Sir David Attenborough urges people to 'invest in nature in our own backyard' before it's too late in new series The Wild Isles

Virgin Radio

7 Mar 2023, 12:21

Legendary TV presenter and naturalist Sir David Attenborough has urged the nation to 'invest in the nature in our own backyard' and there's no time to waste he explains in magnificent new series The Wild Isles.

Highlighting the glories of nature right in front of us, the 96-year-old wildlife expert has said the British Isles is just as 'dramatic and spectacular' as wonders around the world and wants to champion natural history closer to home.

The five-part series shines a light on the devastating fact that nearly half of British wildlife species have declined since 1970.

Sir David has recently finished filming at a puffin colony on Skomer Island off the west coast of Wales. and shared: "Though rich in places Britain as a whole is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world.

"Never has there been a more important time to invest in our own wildlife - to try and set an example for the rest of the world and restore our once wild isles for future generations."

Series producer, Alistair Fothergill, explained: "I hope the audience will be genuinely surprised by the richness of our natural history. At the same time, I hope they will recognise how fragile and precious it is.

"Ever since I worked on the original Blue Planet, Planet Earth and Frozen Planet series, I have always wanted to cover the British Isles and our natural history with a similarly ambitious and epic approach. I knew that nobody had ever had the opportunity before to really do justice to the spectacular scenery and rich and varied wildlife found at home. I also have a personal passion for our natural history."

Using drones and slow-motion cameras, crews have managed to capture everything from 'orcas hunting seals off the coast of Scotland and white-tailed eagles chasing a flock of barnacle geese' while visiting 145 locations over three years.

The series also explores the natural history surrounding us. Producer Hilary Jeffkins explained: "These are stories that are on our doorsteps. When we are out walking we can have a look."

Scientific advisor on the series, Dr Philip Wheeler of the Open University, told BBC News: "I think it can make a lot of difference in terms of shifting the conversation and the narrative.

"It's not just the nature nerds and the conservation community talking - this conversation spills out into the wider public and into the political arena as well."

A BBC spokesperson said: "The series producers made their own editorial decisions on what to include in the final programme and editorial control for the series rests with the BBC."

Wild Isles is on screens on BBC One on Sunday.

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