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Bristol garden stars in David Attenborough's latest documentary
A woman in Bristol has described the "extraordinary" experience of seeing her urban garden featured in Sir David Attenborough's new BBC series, Secret Garden, which highlights the hidden wildlife thriving in backyards across the UK.
The garden that became a wildlife haven
Louise Vergette's home in Bristol was the focus of episode two of the five-part series, which aired on 5 April. The documentary, narrated by Attenborough, explores how gardens can support biodiversity and help struggling species.
Though Vergette did not meet the legendary broadcaster, she said hearing him refer to her by name felt like "we were mates," adding a personal touch to the experience.
A hidden ecosystem revealed
The episode captures how Vergette's garden functions as more than just a retreat from city life-it is part of a broader urban ecosystem teeming with wildlife. From birds competing at feeders to foxes marking their territory, the footage, filmed over several months, offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of these animals.
Vergette, who designed her garden to attract wildlife, said she was "chuffed to bits" to see the creatures "behaving naturally" in their habitats. She praised the film crew for their patience and skill in capturing such intimate moments, despite the challenges of working with unpredictable animals.
"Lou has created a haven for wildlife, but even she doesn't know the half of what goes on here."
Sir David Attenborough, Secret Garden
From lockdown project to national spotlight
The journey to the screen began during the first lockdown in spring 2020, when Vergette's partner, a wildlife filmmaker, shared a video of the garden online. Producers took notice, and soon, camera crews filled her home with equipment, capturing life after dark.
Vergette, an artist, said the filming allowed her to see her garden in a new light. "It was a real thrill to see things," she told BBC Radio Bristol. "With the quality of filming these days, you feel like you're there with them." She highlighted how the footage revealed the effectiveness of her "hedgehog highways" and turned her pond into a stage for frogs.
Gardens as a lifeline for biodiversity
Series producer Bill Markham emphasised the critical role gardens play in supporting wildlife. With an estimated 25 million gardens in the UK-covering more land than all national nature reserves combined-these spaces form a vast, interconnected network that can help reverse biodiversity declines.
"Rather than being isolated patches, they form a vast, interconnected network of green spaces. By making space for nature in our own backyards, gardeners can become a crucial part of the solution-helping to restore biodiversity from the ground up."
Bill Markham, Series Producer
Markham suggested simple steps to encourage wildlife, such as creating a pond, letting parts of the lawn grow long, planting native trees, making a compost heap, or avoiding pesticides.
How to get involved
The BBC is encouraging viewers to share their own wildlife stories. Residents in Bristol can send ideas via email, WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630, or through the BBC Bristol Facebook, X, and Instagram pages.
