Rites of Spring
The first butterfly on the wing, fresh leaves on the trees, lambs gambolling in the pasture - we all recognise and welcome the signs which mark the return of spring. But why do these things happen? What makes some birds fly north to nest here, while others fly even farther towards the Arctic? If mad March hares mate in the spring, why do deer rut in the autumn? Why is the woodland. floor carpeted with flowers while the trees above have yet to leaf?
A look back at the spring which has just ended, to recall its delights and unravel some of its mysteries.
Narrator HUGH DAVID
Photography MAURICE FISHER and JIM SAUNDERS Film editors
NIGEL ASHCROFT and JIM CRYAN Producer DILYS BREESE BBC Bristol