Interview with Iolo Williams on Autumnwatch which returns today (October 24)

RSPB Arne in Dorset has been a key filming location for the series. What’s so special about this area?

I’ve known Arne for 40 years and it really is a special place because it’s so different to anything I’d find in mid Wales. The variety of species on one reserve makes the place really exciting and you can find everything from the giant raft spider, smooth snake, Dartford Warblers to sand lizards all in one area. The diversity of habitats too makes the place unique and you can spot wildlife amongst the coastal heaths, woodlands, lagoons and salt marshes.

Are there any spectacular live wildlife moments?

This spring our live cameras caught a nightjar eating its own chick at Arne, something that has never been recorded before. Every now and then we record something revolutionary on The Watches and that moment really stood out to me!