20-26 August

Wildlife on the Box

Saturday 20 August

BBC4 – 7pm: The Blue Planet

Exploring the effect of the tide on marine life.

Channel 4 – 8pm: Great Migrations

Wildlife documentary series, filmed in more than 20 countries across a three-year period, which charts the arduous journeys that millions of animals undertake to ensure survival of their species. This episode follows sperm whales that travel more than a million miles in one lifetime.

Sunday 21 August

BBC1 – 6pm: Deadly 60 on a mission

Steve Backshall is in Mexico searching for a monster of the deep seas. It’s so dangerous he has to wear a chain mail suit to stop it ripping him to shreds. Back on dry land he goes searching for the biggest wasp in the world, before setting off for what turns out to be his best ever snake hunting. Then he tracks down the Harpy Eagle in Panama.

BBC1 – 8pm: Countryfile

Matt Baker and Clare Balding are in Devon, exploring the coastline of south Hams. Matt tries out canoeing and snorkelling, while Clare searches for the greater horseshoe bat.

BBC1 – 9pm: Ocean Giants

Humans have long wanted to know if the universe contains other intelligent life forms. But maybe we need to look a little closer to home. Whales and dolphins like us, have large brains, are quick to learn new things and also a wind range of sounds that helps them to communicate in their society.

Wednesday 24 August

BBC2- 7pm: Coast

Miranda Krestovnikoff goes in search of an elusive octopus.

BBC2 – 8pm: Natural World: Komodo – secrets of the dragon

Although the Komodo dragon was first encountered a century ago, the true nature of the biggest lizard in the world is only now being discovered. Using the latest tools to take a fresh look at the beast, Dr Bryan Fry finds there is much more to this dragon than meets the eye.

BBC2 – 8.30pm: Gardeners World

Monty Don unveils his plan for a wet meadow. He starts by planting herbaceous perennials that will thrive heavy soils and also look good amid the long grass. He also plants Salvia cuttings and explains the benefits of planting with “green Manure”.