dorset to Leighton Moss in Lancashire.

This new show follows Wild Isles, the landmark BBC TV series narrated by Sir David Attenborough, that we co-produced, and also featured awe-inspiring wildlife from across RSPB nature reserves. Both series are by the award-winning production company, Silverback Films.

To make Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles, the team filmed all year round to produce four, one-hour episodes that will take a seasonal look at nature. Each episode follows the lives of UK wildlife as they adapt to their ever-changing environments. Meanwhile, Hamza is always on hand to provide insight into their behaviour. 

It’s Hamza’s evergreen enthusiasm that gives the series a genuine heart, and it’s an ideal tonic as the days grow shorter and colder! What’s more, you can follow in his footsteps by visiting the Hidden Wild Isles’ locations. 

We’re delighted that our nature reserves played host to Hamza during filming and they’re waiting to welcome you too! RSPB nature reserves are some of the best places to see wildlife, including many rare and iconic species.

RSPB Arne nature reserve is home to the beautiful Nightjars Hamza discovers, as well as the incredible ant hills where he meets RSPB ambassador, Lucy Hodson.

Meanwhile, our nature reserve at Leighton Moss provides a dazzling meeting with Bearded Tits. Hamza also heads to RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, telling the stories of booming Bitterns, singing Nightingales and skittish Water Voles along the way.

Don’t worry if these locations are beyond your reach. The RSPB has a network of more than 170 nature reserves all over the UK, so no matter where you’re based, an escape to nature is never too far away.

Right now, our nature reserves are lit up with the magic of autumn, as trees dazzle in glorious golds, fungi erupts, and birds migrate here for winter. Wonder at your own Wild Isles and discover your nearest RSPB nature reserve.

Throughout the Hidden Wild Isles series, Hamza is keen to share tips that we can use to connect with nature on our own terms. In fact, the show is a timely reminder of the uplifting effect that nature can have on our health and wellbeing.

With that in mind, we’ve been working with health professionals to deliver RSPB Nature Prescriptions. Through these, people are encouraged to connect with nature in a way that is personal and meaningful to them, at a time to suit them. This doesn’t always have to involve being ‘in’ nature either.

Heading to a park or green space, for example, is a great way to connect with the natural world if you can do it. However, it’s just one of many options available. Crucially, you don’t necessarily need to head outside at all! You can also engage with nature by simply listening to bird song on the radio or, yes, watching Hidden Wild Isles on the telly.

Learning to appreciate the little things can make a big difference too. Next time you step outside, why not stop to see if you can hear any bird song or take some time to admire the beauty of a spider’s web bathed in morning dew?

So, whether you settle down to watch Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles or feel inspired to head out in nature yourself, make some time to connect with our wonderful wild isles this autumn!

Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles comes to BBC 1 and iPlayer on Sunday 12 October.