TV Programme transcripts

Module 7 Unit 1 Programme B

DOCUMENTARY

The United Kingdom has 28 locations recognised as World Heritage sites by UNESCO.

The sites are divided into three categories – exceptional natural formations, for example, the
Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland, locations of major cultural
importance, such as Stonehenge; and both natural and cultural, like the island of St. Kilda off
the coast of Scotland.The only natural site on the British mainland is the Dorset and Devon
coast, also known as the ‘Jurassic’ coast. UNESCO geologist Sam Scriven explains how
the area got its name.

SAM SCRIVEN: It’s called the Jurassic coast because we have a large exposure of
Jurassic-aged rocks.

All World Heritage sites are unique. They all have something exceptional about them and on
the Jurassic coast it is the rocks, the landforms and the fossils. For a site to be recognised
by UNESCO as a natural World Heritage Site, it has to “contain superlative natural
phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty”.

SAM SCRIVEN: So the story of our coast really ties into the fact that the rocks of the
Jurassic coast, along 95 miles of coastline here, record 185 million years of Earth’s history.

The era of time that our rocks formed in is known as the Mesozoic, the Middle ages of life on
Earth and life from across that time, the age of the dinosaurs, is captured within the rock
layers on the Jurassic coast. Dave Wicken is a regular and enthusiastic visitor to this area.

DAVE WICKEN: I am an amateur geologist, and I’ve been coming to this beautiful area
since 1992.

I love studying fossils and this coast is considered by geologists to be one of the most
important teaching and research sites in the world. The coast has many other attractions for
visitors.

DAVE WICKEN: It’s fantastic for walking and for bird-watching.

Geologists believe that there are many more fossils and dinosaurs to be discovered along
the Jurassic Coast. Although geologists admit that erosion in other places is generally very
worrying, the more the Jurassic coast is eroded, the more fossils it reveals.

SAM SCRIVEN: There is lots and lots more to be found. The cliffs are constantly being
eroded by the sea, exposing the geology and the fossils and helping to keep our World
Heritage site in good condition.

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SAME LANGUAGE, DIFFERENT LIVES

SCOTTISH MAN
Probably the most famous characteristic of the Scottish landscape are the Scottish lochs,
that’s the Scots word for “lake” and there are a great many in the central region and on the
western side of the country.

NEW ZEALAND WOMAN

New Zealand has a huge variety of geographical features; we have lots of mountains and
glaciers. We also have big farms and a lot of beautiful beaches.

AUSTRALIAN WOMAN
The most well-known geographical feature of Australia is Uluru or Ayers Rock, which is a big
red rock mountain which is in the middle of Australia.

US MAN
I would have to say the Grand Canyon, which is a very very beautiful location.

CANADIAN WOMAN
In Canada I’m from Calgary which is right near the Rocky Mountains, which is very famous
for its ranges and also for its national parks.

ENGLISH WOMAN
I will have to say our beautiful green British countryside the Lake District.

JAMAICAN MAN
In Jamaica we have the sun, we have the sea and we have the beach. So when people
come to the Jamaica that’s what they want to see.

THAT’S BRITAIN!

Yes, I’m Elizabeth and I'm going to be taking you on a tour of the South-West.
We’re starting at the Eden Project. It’s visited by nearly one million people every year and
you can find out all about the world’s different ecosystems.
This area outdoors represents the temperate, or milder, regions of the world, like southern
Britain. There are plants such as lavender, tea, hops (used for making beer) and daffodils.
The idea is to educate young people and to inspire them to become more creative.
This building is the Rainforest Biome. A biome is another word for an ecosystem – places
with similar climate, plants and animals. In here it's – it’s very humid and wet, just like in the
real tropical rainforest.
I’m now in a very large biodome, which is called the Mediterranean biodome, and with me is
Varshana, who works for the Eden Project. Varshana, can you tell me a little bit about this
Biome?
VARSHANA: So the Mediterranean Biome has a climate that means it’s hot dry summers,
and cold but frost-free winters. Quite a lot of rain as well.
Elizabeth: And which countries would have that kind of climate?

VARSHANA: Erm – so, all of the Mediterranean countries, such as Spain, Italy, Greece. But
here we also represent South Africa and California.

Look at all these amazing tulips.

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These are proteas from South Africa.

These old trees are cork trees.

You probably recognise these – olive trees..

ELIZABETH: Abby and Oliver, can you tell me what’s the best thing about coming to the
Eden Project?

OLIVER: Really warm.

ELIZABETH: Really warm. What else?

OLIVER: The plants.

ELIZABETH: The plants.

ABBY: You just get to know what it’s like in other countries without actually having to leave
the country.

ELIZABETH: What have you seen?

ABBY: There’s – like – frogs and lizards.

ELIZABETH: What’s your favourite Biome?

Both Kids: Rainforest.

Now I know that not everybody is keen on ecosystems and plants, so, if you’re feeling a little
more adventurous, you can have a go of this - the longest zip wire in England.
Next time we’re heading for Land's End. So, see you then.