David Attenborough is fronting new BBC show set in Britain and Ireland

Sir David Attenborough is working on a new BBC series set in Britain and Ireland.

The 96-year-old broadcaster and naturalist will front a new five part natural history series - which has the working title 'Wild Isles' - which has been filmed over three years using "the very latest technology".

In a statement, he said: "In my long lifetime, I have travelled to almost every corner of our planet.

"I can assure you that in the British Isles, as well as astonishing scenery there are extraordinary animal dramas and wildlife spectacles to match anything I have seen on my global travels.”

In a press release, the BBC revealed the show has captured "dramatic new behaviour, from battling butterflies to hunting sea eagles and killer whales" and it will unveil "a previously unseen wild side of the British Isles".

The series will start with an introductory episode explaining why Britain and Ireland are so important globally for nature, while the four remaining episodes will each focus on woodlands, grasslands, freshwater and marine habitats.

The show has been shot at 4K resolution, while other technology includes aerial photography, motion controlled time-lapse photography, the latest low light cameras and more.

Alastair Fothergill, Executive Producer, added: “I have always wanted to make a landmark series that really does justice to our own extraordinary wildlife.

"I am sure people will be amazed at what is happening right on their own doorstep”.

Jack Bootle - Head of Commissioning, Science and Natural History - said: “The multi-award winning team at Silverback are creating an eye-opening celebration of British and Irish wildlife that has to be seen to be believed.

"You’ll think a meadow in Somerset is as beautiful as the Serengeti, and the North Atlantic as wild and dramatic as the Antarctic Ocean."

And Tanya Steele - Chief Executive of WWF - warned: “The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world – we need to change that.

"Our aim is that this stunning series featuring some of our best loved species will inspire people to take action to safeguard and restore nature for future generations.”