The Secret Garden – When David Attenborough challenges cat owners

Art

Express newspaper
31/03/2026 18:32

Even on the eve of his 100th birthday, David Attenborough continues to amaze us with nature – this time taking us to British gardens in his new series Secret Garden. But not all pet owners will be happy with his advice.

The series explores five British gardens and focuses on what ignited Attenborough’s passion for natural history: nature “right on our doorstep”.

Series producer Bill Markham says some of the gardens are “as close as a tropical rain forest” and that the area of gardens in Britain covers more than all the national nature reserves combined.

But one of the most controversial issues involves the 9.5 million domestic cats in Britain, which may kill an estimated 55 million birds each year.

Attenborough shows that putting bells on cats “reduces their hunting success by a third” and putting up bird feeders also reduces deaths.

Markham suggests keeping cats indoors during bird breeding season, reducing their impact.

“We didn’t want this to be a preachy series,” says Markham. “Not everyone wants this because they think their cat has a right to go outside. But if you love your nature, you can do your part.”

The series also addresses wild turkeys, which “come from Asia, but every year over 30 million are released into British countryside,” impacting native insects, reptiles and amphibians.

Although some argue that hunting creates rural jobs, Markham warns of ecological concerns.

Secret Garden aims to ease ecological anxiety and inspire viewers to make small changes that help nature, like planting native trees or placing feeders at heights.

The series combines beauty, learning and environmental responsibility, making British nature more approachable and tangible.

In the end, even after decades of experience, Attenborough remains amazed by “the incredible things that live in our gardens,” remembering that it was there that he began his steps as a great world naturalist. /GazetaExpress/