The Chronicles of Belfast S01E03 - Autumn

As summer visitors leave RSPB NI's nature reserve in Belfast harbour, the warden, Maureen, is preparing for the arrival of Konik ponies, wild ponies who will stay on the reserve all winter, grazing the undergrowth and preparing the reserve for nesting birds in the Spring. Up on Black Mountain, local conservationist Aaron is continuing his mission to make the hill more diverse by building a pond. Down in Colin Glen, Alannah monitors the river for pollution by looking for small creatures buried in the mud.

At Victoria shopping centre, bee keeper David is preparing hives of native black bees for winter, his every move watched closely by shoppers. Also out and about is Terry who has an urban mushroom farm in East Belfast, growing speciality mushrooms for hotels and restaurants across the city. Born in Kuwait he made the Orangefield area of Belfast his home 7 years ago.

Up in Cavehill, Clare is foraging for nuts and berries. Autumn is a time of abundance and if you know here to look and what's safe, you can gather the ingredients for a delicious meal. At Minnowburn, diseased ash trees are being felled but the wood is not wasted. Using traditional tools and techniques Steve, a carpenter on the Estate, makes furniture, including a stool for his daughter.

Up on Black Mountain Aaron's pond is complete and he looks forward to the time when newts and frogs return to the hills. Maybe one day even eagles. Meanwhile the City prepares for Halloween. It's a noisy occasion and at St James' community farm in West Belfast, the animals are brought in for the night, while Speedy the tortoise is preparing for a longer sleep, that will last all winter.