The hotly-anticipated new series from the legendary writer, broadcaster and natural historian Sir David Attenborough dives into the ‘wild’ on our doorsteps – across the gardens of the British Isles.

Released just a month before his 100th birthday, this latest exploration of the natural world is the closest to home the wildlife advocate has stayed across the some 50 TV credits he’s gathered in his 80 year broadcasting career.

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“Across the British Isles there are magical places, our pride and joy – our gardens,” Sir David said to introduce the show. “Many of us are completely unaware of the wild world right under our noses.

Sir David Attenborough on Secret Garden (BBC/PA)

“Some British gardens are almost as diverse as a tropical rainforest.”

To explore the “extraordinary dramas” of a single garden, the broadcaster journeyed to Oxfordshire for the first episode, visiting The Old Mill House in South Oxfordshire.

Owned by Henry and Sara Manisty, the thousand-year-old mill house is surrounded on three sides by the water of the River Thames.

Because so much of the garden is frequently flooded by the river, much of the land is allowed to ‘run wild’, turning it into a sanctuary for wildlife.

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The episode description said: “Through the eyes of Henry and Sara, beautiful cinematography and immersive storytelling, this episode reveals the astonishing resilience of Britain’s garden wildlife in the face of unpredictable change.

“It is a celebration of how leaving nature to its own devices can turn an ordinary patch of land into a hugely rich and highly rewarding wildlife refuge.”

The episode explores The Old Mill House garden across the seasons of a year, focusing on the wildlife which is drawn to and threatened by the waterlogged land in this “fragile Eden”.

As well as their visit from Sir David and his camera crews, Mr and Mrs Manisty recently welcomed MP Freddie van Mierlo to their riverside home, who said the garden is “incredible”.

Freddie van Mierlo with Henry and Sara Manisty at The Old Mill in South Oxfordshire (Image: Freddie van Mierlo)

“By letting nature take the lead, they’ve created a stunning wildlife haven – home to kingfishers, otters, red kites, bats and more,” Mr van Mierlo said.

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“The programme beautifully captures the drama of life in this ‘wild’ garden, from ducklings navigating floodwaters to mayflies emerging after years beneath the surface.

“It’s an inspiring reminder of what can happen when we give space back to nature.”

The four other episodes in the first series of Secret Garden explore special gardens and the wildlife that live in them in Bristol, The Lake District, The Wye Valley and The Western Highlands.

All episodes are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.

Thames Valley Police has released images of the stolen car in an effort to trace it, after it was reportedly stolen from Finstock High Street, near Chipping Norton, between March 29 and April 9.

Along with the images, the neighbourhood police officers released the registration of the car and an appeal for anyone who’s seen it to come forward.

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The registration is M712 PAG and police are asking anyone with information to get in touch by calling 101, quoting reference number 43260175122.

The Land Rover was stolen from Finstock (Image: Thames Valley Police)

Police also issued advice to Land Rover owners, as ‘old-style’ vehicles, like Defenders and Land Rover Series models, are particularly at risk.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Old-style Land Rovers are very attractive to thieves, as they’re simply, valuable and easy to move if not properly secured.

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“Older Land Rovers often lack modern security, so visible deterrents are key to make your vehicle look like too much effort compared to others.”

This could include fitting a steering wheel lock, wheel clamp for overnight or long-term parking, a pedal lock and lockable door handles, as well as modern alarm systems with a siren and a GPS tracking devise.

Parking is also important, and drivers are encouraged to park in a locked garage where possible, install motion lighting and CCTV, and avoid leaving cars is the same visible spot long-term.

Tara Kemp, 26, from South Oxfordshire, is preparing to take on the London Marathon this April, in support of Sue Ryder.

She is running in memory of her stepmother Di, a former piano teacher and a staff member at the Oratory Prep School, who died on Boxing Day 2023 at the age of 47.

Ms Kemp said: “Di enjoyed running, she ran the Oxford Half Marathon, and I had always wanted to race with her.

“Taking on the London Marathon felt like the meaningful ‘go big or go home’ choice.

“I know Di would be so proud of me, although she probably wouldn’t quite believe I am actually doing this.

“Di was full of warmth, laughter and made life feel brighter.”

Di was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2019 while Ms Kemp was at university.

When her health deteriorated, the family chose to care for her at home with support from Sue Ryder’s Palliative Care Hub in South Oxfordshire.

Ms Kemp said: “Sue Ryder nurses visited twice a day and supported with the care, allowing us to focus on moments of happiness together.

“They showed her such compassion and would take time to talk to her, giving her a much-needed space to express how she was feeling as she struggled with losing her independence.”

Without their support, Ms Kemp said the family could not have kept Di at home as she wished.

She said: “This marathon is my way of showing gratitude and helping to ensure they can continue supporting families facing similar challenges.”

Despite recent leg surgery, her training is progressing well.

Ms Kemp added: “I’m working in London currently, so I have been able to run around Hyde Park, along the river to Battersea and I can feel my pace improving too.

“I’m starting to get a bit scared about race day, but not because of the physical side of things, more the emotions.

“I think the reason why I am doing this is going to hit me hard, especially when I see my dad and brother along the route.”

She has raised nearly £7,000 of her £7,500 target, making her the top fundraiser for Sue Ryder in the region so far.

A significant portion of the funds came from a fundraising event she organised, which included a live band, a team of friends running the bar and her father serving chips.

Supporters can contribute to her campaign at Tara Kemp is fundraising for Sue Ryder.