The first 3 segments in an extraordinary BBC 11-part nature series. 40 camera teams were shooting at over 200 different locations all over the world for more than 5 years to get the pictures seen in the series. Each segment is followed by a sequence investigating the techniques and challenges of wildlife photography within that segment.

From pole to pole: This introducton to the BBC television series looks at the planet as a whole and considers the key factors that have shaped its natural history. Without fresh water there is no life on land, while the sun dominates the lives of all animals and plants on earth and defines their habitats.

Mountains: This tour of Earth's mightiest mountain ranges, starting with the birth of a mountain at one of the lowest places on Earth and ending at the summit of Everest, takes in some of the most reclusive creatures on the planet and reveals the secrets of their survival.

Fresh water: This third episode follows the descent of rivers from their mountain sources to the sea and showcases the unique and dramatic wildlife found within Earth's lakes, wetlands and great rivers.