Introduction
This guidance note should be read in conjunction with Editorial Guidelines Section 3: Accuracy, which outlines the BBC's policies on misleading audiences. In cases of doubt, further assistance can be sought from the duty Editorial Policy Adviser by telephoning 0870 333 4550 (calls from a landline cost up to 8p per minute. Some operators or mobile providers may vary). From BBC offices, call (02)81819.
We must apply the same values of truth and accuracy to Natural History output as we apply to all BBC factual output. Audiences should never be deceived or misled by what they see or hear.
In the same way that certain production techniques are acceptable when used in the making of factual programmes, similar ones can apply in the production of Natural History programmes. See BBC Editorial Guidelines section 3 Accuracy: reconstructions and staging and re-staging events.
There will be times when it is appropriate to share these production techniques with the audience, to increase their appreciation of the value of real sequences gathered in the wild and to distinguish the real sequences from material gathered in captive situations or controlled conditions. It is particularly appropriate to share this information about landmark series where there is a lot of interest from press and public alike.