The climate and biodiversity crises threaten the planet in profound ways, creating challenges not only for wildlife but also for humans. Yet, as Back from the Brink has shown over four groundbreaking series, human efforts can and do make a difference. This season, we explore the forefront of conservation: not in remote wilderness, but in Europe’s very own cities. Our focus shifts to the urban jungles, where surprisingly resilient species are carving out spaces for survival—and even thriving.

This focus is particularly timely. With the EU Nature Restoration Law coming into effect in August 2024, Europe has taken an unprecedented step: all EU countries are now required to restore at least 20% of their land and sea areas by 2030, with a target to fully restore all degraded ecosystems by 2050. Urban rewilding and biodiversity initiatives are now playing a pivotal role in this mission, creating nature reserves in our very streets and neighbourhoods.