A WELSH TV presenter experienced an ‘uplifting’ return to his roots while dropping in on a Denbighshire bird colony for his new TV series.

Naturalist Iolo Williams recently visited the Gronant Little Terns colony for his new series, Iolo’s Borderlands, which starts on April 3 on BBC1 Wales (8.30pm).

The Gronant site is the largest breeding colony found in Wales.

It has international recognition as it contributes to over 10 per cent of the entire UK breeding population as well as supplementing other colonies.

Denbighshire County Council’s countryside service teams have dedicated nearly 20 years to protecting the colony.

In 2022 a total of 209 fledglings were confirmed, the second highest recorded at Gronant.

READ MORE: Iolo Williams to have his very own Springwatch in Denbigh!

Individuals from the North Wales Little Tern Group, Denbighshire countryside services, Merseyside Ringing Group, Bangor University, Prestatyn High School and the RSPB contribute time to volunteer on the project.

Iolo's Borderlands follows Iolo's journey from the Gwent levels up to the Dee Estuary, making Gronant the finale of the four-part series which will also be airs across the UK on BBC2 from April 7.

The episode will feature Iolo walking up to the colony and watching the adults bring back sand eels to feed the chicks and also the adults fishing out to seas.

He mentions some of the threats they face and why the area is fenced off, linking to the work of the project to protect the birds.

Iolo, who worked the site in a previous role for the RSPB, said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit the little tern colony at Gronant during the filming for Iolo’s Borderlands.

“During my 15 years working for the RSPB in the 1980s and 90s, part of my role was to supervise the wardening of this precious site.

"It was so uplifting to return and see that, thanks to the hard work of dedicated Denbighshire County Council staff and volunteers, the colony is going from strength to strength."

Cllr Barry Mellor, Denbighshire County Council lead Member for environment and transport, said: “We are grateful to Iolo and his team at Aden Productions for featuring this important project on his new series.

"Our countryside teams and the amazing volunteers have done such a fantastic job in protecting this colony over the years and I am glad they are recognised for their brilliant efforts.”