A brand new episode of Planet Earth III has been released, although it is not narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

For this special episode of the documentary series, the legendary broadcaster and naturalist stepped back and had children read his scripts.

The episode is available on BBC iPlayer from today (22 April) to celebrate Earth Day, and the synopsis reads: “You don’t have to be Sir David Attenborough to become a voice for nature.”

Related: The One Show’s Matt Baker announces next TV role

The 49 children, aged between nine and 13, were selected for their years of commitment to raising funds for Children in Need.

The episode will be shown in a virtual assembly in schools across the UK today. In the meantime, additional content, including the opportunity for children to record their own comments, is available on the Children in Need website.

Wildlife biologist and presenter Lizzie Daly, who is involved in the virtual assembly, said: “I am delighted to be presenting the live school assembly ‘Become a Voice for Nature’ on Earth Day!”

Related: EastEnders delays release of London Marathon episode on BBC iPlayer

“I would encourage schools across the UK to download a ‘Become a Voice for Nature’ resource pack from the BBC Children in Need website and join us to hear more from the producers of Planet Earth III and learn more about the planet, how it affects our lives and what we can do to protect it. I can’t wait to see you all there.”

Since its premiere in 2006, Planet Earth has pushed the technical boundaries of nature documentary and won numerous awards.

This special episode of Planet Earth III is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer, while it airs on BBC One on May 6. Planet Earth and Planet Earth II are also available to stream on this service.

The Become a Voice for Nature resource pack is available to download from the BBC Children in Need website.

You might also like