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Available for over a year

The largest northern UK population of turtle doves can be found in the North York Moors National Park, where writer Anita Sethi will often walk the landscape, looking out for these beautiful and increasingly rare birds. Turtle doves are the UK's fastest declining bird species according to the Wildlife Trusts. Smaller than the collared dove, with mottled chestnut and black wings and a recognisable purring call, turtle doves are Europe's only long-distance migratory dove, spending a third of the year on breeding grounds in Europe and the winter in sub-Saharan West Africa - a journey of up to 3,000 miles each way. They're also a famous symbol of love and devotion, appearing in music, literature and art through the ages - perhaps most famously in the "12 Days of Christmas" carol. Presented by Anita Sethi and produced by Jo Peacey. A ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Audio Bristol production.