Birds Britannia Episode Rating Graph

This episode starts with an insight into how the robin became the nation's favourite bird, the relation between blue tits and milk bottles during the 20th century, and the decadence of the sparrow. Narrated by Bill Paterson, with contributions by Bill Oddie, David Attenborough, Tony Soper, Jenny Uglow, Chris Baines, David Lindo and Chris Frayling

An insight into how a seventh-century saint became the first avian protector when he realised feathers kept him warm at night, and how a group of `ornithological suffragettes' changed women's fashion - and saved Britain's birds. Plus, the role of the creatures as tourist attractions. Narrated by Bill Paterson with contributions by Bill Oddie, David Attenborough, Tony Soper, Kate Humble, Helen MacDonald and Robert Lambert.

Exploring the relationship between people and seabirds, including a look at how the great auk became extinct and why a British stately home owes its existence to bird droppings. The programme also examines how the Torrey Canyon disaster brought coastal birds back into the public eye, and reveals how seagulls began to populate city centres following the Clean Air Act.

Countryside birds like the skylark, pheasant and nightingale are amongst the most iconic of all Britain's birds. For centuries, they have been celebrated in music and poetry, used to forecast the weather and been hunted for food. They have not just shaped the British countryside, but also defined its nature.