David Attenborough's Secret Garden: A Surprising New Series on British Wildlife
Sir David Attenborough, the legendary naturalist approaching his 100th birthday, is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest BBC programme, Secret Garden. This unexpected new show, which premieres on 5 April on BBC One and iPlayer, delves into the hidden wonders of five different UK gardens, aiming to make natural history more relatable by focusing on the wildlife right on our doorsteps.
From Tropical Rainforests to Backyard Biodiversity
Series producer Bill Markham explains that Secret Garden breaks from Attenborough's typical fare of lions and tigers, instead showcasing how some British gardens rival tropical rainforests in diversity. He notes that gardens in the UK cover a greater area than all national nature reserves combined, making them crucial habitats. The programme seeks to ease eco-anxiety by offering practical changes viewers can implement to support local wildlife.
Contentious Tips: The Cat Predation Issue
One of the most debated aspects of the series is its focus on pet cats. Secret Garden estimates that Britain's 9.5 million pet cats may kill approximately 55 million birds annually. Attenborough suggests simple measures like putting bells on cats, which can reduce hunting success by a third, and raising bird feeders higher to cut deaths. Markham emphasizes that the current dynamic is unfair to prey, as cats, being fed daily with no population limits, disrupt normal predator-prey relationships.
He advocates for keeping cats indoors during the bird breeding season in April and May, citing ecologist Dr. Davide Dominoni's studies showing this would massively reduce their impact. Markham stresses, "We didn't want this to be a preachy series at all," acknowledging that many cat lovers feel strongly about their pets' freedom. However, he appeals to the UK's love for animals and gardens, urging viewers to consider small actions for wildlife conservation.
Other Ecological Concerns: Pheasants and Beyond
The series also tackles the issue of pheasants, with over 30 million released annually into the British countryside. These non-native birds consume native insects, reptiles, and amphibians, messing with local ecology. While the countryside lobby argues that shooting provides rural jobs, Markham contrasts this with efforts to reintroduce native species like beavers, highlighting the ecological imbalance caused by such releases.
Attenborough's Enduring Influence and Personal Surprises
Markham hopes Secret Garden will replicate the success of Attenborough's past work, such as Blue Planet II's impact on plastic pollution reduction. Despite his decades of experience, Attenborough was surprised by the incredible diversity found in UK gardens, with Markham suggesting that his first animal sighting likely occurred in a garden, setting him on his path as the world's greatest naturalist.
Comforting Viewers and Encouraging Action
In response to widespread eco-anxiety, the series aims to be comforting by showing that individual actions matter. With 25 million gardens in the UK, accessible to 80% of the population, small changes like planting native trees can significantly boost wildlife, such as increasing caterpillar supplies for birds. Markham calls gardens unsung heroes, where an average patch can host about 2,600 species, and the laws of the jungle still apply.
Highlights and Filming Breakthroughs
Secret Garden features remarkable footage, including a pine marten hunting sand martins in the UK for the first time, otters preying on ducks, and mayflies and damselflies in battles reminiscent of Planet Earth II's iconic scenes. The series also captures field mice using landmarks to navigate home, adding a fairy-tale touch to the natural drama.
Born from increased gardening interest during lockdown, Secret Garden promises to inspire viewers to rethink their outdoor spaces, leveraging Attenborough's unparalleled influence to foster a deeper connection with local nature.
