Am a big fan of nature documentaries, especially the work of David Attenborough. Having been recommended 'Wild Wales', through Amazon and the recommended for you section here, but with variable knowledge of the wildlife, it was instantly put down on my list as a must see. Also heard nothing but praise for it from those who saw it, so that further sparked interest.
Being half-Welsh myself, 'Wild Wales' was fascinating and of sheer beauty, actually something quite special. Throughout it's entertaining, educational, uplifting, comprehensive, inspiring, moving, awe-inspiring, intimate and transfixing, and these seemingly hyperbolic adjectives go on and on for a series so good that one cannot believe it's only a three-episode series. Truly wonderful stuff and should be better known, should have lasted longer than three episodes when there is even more to Wales than what is shown.
As has been said for a lot of documentary series reviewing recently, it is hard to think where to start with praising it when there is so much to say. 'Wild Wales' for starters looks incredible and makes me feel nostalgic. It is gorgeously filmed, done in a completely fluid and natural, sometimes intimate (a great way of connecting even more with the animals), way and never looking static. Perhaps not quite cinematic but truly gorgeous to watch.
The scenery and habitats are just breath-taking. The rich colours just leap out and the Welsh habitats literally become characters of their own, not only that one learns a lot about the habitats as much as, in fact even more so, the wildlife itself. The music here is a remarkably good fit, throughout it not only complements the visuals but enhances them and there is an authentic flavour to it.
Can't fault 'Wild Wales' when it comes to the narration and information either. The narration has a great well-balanced mix of facts that will be familiar to the viewer and others that will induce the right amount of surprise. In short, it's just fascinating, informative and thoughtful and the intimate approach worked wonders. Watched the series with a smile on my face, a few tears and feeling inspired.
All three episodes intrigued and illuminated, and there is a freshness to the material, even if the information is not always new. 'Wild Wales' is presented beautifully, there's an enthusiasm and precision about the delivery, as well as an intimacy, and it never feels preachy. It was very clear that Iola Williams was thoroughly engaged with the material and in awe of it (i.e. the red squirrel for instance) which gives a refreshing excitement to the delivery.
The wildlife may not be the most unique there is, but they are both cute and predatory and a lot is learnt about them all the same. A lot of research went into researching the wildlife and it's obvious, am so happy too that it was not delivered clinically but instead with a lot of warmth and an air of "can't wait to share my information".
Like the very best of documentaries, all three episodes feel like their own individual stories with a larger than life location and wildlife occupants that one immediately invests fully in.
All in all, a beautiful series. 10/10 Bethany Cox