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London, 23^rd May 2025: Prince William and The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife programme has today launched a groundbreaking new docuseries titled Guardians, which seeks to redefine our understanding of rangers and the protectors of nature, driving recognition and pride in the vital yet unseen work they do to protect our planet.

Guardians will be released on the Diamond Creator Award winning BBC Earth YouTube and social channels from Friday 23^rd May, with a gripping new episode launching each week. As a digital-first series, each 6–10-minute episode offers exclusive access and first-hand accounts of the lives of rangers and nature protectors as they urgently work to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems. The series, which was the brainchild of Prince William and to which he has voiced the trailer and individual episode introductions, aims to showcase these unsung heroes and highlight how their work impacts us all.

The six-part series immerses viewers in the unique worlds of the Guardians, whereby we encounter incredible individuals who make huge sacrifices to safeguard the planet's most threatened environments. From the snowy mountains of the Himalayas to the remote rainforests of Brazil, the series is filmed in some of the most breathtaking yet challenging locations that the Guardians call home, with each episode highlighting the pivotal role of these inspirational individuals.

Prince William said:

“I’ve had the privilege of meeting a number of rangers throughout my life and have seen firsthand the vital work they do. Yet their stories are often overlooked or misunderstood. The reality is that protecting our natural world has become one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. We need to understand and recognise Nature’s Guardians, and the critical work they do.

“The rangers we meet in this series are an inspiration to us all. Every day, they take huge risks as nature’s frontline of defence, standing between poachers and endangered species, supporting sustainable human-animal coexistence and fighting habitat loss.

“As they work to protect our oceans, our forests, our plains, our mountains and biodiversity, they are also educating, community building and furthering science. These are the unsung heroes — the true Guardians of the natural world, defending nature and the future of the planet for all of us.”

Through his decades of work in the nature conservation sector and his ongoing work with United for Wildlife, Prince William has spent a great deal of time understanding and championing the work of rangers. He has seen first-hand the critical work they undertake and the myriad threats they face on a daily basis, with many tragically losing their lives whilst defending nature.

Dr Tom Clements, Executive Director of Nature Conservation said:

“The role of a ranger stretches far beyond just protecting wildlife. They are educators, community supporters, researchers and scientists, from governments, organisations, local communities and Indigenous Peoples. They preserve cultural heritage, and they help safeguard and regulate the sustainable use of our planets most precious natural resources.

“Without the critical work of these guardians, there is no guarantee of the future of thousands of animal and plant species, let alone food security, clean water, or a functioning, stable economy for the human population.”

The series was co-produced with award-winning studio ZANDLAND and will see a new episode released each week offering exclusive access, interviews and dynamic storytelling. The series follows the remarkable stories from:

The series will be distributed by BBC Studios Digital Brands via BBC Earth YouTube and social channels, which reaches a global audience of over 13 million subscribers. As one of the world’s leading destinations for premium factual content, the digital channel provides an ideal platform to showcase Guardians and connect viewers with powerful, real-world stories.

Chris Galliers, Chair of the International Ranger Federation said: ​ "Rangers as essential, on-the-ground planetary health professionals, play an indispensable role in securing and maintaining the health of our planet. Although often under resourced and supported, their tireless work secures our natural and cultural heritage and the stability of global economies, proving that environmental protection is deeply interconnected with human survival."

Jasmine Dawson, SVP of Digital at BBC Studios said: “We are incredibly proud to bring Guardians to audiences globally through our BBC Earth YouTube and social channels. This series reflects BBC Studios Digital Brands’ commitment to making vital, global stories accessible to everyone, and it aligns with our mission to tell meaningful, purpose-driven stories that spark conversation. In partnership with The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife, Guardians shines a light on the extraordinary work of rangers on the frontlines of conservation by sharing their untold stories with the world.”

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Notes to editors/press assets

Guardians will premiere across all BBC Earth social channels on Friday 23^rd May with a new episode landing weekly. Episodes will also be screened at Adventure Cinema locations across the UK.

Last November, United for Wildlife’s Nature Protectors initiative committed a five-year financial package set to provide 10,000 rangers across Africa with access to appropriate, affordable in-service and medical evacuation insurance cover.

United for Wildlife has consulted with ranger organisations including the International Ranger Federation (IRF) and The Universal Ranger Support Alliance (URSA) on the design and the development of the series.

About The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales 

The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales leads with the belief that change is always possible, and this positive approach sees it involved in issues that have previously seemed too big a challenge to many. The Royal Foundation partners with the brightest and boldest minds, working hand in hand with lived experience experts, organisations and groups to create lasting change. Through programmes such as The Centre for Early Childhood, Homewards and United for Wildlife, The Royal Foundation has created partnerships that span the globe, collaborating to make real world impact and tangible change. ​ 

For more information visit www.royalfoundation.com

About United for Wildlife 

Founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in 2013, United for Wildlife is an unprecedented global alliance of private sector, financial actors, governments and not-for-profit organisations, working together to foster an effective response to the most pressing nature crises, ensuring that both wildlife and people flourish.

For more information visit https://unitedforwildlife.org/

About ZANDLAND

ZANDLAND is an award-winning full-service production company, founded by filmmaker and journalist Benjamin Zand. BAFTA-nominated for its groundbreaking digital short-form content, ZANDLAND’s ethos is simple: blow minds and change worlds. With a reputation for bold storytelling, immersive journalism, and innovative filmmaking, we work across all genres and platforms—from long-form limited series and in-depth documentaries to high-impact branded contact. Whether tackling hard-hitting investigations or crafting compelling digital entertainment formats, ZANDLAND is dedicated to producing stories that change perspectives and leave a lasting impact.

For more information visit: https://zand.land/

About BBC Studios Digital Brands 

BBC Studios Digital Brands is a driving force in cultivating and amplifying the fandoms behind some of the world’s most iconic franchises, including Bluey, BBC Earth, Doctor Who, and Gen Z comedy channel Funny Parts - reaching a massive global audience of over 350 million people across 20+ countries. ​ With the largest social footprint of any UK broadcaster, they curate, commission & commercialize social first content, drawing in audiences five times more engaged than its competitors. Twice named Lovie Awards’ European Publisher of the Year, and with two Diamond YouTube accolades, the division creates premium, inclusive content that resonates deeply with audiences, fostering loyalty and connection. Digital Brands helps partners unlock dynamic opportunities in advertising, sponsorship, influencer and branded content, ensuring their brands can connect with fandoms in meaningful and impactful ways.