Tweet Take 5: Eider

The eider duck was one of the first species to be given protection. In the seventh Century St Cuthbert decreed they needed protecting, and to this day in the north east of England these hardy sea ducks are known as Cuddy Ducks. It is from these ducks that we get the soft feathers which make eiderdowns. It is their call and appearance though which appeals to actor Samuel West in this extended version of the series. Also featured is ecologist Ruth Cromie and wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson.

Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Andrew Dawes