DOCUMENTARY SERIES BACK FROM THE BRINK RETURNS ON SUNDAY JUNE 4th
Showcasing snapshots of how European conservationists are working to stem the tide of a biodiversity crisis and climate change one step at a time, Back from the Brink returns for a third series on June 4th. Presented by Derek Mooney, the documentary shows how from the return of the wolf to Rome, to turning the Swedish Moose into a TV star, nature conservationists throughout Europe are fighting back, and delivering remarkable results in the fight to protect Europe’s wildlife and biodiversity.
The series sees Derek go on a journey across Europe to find out how smart human intervention can bring Europe’s wildlife Back from the Brink. In Ireland, Derek worked with John Lusby of Birdwatch Ireland (pictured above tagging barn owl chicks) to tell the remarkable story of how the farmer’s friend – the barn owl – is making a comeback for the first time in decades.
In Portmagee in South Kerry, Lucy Hunt of marine NGO Sea Synergy and a local fisherman may have discovered a lost native oyster bed which could have a huge positive impact on biodiversity in the area. In episode one, the series looks at agriculture and the impact of industrial farming and how farmers across Europe are embracing ancient techniques to help secure a stable future and play their part in reversing the climate crisis. Part 2 examines how nature can fix itself with a little help from humans.
In Germany, conservationists are teaching an almost extinct species to fly to its traditional migration grounds. While in Rome, Derek finds out why the Wild Boar is back in the suburbs of the eternal city. In Scotland, scientists are building the ideal location for the re-release of the endangered Scottish Wildcat. In Berghausen in Southern Bavaria on the Austrian border, Derek meets Corinna Esterer, a woman who is responsible for reintroducing the Northern Bald Ibis. Derek also travels to Granada in Spain to investigate how irrigation ditches built by the Arabs over a thousand years ago are being used by farmers to combat drought.
Derek Mooney said:“Very often when we hear news about wildlife that is negative, focusing on the declines In populations or the imminent extinction of a species. It’s right that we know this but it’s also reassuring and uplifting to focus on the positive relationships between humans and animals. That’s what Back from the Brink is about. In these two episodes we will meet people who really do care about the plight of wild animals and with a bit of luck, their stories will inspire others.’’
Back from The Brink episode one airs RTÉ One at 6.30pm on June 4th