The BBC is understood to have pulled an episode of David Attenborough’s new UK wildlife series from television over concerns the natural destruction it highlights will irk the Tories.
The move was reported by The Guardian, who say it has angered the programme’s makers.
They told how insiders fear the corporation has bowed to pressure from right wing lobbyists with “dinosaurian ways”.
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Wild Isles, due to start on Sunday, will shine a light on nature across the British Isles.
Five episodes of the show are expected to be aired on prime time television.
But it is understood a sixth episode looking at nature decline and its causes will only be available on iPlayer.
The docu-series was part funded by nature charities the RSPB and WWF
Laura Howard, who produced the programme and used to work at the BBC’s Natural History Unit, told the Guardian: “I think the facts speak for themselves.
“You know, we’ve worked really closely with the RSPB in particular who are able to fact-check all of our scripts and provide us with detailed scientific data and information about the loss of wildlife in this country.
“And it is undeniable, we are incredibly nature depleted.
“And I don’t think that that is political, I think it’s just facts.
“Those farmers are there to make the point that every farm in the country ought to be able to do a little bit at least of what they do, and that it is possible to farm alongside nature, to make a profit, to produce healthy food and to still run a business.”
The charities involved are using the programme to launch a new campaign called Save Our Wild Isles.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Wild Isles consists of five episodes: Our Precious Isles, Woodland, Grassland, Freshwater and Ocean.
“Saving Our Wild Isles is a separate film inspired by the series that was commissioned by the RSPB and WWF.
“We’ve acquired it for iPlayer.”
RSPB NI has been contacted for comment.
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