DIY Deadly with Steve Backshall is a CBBC wildlife series in which naturalist Steve Backshall answers questions from young viewers about fascinating and potentially dangerous animals. The programme covers wildlife in a variety of habitats, including gardens, woodlands, towns and cities, freshwater environments and the sea.
Each episode focuses on a particular group of animals or habitat, with Backshall investigating mysteries submitted by viewers through videos, photographs and questions. From snakes and sharks to birds, insects, badgers and other unusual creatures, the series reveals how animals survive and behave in the world around us.
The programme encourages children to look more closely at wildlife in their own surroundings. Episodes such as Deadly Gardens investigate animals that can be found close to home, while Deadly Woodlands explores creatures including bees and badgers and examines their distinctive behaviours.
Backshall also demonstrates simple wildlife-themed activities and experiments that viewers can try, showing how they can observe animals responsibly. For example, the woodland episode features a DIY camera trap designed to help viewers film elusive wildlife, while the skies episode demonstrates how to make food for garden birds.
The educational format is mixed with quickfire challenges and highlights from Backshall’s previous wildlife adventures. Viewers get the chance to “Beat Backshall” in a timed quiz, while clips from earlier Deadly 60 expeditions showcase some of his encounters with remarkable and dangerous animals.
