Summer in Yorkshire’s Dalby and Cropton forests brings a surge of life, and we follow a beaver family reintroduced in 2019 as they build dams and reshape the landscape. As temperatures rise, winter-hidden animals reappear, from basking adders to birds returning from Africa. Conservationists track nightjars on their long migration, trying to catch and ring them for vital data. Meanwhile, the world’s largest dry stone wall maze is being built in the forest, a monumental human project of ancient craftsmanship set against the backdrop of nature’s revival.

Summer is in full swing in Dalby and Cropton Forests, with wildflowers blooming and buzzing insects everywhere as wildlife races to make the most of the sunshine. At the beaver pond, the family continues building dams, and a new litter is on the way as mum is pregnant again. Across the forest, small creatures display incredible mating and egg-laying behaviours, from semaphore flies to dragonflies. Unlikely partnerships also thrive, such as Exmoor ponies grazing to help wildflowers flourish, and Northern Hairy Wood Ants protecting aphids to harvest their sugary secretions.

Yorkshire’s summer heatwave has Dalby and Cropton forests baking in record temperatures, pushing wildlife to the limit. Bumblebees hide from overheating, while beavers rely on cool, deep ponds created by their dams. Mum beaver may have given birth, and ecologist Cath searches for the new kits. Meanwhile, Dalby plays a vital role in saving Britain’s most endangered bird, the turtle dove, as volunteers monitor its return from Africa. Wildlife manager Nigel faces the tough task of assessing deer damage, managing populations, and deciding on culls to protect the forest’s future.

Summer continues in Dalby and Cropton forests as drought looms, but the beavers keep building, now teaching two young kits essential construction skills. Having built a 70-metre dam, they’re expanding their territory, creating a thriving pond that attracts frogs, toads, fish, and lampreys—prime hunting grounds for herons. Hidden cameras reveal other young animals exploring, from fawns to badger cubs, while the forest’s tufa fens support rare flowers and butterflies. Amidst this wildlife, giant machines harvest 20,000 tonnes of timber a year, reminding us Dalby is also a working forest where nature and industry coexist.

It’s peak summer in Dalby and Cropton forests, and the wildlife is thriving. The young beaver kits explore further afield while bonding through essential grooming, and soon they’ll learn to chew trees with their powerful teeth. The forest also honours its wartime history with the Lumberjills, women who worked the timber corps. Meanwhile, rescue dogs Ollie and Slate train for mountain rescue, helping protect the thousands of visitors who explore the park each year.

Late summer brings changing winds to Dalby and Cropton forests as wildlife prepares for autumn. At the beaver pond, ecologist Cath monitors the family as older siblings approach the age of leaving, raising the possibility of relocation. Apprentice forester Holly swaps her office job for forest life, learning chainsaw skills and studying 40 tree species for an upcoming exam. As night falls, the forest remains alive with activity: moth enthusiasts document nocturnal species while the local astronomy society marvels at the dark skies. With Dalby part of a Dark Sky Reserve, visitors can see Saturn and even the Andromeda galaxy.

Summer fades in Dalby and Cropton forests as a false autumn arrives early from heat and drought. At the beaver pond, kingfishers perch on dams before diving for fish, while deep in the woods teams search for the elusive pine marten, a rare comeback species. Meanwhile, bat experts use specialist equipment to count bat passes and confirm whether beaver-created habitats have increased bat numbers.

Autumn begins in Dalby and Cropton forests as leaves turn gold and birds prepare to migrate. Beneath the canopy, fungi flourish in the damp, changing landscape. We visit the beaver family again to see their late-season work, while apprentice Holly prepares for exams and Canicross runners—plus a surprising chihuahua—take on the trail.