TV Guide Sky Nature Friday

The naturalist examines what the next few decades may hold for this remarkable ecosystem, and looks at the work of scientists who are trying to preserve the area and the species that inhabit it, assisted by research vessel the Alucia. He also embarks on an ambitious attempt to dive further into the reef than ever before to witness the resilient coral that live down in the depths and see if they hold answers that may help to overcome challenges that lie ahead, as the impact of humans on the reef continues to take its toll

The broadcaster explores the world of the pterosaur, a flying creature that occupied the skies 200 million years ago. Visiting sites around the world, from the Dorset coast to New Mexico, he explains how the reptiles evolved to defy the forces of gravity, and examines the features of their anatomy that can still be seen in present-day descendents. He also discovers why they became extinct after dominating the skies for millions of years

David Attenborough employs the latest technologies to explore the violence, rivalries and deadly weaponry existing within the world of bugs. This first episode examines the survival tactics of its terrifying residents including killer ants, trap-setting spiders and beetles with the ability to shoot boiling chemicals at their enemies

The veteran naturalist examines the world of flight, travelling across the globe to chart the evolutionary story of those creatures who seemingly defy the rules of gravity by taking to the air. Initially focusing on insects, Attenborough meets a descendant of the dragonfly, before examining the Atlas beetle, which tends to restrict flight to times when it needs a mate or a fresh supply of food. More aesthetically pleasing is a group of beautiful tropical butterflies, followed by an in-depth study into the blow fly - the jet fighter of insects

The veteran naturalist visits the jungles of Borneo to meet creatures that like to glide through life - the harlequin tree frog and the little-known colugo - often referred to, incorrectly, as a flying lemur. He also has a CGI-assisted encounter with the first true vertebrate flyer, the pterosaur, receives a flying lesson from a small flock of swans at Loch Lomond in Scotland and encounters the planet's largest species of bat

The veteran naturalist turns his attention to creatures that dominate the skies today. He begins with the vast bird family, watching a group of vultures as they go scavenging and some peregrine falcons dive bombing for their prey. He then moves on to the floating forests of Ecuador to find out what makes the humble hummingbird tick, before ending his journey at the Gomantong bat caves of Borneo - a place he first filmed in 1972 - witnessing a mass exodus of the creatures

The Carpathian Mountains stretch across seven European countries. Vast primeval forests, steep gorges and isolated peaks offer a vital refuge to some of the continent's most charismatic creatures. The opening instalment of this two-part documentary takes place in the summer months. A mother brown bear struggles to find food for her two cubs before the winter arrives. A pair of lynx kittens venture away from their den and honeybees pollinate flowers