Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild - Season 19

This time, Ben Fogle returns to the wilds of Queensland to visit the ever-resilient Bette, who, despite being in her 80s, continues to live alone in a ramshackle house. Previously, Ben discovered that Bette had moved from Byron Bay to the wilderness after stumbling upon her dream home while on holiday.

Two years later, Ben is relieved to find his old friend still there but is shocked to learn that she nearly lost everything in a catastrophic flood. In an emotional conversation, Bette recounts the events of that fateful day. Determined to help, Ben ventures into the surrounding forest to search for belongings that were washed away. He then joins Bette's family and friends to watch as she symbolically says goodbye to the past and starts a new chapter of her remarkable life.

Ben Fogle returns to mainland Europe to revisit his old friend Alex, living in the mountains of central Portugal.

During his last stay, Ben learned how Alex had adapted to life without basic amenities, building his home and living off the land. This was in stark contrast to the corporate lifestyle he left behind. After hearing about the loss of beloved people in his life, Ben realised that Alex's new wild home was a place for healing.

Now, three years later, Ben discovers that Alex has followed through with his dream of creating a retreat and has made significant progress with the infrastructure on his land. He also learns about Alex's fascinating new hobby. As they look out across the landscape, Ben sees firsthand the profound healing power of nature on his friend.

Ben Fogle crosses the Irish Sea to revisit his old friends Georg and Bettina, who live on a remote bogland in County Mayo.

Previously, Ben learned that both Georg and Bettina had endured difficult childhoods and sought healing. They found solace in each other and in the wilds of Ireland, however, in their twilight years, maintaining their land had become overwhelming. Ben left them contemplating an ‘ocean of possibilities' for their future.

Three years later, Georg and Bettina are still there, still weighing up their options. Ben rediscovers their inspirational attitudes and emotionally admits that he too has recently sought a sense of healing. As the weather dramatically changes, Ben witnesses a pivotal gathering of like-minded individuals on their land; one which could be the catalyst for securing the future of their wild home.

Ben makes an unprecedented third visit to see his old friends Bill and Bob, elderly twins living in the canyons of Utah. During his previous stays, Ben quickly learned that nothing was quite as it seemed with his eccentric hosts. His home for the week was a cave. He discovered that the brothers were preppers, with several years' worth of supplies hidden in their caves. He also learned that Bob had suffered a stroke and on this visit is saddened to see that his condition has not improved with age. Ben also observes that their paranoia about the outside world has grown. He reassures them that life away from their caves might not be 
as they perceive. 

Ben revisits Rathlin Island, home to Rauri, a former HR worker who chose an off-grid life. Three years earlier, they bonded over foraging and painting Rauri's house pink. This time, Ben helps repaint the house 
while Rauri shares recent struggles, including health issues and personal losses. Ben learns of Rauri's resilience and selflessness, including a daring journey to a dangerous location to help others, highlighting 
the challenges and fulfillment of life away from the rat race. 

Ben returns to the enchanting Suffolk countryside and a hidden woodland to reunite with the extraordinary Will Lord, a true British caveman. In their last encounter, Ben fully immersed himself in Will's 'Stone Age' lifestyle, helping to build a primitive home and learning survival skills like fire-starting and coracle boating. He also spent quality time with Will and his father, renowned flint-knappers. Now, nearly three years later, Ben is back to explore how Will's prehistoric dream has evolved and how his family and friends have embraced this unique passion for ancient living.