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.

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.

The man, in his 50s, was reported as being injured at The Slade just before 1pm on Saturday (April 11).

Thames Valley Police confirmed he was taken to hospital and that a 48-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident.

An eyewitness said they spotted around seven police cars, one critical care unit and an ambulance in the area near the junction with Wood Farm Road.

Photos from the scene show multiple emergency vehicles and someone being put into a police car.

Police said on Saturday afternoon that a scene watch was in place while investigations continue and they have appealed to the public for information which may assist them.

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A police spokesman said: “The force was contacted by the ambulance service at 12.55pm to report a man with injuries in The Slade.

“The man in his 50s has been taken to hospital.

“A 48-year-old man from Oxford has been arrested on suspicion of assault and is currently in police custody.

“We believe this was an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the community.

“There is a scene watch in place to enable our officers to carry out a thorough investigation.

“If anyone has any information or footage from the area and has not already spoken to the force then please speak to an officer at the scene, call 101, or leave any information via our website, quoting the investigation reference number 43260175531.”