The Alpine peaks are one of Europe's distinctive natural ecosystems. One in particular, Mont Blanc, has soared into the sky for millions of years. Take a look at the plants and animals who have adapted to its extreme conditions.

The Loire is one of Europe's last free-flowing rivers, one of the few whose banks have not been developed and confined by man. As the seasons change, its water level rises and falls and the morphology of the river-bed alters.

On the shores of Bretagne, breakers have been crashing onto the Atlantic coast for thousands of years. It is a mineral world of earth, rock and water, swept by raging winds.

An immense forest covers 60% of the Vosges mountains, home to a wealth of plant and animal species: large mammals and microscopic insects live side by side beneath the tall trees.

In Provence, the garrigues and steppes of the Mediterranean are home to some startlingly exotic wildlife.The Sun reigns supreme here from spring until high summer, subjecting living things to ever hotter temperatures as the day progresses.

The point where the English Channel meets the North Sea is a huge migratory hub. Numerous bird species come to this section of the west coast of Europe to rest, feed and bring up their young.