AN unprecedented insight into the life of Forestry England’s biggest woodland is to air.

Channel Five has announced a series of four one hour episodes devoted to 63,000 hectare (155,000 acre) Kielder Forest called the Secret Life of the Forest which begins tomorrow (Tuesday, November 16) at 7pm.

The landmark series was inspired by Forestry England’s centenary year in 2019 and saw producers given unique access behind the scenes.

Included is previously unseen footage of pine martens, the latest species putting down roots in the forest after being detected by wildlife cameras three years ago, as well as night-time views of Kielder’s fabulous starry skies.

Alex Maclennan, recreation and public affairs manager at Forestry England, said: “It’s the first time we’ve worked with a production company on this kind of multi-episode in-depth series.

"We were able to capture all aspects of Kielder over a full year as it changes through the seasons, with forest wildlife awakening in spring, through high summer and autumn and into the grip of winter. Some of the footage is absolutely incredible.

"All of us who work here are incredibly proud of what’s been achieved since the first trees were planted almost 100 years ago. It’s been a privilege conveying some of this passion on the small screen.”

Kielder is one of the largest planted forests in northern Europe and home to some of the UK’s rarest plants and wildlife. It also supplies nearly half a million tonnes of sustainable timber to the UK economy.