Here at TVScoop we’re big fans of Autumnwatch (I’m especially loving the beavers this year) so to celebrate its return, I thought I’d post a run down of the most awe-inspiring nature programmes that television has had to offer.

Now, if I were to consider every single documentary that David Attenborough has produced, then he would probably take over the entire top ten, so I’ve been selective where he’s concerned. I’ve also thought it important that we remember that kids *love* creepy crawlies and cuddly mammals, so there are some children’s shows in there too.

10. On Safari with Armand and Michaela Denis: Starting right back in the 1950s, Armand and Michaela Denis were the glamour couple of nature programming. Their ‘On Safari’ show for the BBC took them to South America and Africa and they set a precedent for nature programme-making being a family affair. Remember The Wild Thornberrys…?

9. Animal Magic: Ah, anthropomorphism. You might think I only included Animal Magic so I could use that word, but I would strongly refute that… ahem. OK, so it may not be the most scientific of nature programmes, but Johnny Morris and his funny little voice-overs kept children interested in wildlife right throughout the sixties and seventies.

8. Meerkat Manor: It’s probably a bit ridiculous to include Meerkat Manor in this list, but indulge me, if you will. This programme focuses on a specific group of meerkats, and as such, we come to know their individual behaviour, quirks and personalities. Yes, they’ve probably been artificially imposed by the producers but I like to think there’s something more. You get emotionally involved with the little creatures, and as such it’s a great watch.

7. Look: Look was the one of the first programmes to be produced by the BBC’s Natural History Unit, and its success no doubt helped to guarantee the unit’s future. Good job, too. It was presented, among others, by Peter Scott who it appears was a real Boy’s Own-style hero – serving in wars here, setting up WWF (no, not the wrestling) there, and finding time to win an Olympic medal along the way. We salute you, sir.

6. Spring/Autumnwatch: It may only have been around for a few years, but Springwatch and Autumnwatch have quickly established themselves in the BBC’s yearly schedules. It’s a joy to see spectacles indigenous to our own shores, whether it’s a tiny chicks taking to flight for the first time in Sussex, or a majestic deer fight in northern-most Scotland. Bill Oddie may still not have grasped the concept of live TV, but Kate Humble generally keeps him in check.

5. Life On Earth: Now, it could be argued that this flagship series – the first in our list to be presented by, who else, David Attenborough – should be at number one. But on the other hand, strictly speaking it is natural *history* and not a pure nature programme, and so perhaps it shouldn’t be here at all – but I just couldn’t leave it out. Life On Earth taught us all about the progress and evolution of plants and animals on this fair planet, and is a high-water mark of the genre.

4. Big Cat Diary: Can you believe it, Big Cat Diary has already been on our screens for more than ten years. Flown by, hasn’t it? It was originally presented by Simon King, who is one of the most engaging, and most visibly passionate nature presenters on television. Big cats, with their tight family groups, their strength and, let’s face it, their stunning beauty, will continue to enthrall us for much longer, I’m sure.

3. The Really Wild Show: For services to children’s education, The Really Wild Show truly deserves this high position in our list. If you’re of a generation that watched Terry Nutkins or Michaela Strachen as a child, you’ll have been treated to fabulous features on everything from tarantulas to gorillas to the creatures we can all find in our own back yards.

2. The Blue Planet: You could, in fact, substitute any number of Attenborough series here – Life In The Freezer, The Secret Life Of Plants, Life In The Undergrowth… but The Blue Planet was unique in that it showed us things that we could hardly believe inhabit the same planet as us. We’re often told that we know less about the bottom of the ocean than we do about the surface of the room; thankfully, The Blue Planet went some way to rectifying that.

1. Planet Earth: It may be recent, but that shouldn’t mean we can’t acknowledge Planet Earth as one of the greatest nature series ever to be shown on television. The two series were a fabulous overview of habitats from the arctic tundra to lush rainforests, and, importantly, we saw and learned something new every week. David Attenborough, of course, presented it, just proving that he’s still the master of the genre, after all these years.