TV Guide Yesterday Wednesday

A look at the challenge of preserving unspoilt wildernesses, from the icy expanses of Siberia to the tropical forests of central and South America. Simon reflects on how his past series have dealt with the causes and impact of climate change, as well as remembering a memorable report exposing the extent of plastic pollution in the ocean. He also recalls meeting indigenous people around the world and hearing their first-hand experiences of ecological damage

Michael Portillo's journey from the Irish Sea to the North Sea continues by tram from Manchester. At the imposing town hall of the world's first industrial city, he comes face to face with the Victorian scientist who invented modern atomic theory. The latest stage ends at Silkstone Common, where he tracks down the forge where a Victorian metallurgist created wrought iron axles strong enough for railway rolling stock

Michael Portillo embarks on the final leg of his journey following the route of the North Country Continental service. Along the way he meets volunteers on the Mid-Suffolk Light railway and is permitted to drive 'The Middy'. In Leiston, Michael uncovers the world's first purpose-built assembly line, while in Ipswich the work of a young Victorian engineering prodigy impresses the ex-politician. At his destination of Harwich the presenter discovers how the port became a gateway to the continent, only to be superseded by a new deep-water port further inland

Fiona Bruce presents the second of two episodes from Balmoral, where she takes a tour of the grounds in a 1953 land rover and views archive footage of the royal family. Valuables brought in to be viewed include a collection of medals from both World Wars presented to a man who also rescued survivors from the Titanic, an art nouveau mirror and a 16th-century bottle that survived being unearthed by a digger

Fiona Bruce presents a Christmas special from Lyme Park in Cheshire, where she and toy expert Will Farmer look back at children's Christmas presents dating back to Edwardian times. In the house's gardens, over 2000 visitors have arrived to have their items valued, including many with a royal heritage. The programme features a cup and saucer once owned by the Queen, a pram from Buckingham Palace, and a dagger believed to have been owned by Charles I. Plus, a celebration of the works of Charles Dickens

The adventurer travels around the islands and mainland coast of the Caribbean Sea, beginning on Hispaniola. He joins the Dominican Republic police's anti-narcotics division, before crossing the border to Haiti to see the notorious tented slums of Cite Soleil, while also discovering a vibrant, colourful and thriving side to the country. He ends this leg of his journey in Puerto Rico, an archipelago that is a territory of the United States, and examines the legacy of bombing and weapons testing on the island of Vieques