Scotland the New Wild

Winter rainforest in Ariundle. Credit Maramedia

A new series focussing on Scotland’s wildlife launched on the BBC this week. Filmed in hundreds of locations, Scotland the New Wild took more than three years to make, and debuted on BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer on Sunday night.

The Maramedia production includes three episodes, titled Islands, Lowlands and Highlands, which are full of spectacle and surprise. Viewers can watch rutting red deer stags, urban beavers in Perth, and also a fantastic, close-up look at Scotland’s rainforest.

Cameraman Pete Harden setting up a shot. Credit Maramedia

Filmed in Ballachuan and Ariundle, the rainforest sequences are shown in the first episode, Islands.

Producer Jon Morrice said, "Filming inside Scotland's temperate rainforests for the series was a fascinating experience.

Producer Jon Morrice has a close encounter with some of the rainforest’s smallest wildlife. Credit Maramedia

“If you look closely when inside these atmospheric places, you will find a fascinating array of flora. In one small patch of rainforest, with the help of a magnifying glass, you can spot many different types of rare lichens, liverworts and fungus, some of which are unique to Scotland.

“When filming, we used a variety of different specialised lenses and cameras to get super close up shots of these tiny lichens and mosses, hopefully revealing their intricacy and beauty to the viewer. Our rainforests are special and unique places and should be protected for the future generations."