Sir David Attenborough: Britons care more than any other nation about wildlife

Sir David Attenborough: 'You can't watch a young gazelle being attacked by a cheetah and eaten alive without being deeply moved' (PA)

Britons are the most concerned nationality when it comes to wildlife, says veteran broadcaster Sir David Attenborough.

The naturalist, 86, is presenting a new BBC Radio 4 series, Tweet Of The Day, devoted to birdsong.

The minute-and-a-half episodes, played in a slot before the Today Programme, feature 265 different recordings of birds' songs and calls.

Sir David, who will be followed by Chris Packham and other presenters on the show, told the Radio Times: "If it's (wildlife) around you all the time, you tend to take it for granted.

"But I think British people care more about the natural world because the Industrial Revolution started here. We've been losing countryside for longer than anyone else."

He added: "I think watching birds is hugely therapeutic.

"There's a great solace in watching birds and the reappearance of birds and the measuring of the seasons by birds. Of that I'm quite sure."

PA