1 00:00:18,800 --> 00:00:22,680 Across the British Isles there are magical places. 2 00:00:22,680 --> 00:00:25,920 Our pride and joy - our gardens. 3 00:00:30,080 --> 00:00:34,600 Yet, many of us are completely unaware of the wild world... 4 00:00:36,320 --> 00:00:38,560 ..right under our noses. 5 00:00:47,600 --> 00:00:51,800 Amazingly, some British gardens are almost as diverse 6 00:00:51,800 --> 00:00:53,920 as a tropical rainforest. 7 00:00:55,960 --> 00:00:58,240 And when our backs are turned... 8 00:01:04,080 --> 00:01:06,160 ..they come alive. 9 00:01:14,440 --> 00:01:16,720 From the wilds of Scotland... 10 00:01:18,560 --> 00:01:20,960 ..to a metropolitan oasis... 11 00:01:22,760 --> 00:01:26,840 ..in each episode, we will reveal the extraordinary dramas 12 00:01:26,840 --> 00:01:29,520 playing out within a single garden. 13 00:01:33,440 --> 00:01:38,040 Welcome to a hidden world right on our doorsteps. 14 00:01:59,760 --> 00:02:02,520 On the west coast of Scotland... 15 00:02:05,600 --> 00:02:08,240 ..in a remote and sheltered glen... 16 00:02:10,280 --> 00:02:13,000 ..a garden offers sanctuary. 17 00:02:17,800 --> 00:02:21,920 Homeowner Matt Wilson does all he can to help protect animals 18 00:02:21,920 --> 00:02:23,960 from the worst of the weather. 19 00:02:25,880 --> 00:02:28,040 I enjoy making these boxes. 20 00:02:29,200 --> 00:02:34,400 I'm always just making extra sort of homes and refuges and things 21 00:02:34,400 --> 00:02:38,240 for all the different species that come into the garden. 22 00:02:42,920 --> 00:02:45,080 Matt is a naturalist 23 00:02:45,080 --> 00:02:50,280 who has dedicated his life to working with Scottish animals. 24 00:02:51,760 --> 00:02:56,040 And he has spent nearly 40 years turning his garden 25 00:02:56,040 --> 00:02:58,520 into a haven for wildlife. 26 00:02:59,880 --> 00:03:03,520 When I moved in, this was all rough grassland. 27 00:03:03,520 --> 00:03:05,200 No trees. 28 00:03:05,200 --> 00:03:09,040 Now, there's everything here, from bog to woodland. 29 00:03:11,520 --> 00:03:13,880 With his children having left home, 30 00:03:13,880 --> 00:03:17,440 the garden has taken on an even greater value for him. 31 00:03:18,720 --> 00:03:21,120 It's funny, you look at the trees, 32 00:03:21,120 --> 00:03:23,760 and rather like when you look at your children, 33 00:03:23,760 --> 00:03:26,000 you realise they've grown. 34 00:03:29,560 --> 00:03:33,680 As the garden has matured, it has acquired a life of its own... 35 00:03:36,240 --> 00:03:40,160 ..and Matt doesn't know what will happen from year to year. 36 00:04:00,640 --> 00:04:03,600 Winter in Scotland can hit hard. 37 00:04:11,840 --> 00:04:16,840 For the animals that live here, survival is a daily battle. 38 00:04:19,280 --> 00:04:22,240 RADIO: The Met Office says Altnaharra in Sutherland 39 00:04:22,240 --> 00:04:25,240 saw temperatures fall to minus 18 Celsius last night, 40 00:04:25,240 --> 00:04:28,440 the coldest January night in the UK for 15 years. 41 00:04:30,800 --> 00:04:34,040 The harsh weather brings a formidable predator 42 00:04:34,040 --> 00:04:35,960 into Matt's garden. 43 00:04:43,160 --> 00:04:45,040 A female buzzard. 44 00:04:48,280 --> 00:04:52,640 Buzzards are the most widespread bird of prey in Britain... 45 00:04:54,920 --> 00:04:59,320 ..but to have one land in your garden is a rare treat. 46 00:05:04,120 --> 00:05:06,800 With snow making hunting tough... 47 00:05:08,520 --> 00:05:11,360 ..the female is close to starvation. 48 00:05:19,960 --> 00:05:22,640 Matt offers her a lifeline. 49 00:05:25,080 --> 00:05:27,360 A hunk of venison may seem like 50 00:05:27,360 --> 00:05:29,320 extreme bird-feeding... 51 00:05:32,760 --> 00:05:35,400 ..but it could make all the difference. 52 00:05:45,840 --> 00:05:48,000 Still, a prize like this 53 00:05:48,000 --> 00:05:49,880 won't stay secret for long. 54 00:06:07,120 --> 00:06:10,760 With eyesight three times sharper than our own... 55 00:06:12,640 --> 00:06:16,760 ..she can spot trouble coming from a mile away. 56 00:06:26,240 --> 00:06:30,000 But she can't keep watch and eat at the same time. 57 00:06:55,520 --> 00:06:59,680 The female pins down the aggressor, a young male. 58 00:07:05,440 --> 00:07:08,680 Buzzards are known to kill each other 59 00:07:08,680 --> 00:07:11,960 with their razor-sharp beaks and talons. 60 00:07:15,480 --> 00:07:19,080 Her greater size gives her the advantage. 61 00:07:21,800 --> 00:07:23,240 But she holds back. 62 00:07:27,320 --> 00:07:30,600 The male is likely to be her son. 63 00:07:38,720 --> 00:07:40,600 But this is her territory... 64 00:07:43,520 --> 00:07:46,040 ..and he's no longer welcome. 65 00:08:01,160 --> 00:08:04,320 Now, he must find a place of his own. 66 00:08:10,720 --> 00:08:13,000 To get through the winter, 67 00:08:13,000 --> 00:08:16,480 she will need Matt's hand-outs all for herself. 68 00:08:29,160 --> 00:08:31,960 When spring eventually arrives, 69 00:08:31,960 --> 00:08:37,440 the garden is visited by one of Britain's rarest mammals. 70 00:08:48,400 --> 00:08:50,320 A pine marten. 71 00:08:52,240 --> 00:08:55,520 A cat-sized member of the weasel family. 72 00:09:05,680 --> 00:09:08,160 They are cautious around people... 73 00:09:14,560 --> 00:09:18,760 ..and Matt has yet to see his garden's new arrival. 74 00:09:27,320 --> 00:09:30,760 Their natural habitat is mature woodland. 75 00:09:34,560 --> 00:09:37,240 But by the early 20th century, 76 00:09:37,240 --> 00:09:41,640 all but 5% of Scotland's forests had been cut down... 77 00:09:43,680 --> 00:09:47,440 ..and pine martens were hunted almost to extinction. 78 00:09:52,040 --> 00:09:56,280 The Western Highlands have always been one of their strongholds. 79 00:09:58,680 --> 00:10:02,720 And although the forest here has become fragmented, 80 00:10:02,720 --> 00:10:04,800 they have found an alternative. 81 00:10:07,880 --> 00:10:09,320 Gardens. 82 00:10:09,320 --> 00:10:12,440 Such as this one down the road from Matt. 83 00:10:18,000 --> 00:10:21,920 Without trees, the pine martens use what they can 84 00:10:21,920 --> 00:10:24,160 to hone their climbing skills. 85 00:10:52,200 --> 00:10:54,880 These youngsters have grown up here. 86 00:11:09,840 --> 00:11:14,840 Generations have been coming to this garden for the last 20 years... 87 00:11:19,160 --> 00:11:21,720 ..becoming bolder and bolder. 88 00:11:34,720 --> 00:11:39,720 Up to 16 pine martens may visit in a single night. 89 00:11:50,600 --> 00:11:55,720 But the pine marten that visits Matt's house is much more cautious. 90 00:12:02,480 --> 00:12:07,200 This new arrival, a female, less than a year old... 91 00:12:08,240 --> 00:12:11,320 ..is searching for a territory of her own. 92 00:12:17,040 --> 00:12:20,760 Matt doesn't want her to lose her natural caution around humans... 93 00:12:22,480 --> 00:12:27,440 ..but maybe his garden can provide the food and shelter that she needs. 94 00:12:44,960 --> 00:12:47,000 For four decades, 95 00:12:47,000 --> 00:12:51,760 Matt has kept a meticulous diary of the animals in his garden. 96 00:12:55,600 --> 00:12:58,480 Every morning, he brings it up-to-date. 97 00:13:00,760 --> 00:13:04,440 While he can't record everything that's happening, 98 00:13:04,440 --> 00:13:09,680 he can report on one typically secretive garden resident. 99 00:13:21,720 --> 00:13:24,760 Barn owls are found across Britain... 100 00:13:30,520 --> 00:13:34,240 ..but there could be fewer than 1,000 pairs in Scotland. 101 00:13:39,080 --> 00:13:44,400 The cold, wet climate makes this the northern limit of their range. 102 00:13:49,800 --> 00:13:54,520 To give them a better chance, Matt has built a special retreat... 103 00:13:56,400 --> 00:13:58,560 ..sheltered from the elements 104 00:13:58,560 --> 00:14:02,280 and inaccessible to predatory pine martens. 105 00:14:07,520 --> 00:14:12,680 Remarkably, Matt now sees his female barn owl almost every day. 106 00:14:15,440 --> 00:14:18,120 She's got a nice nature, a nice, easy nature 107 00:14:18,120 --> 00:14:20,120 and is very approachable. 108 00:14:20,120 --> 00:14:23,240 She will come out and have a look at you during the day, 109 00:14:23,240 --> 00:14:25,280 which is rather nice. 110 00:14:27,240 --> 00:14:30,840 She's nice to have around. She's got a softness about her. 111 00:14:38,680 --> 00:14:40,880 But Matt is worried. 112 00:14:44,160 --> 00:14:46,400 She's a five-year-old mother 113 00:14:46,400 --> 00:14:50,520 who has successfully raised ten owlets in the garden. 114 00:14:52,760 --> 00:14:56,880 But after a run of good years, her luck may have turned. 115 00:15:00,640 --> 00:15:03,120 Just as spring has arrived... 116 00:15:05,000 --> 00:15:07,280 ..her partner has disappeared. 117 00:15:14,440 --> 00:15:18,720 Barn owls can hunt up to three miles away from their nest... 118 00:15:21,640 --> 00:15:25,520 ..and bad weather could have prevented him from getting home. 119 00:15:30,280 --> 00:15:34,600 It rains here on more than 200 days a year, 120 00:15:34,600 --> 00:15:38,480 making it among the wettest places in Britain. 121 00:15:42,680 --> 00:15:46,480 And while most birds' feathers are rain resistant... 122 00:15:50,280 --> 00:15:53,240 ..barn owls have sacrificed waterproofing 123 00:15:53,240 --> 00:15:56,440 to ensure that their wings are silent for hunting. 124 00:15:58,080 --> 00:16:00,160 So he may have been grounded. 125 00:16:06,960 --> 00:16:10,360 Finding a new mate now would be hard. 126 00:16:12,120 --> 00:16:14,640 All she can do is wait. 127 00:16:26,360 --> 00:16:30,360 This far north, spring temperatures can suddenly plummet... 128 00:16:32,560 --> 00:16:35,920 ..forcing one of our best-loved mammals into gardens 129 00:16:35,920 --> 00:16:37,960 in search of food. 130 00:16:44,480 --> 00:16:46,480 The red squirrel. 131 00:16:55,520 --> 00:17:00,000 Across most of Britain, these charming and inquisitive animals 132 00:17:00,000 --> 00:17:03,880 have been displaced by American grey squirrels. 133 00:17:05,640 --> 00:17:08,760 But they've held on in parts of Scotland. 134 00:17:11,800 --> 00:17:16,240 Their fluffy coats and tufted ears keep them warm, 135 00:17:16,240 --> 00:17:18,800 so they're well adapted to the climate. 136 00:17:22,920 --> 00:17:25,160 Although, at this time of year, 137 00:17:25,160 --> 00:17:28,520 coping with cold isn't the only challenge. 138 00:17:31,360 --> 00:17:34,600 Autumn's nuts and berries are long gone... 139 00:17:40,880 --> 00:17:45,680 ..but red squirrels know that gardens can offer a lifeline. 140 00:17:51,320 --> 00:17:54,280 Although they have yet to reach Matt's. 141 00:18:02,880 --> 00:18:06,640 But there is one very special animal that he can help. 142 00:18:19,480 --> 00:18:23,520 The young female pine marten is still very cautious... 143 00:18:32,640 --> 00:18:36,280 ..and only approaches when Matt is out of sight. 144 00:18:56,600 --> 00:19:01,840 Peanuts are a welcome supplement, high in calories and fat. 145 00:19:04,520 --> 00:19:08,920 But pine martens are omnivores, with a taste for meat. 146 00:19:12,200 --> 00:19:14,840 Soon, there will be a chance to hunt. 147 00:19:28,560 --> 00:19:30,440 By late March, 148 00:19:30,440 --> 00:19:34,760 the daytime temperature climbs to a balmy nine degrees. 149 00:19:40,760 --> 00:19:45,120 It's good news for the garden's cold-blooded inhabitants. 150 00:19:49,160 --> 00:19:50,520 Slow worms... 151 00:19:53,120 --> 00:19:55,240 ..and common lizards. 152 00:19:58,600 --> 00:20:02,200 They have survived the winter by hibernating underground. 153 00:20:03,720 --> 00:20:07,600 Now, on warmer days, they emerge to bask. 154 00:20:14,600 --> 00:20:17,960 The hardiest of them all comes out at night. 155 00:20:22,200 --> 00:20:23,520 A common toad. 156 00:20:26,960 --> 00:20:32,200 He left the garden as a tiny toadlet nearly three years ago. 157 00:20:40,520 --> 00:20:43,920 Now, as an adult, it's time to head back 158 00:20:43,920 --> 00:20:47,200 to the only pond in the glen, 159 00:20:47,200 --> 00:20:48,760 in search of a mate. 160 00:20:48,760 --> 00:20:51,080 RUMBLING 161 00:20:53,080 --> 00:20:57,440 But he is not the only toad with surging hormones. 162 00:20:59,800 --> 00:21:03,000 Males are arriving from every direction. 163 00:21:07,640 --> 00:21:09,840 Some have already paired up. 164 00:21:14,920 --> 00:21:16,280 He must hurry. 165 00:21:20,920 --> 00:21:23,360 But between him and the pond... 166 00:21:23,360 --> 00:21:26,080 RUMBLING 167 00:21:26,080 --> 00:21:27,560 ..there's a road. 168 00:21:35,560 --> 00:21:40,160 Every year, tens of thousands of toads are killed 169 00:21:40,160 --> 00:21:42,800 en route to their breeding grounds. 170 00:21:59,600 --> 00:22:02,240 But driven by the need to breed... 171 00:22:02,240 --> 00:22:03,960 CAR APPROACHES 172 00:22:06,440 --> 00:22:09,280 ..this toad is determined. 173 00:22:31,800 --> 00:22:33,840 Safe! 174 00:23:02,560 --> 00:23:04,440 His timing is perfect. 175 00:23:06,040 --> 00:23:09,480 A female has also found her way to the pond. 176 00:23:16,720 --> 00:23:18,360 Their thousand or so eggs 177 00:23:18,360 --> 00:23:21,240 will hatch in ten days' time. 178 00:23:24,280 --> 00:23:28,080 Then their tadpoles will need to grow up fast. 179 00:23:29,880 --> 00:23:32,240 Up here, summer is short. 180 00:23:41,880 --> 00:23:44,960 Ten nights after her mate left to hunt, 181 00:23:44,960 --> 00:23:48,120 the female barn owl is still alone. 182 00:23:59,040 --> 00:24:01,480 OWL SCREECHES 183 00:24:02,960 --> 00:24:06,760 One calm night, she hears a familiar sound. 184 00:24:08,120 --> 00:24:09,760 OWL SCREECHES 185 00:24:31,200 --> 00:24:34,120 We'll never know what kept him. 186 00:24:36,720 --> 00:24:38,920 But it's still the breeding season... 187 00:24:40,960 --> 00:24:43,800 ..and he only has one thing on his mind... 188 00:24:46,480 --> 00:24:48,400 ..wooing her back. 189 00:24:53,920 --> 00:24:58,200 Perhaps surprisingly, she doesn't accept his advances. 190 00:25:03,880 --> 00:25:09,080 He is going to have to prove once again that he is a worthy mate. 191 00:25:23,920 --> 00:25:25,800 ANIMAL SQUEAKS 192 00:25:30,360 --> 00:25:33,520 His peace-offering - 193 00:25:33,520 --> 00:25:35,200 a plump vole. 194 00:25:39,000 --> 00:25:41,200 But she remains unimpressed. 195 00:25:45,480 --> 00:25:47,080 ANIMAL SQUEAKS 196 00:25:52,240 --> 00:25:53,880 How about a mouse? 197 00:25:58,200 --> 00:26:00,320 It's going to take more than that. 198 00:26:03,680 --> 00:26:05,760 He brings back gift... 199 00:26:07,440 --> 00:26:09,040 ..after gift... 200 00:26:11,280 --> 00:26:13,040 ..after gift. 201 00:26:16,320 --> 00:26:18,920 Eventually, he wins her over. 202 00:26:20,920 --> 00:26:23,800 Just in time, if they're going to raise a family. 203 00:26:25,600 --> 00:26:27,920 MUFFLED SCREECHING 204 00:26:39,040 --> 00:26:41,160 A few nights later... 205 00:26:42,600 --> 00:26:45,440 ..the female has laid four eggs. 206 00:26:49,760 --> 00:26:51,800 A decent-sized clutch. 207 00:26:57,880 --> 00:27:01,840 But rearing them won't be easy, 208 00:27:01,840 --> 00:27:04,480 unless both parents do their bit. 209 00:27:13,000 --> 00:27:17,360 The open hill and rough grassland surrounding Matt's home 210 00:27:17,360 --> 00:27:19,520 are productive hunting grounds. 211 00:27:21,400 --> 00:27:22,840 And just as well - 212 00:27:22,840 --> 00:27:26,120 the pair may need to catch a thousand small mammals 213 00:27:26,120 --> 00:27:28,200 in the next three months. 214 00:27:40,880 --> 00:27:44,280 Pine martens also need plenty of prey. 215 00:27:50,400 --> 00:27:52,760 They usually hunt in the forest, 216 00:27:52,760 --> 00:27:55,720 and can roam over five miles a night. 217 00:27:55,720 --> 00:27:58,680 INSECT BUZZES 218 00:28:02,760 --> 00:28:07,080 But in spring, a new opportunity arrives... 219 00:28:09,000 --> 00:28:12,440 ..in a bank at the bottom of Matt's garden. 220 00:28:13,880 --> 00:28:16,000 Sand martins. 221 00:28:21,200 --> 00:28:25,800 These intrepid birds have flown around 3,000 miles 222 00:28:25,800 --> 00:28:29,800 from their wintering grounds in Africa 223 00:28:29,800 --> 00:28:33,040 to take advantage of Scotland's longer days... 224 00:28:34,360 --> 00:28:38,200 ..and gorge on swarms of flying insects - 225 00:28:38,200 --> 00:28:41,000 essential food for raising a family. 226 00:28:41,000 --> 00:28:43,000 BIRDS CHATTER 227 00:28:51,440 --> 00:28:55,160 They set about digging a burrow, about a metre long, 228 00:28:55,160 --> 00:28:59,000 so that they can nest out of the reach of predators. 229 00:29:04,920 --> 00:29:06,720 It's a mammoth task. 230 00:29:13,680 --> 00:29:16,120 After a promising start, 231 00:29:16,120 --> 00:29:19,360 this male is hoping to attract a mate. 232 00:29:23,840 --> 00:29:26,440 BIRDS CHIRRUP 233 00:29:27,840 --> 00:29:30,840 But this female is not impressed. 234 00:29:48,080 --> 00:29:52,440 Another male seems to be making better progress, 235 00:29:52,440 --> 00:29:54,720 and she helps him dig. 236 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:02,720 Without a deep nest, 237 00:30:02,720 --> 00:30:05,600 they will be dangerously exposed. 238 00:30:05,600 --> 00:30:09,080 BIRDS CHATTER 239 00:30:13,280 --> 00:30:15,240 ANIMAL SCREAMS 240 00:30:19,280 --> 00:30:22,320 All this activity has attracted attention. 241 00:30:35,680 --> 00:30:39,600 Pine martens have an excellent sense of smell. 242 00:30:44,120 --> 00:30:48,160 But these sand martin nests are out of reach. 243 00:31:03,960 --> 00:31:07,640 Strong claws and rotating ankles 244 00:31:07,640 --> 00:31:10,240 work well on the vertical face. 245 00:31:19,000 --> 00:31:21,320 But the bank is unstable... 246 00:31:24,120 --> 00:31:28,120 ..so she tries to flush out the adults instead. 247 00:31:36,240 --> 00:31:38,480 CHATTERING 248 00:31:46,960 --> 00:31:48,880 Her persistence pays off... 249 00:31:51,360 --> 00:31:53,560 ..providing the meal she needs. 250 00:31:59,840 --> 00:32:01,400 ANIMAL CALLS 251 00:32:06,080 --> 00:32:08,760 Safely out of reach, 252 00:32:08,760 --> 00:32:11,440 the owl family is growing fast. 253 00:32:15,080 --> 00:32:18,640 30 days after the eggs were laid, 254 00:32:18,640 --> 00:32:21,040 the first owlet hatches. 255 00:32:31,200 --> 00:32:33,440 Over the next few days, 256 00:32:33,440 --> 00:32:35,440 two more emerge. 257 00:32:39,520 --> 00:32:41,520 A good start. 258 00:32:47,960 --> 00:32:49,800 CHICK SCREECHES 259 00:32:49,800 --> 00:32:51,840 But each owlet will need 260 00:32:51,840 --> 00:32:54,080 up to four meals a day. 261 00:32:57,120 --> 00:33:00,840 So now the hard work really begins. 262 00:33:12,480 --> 00:33:16,160 The owlets should double their weight every ten days. 263 00:33:21,880 --> 00:33:24,360 They stand a good chance of doing so... 264 00:33:26,760 --> 00:33:29,200 ..as long as the weather holds. 265 00:33:32,640 --> 00:33:34,680 CHICK HISSES 266 00:33:36,440 --> 00:33:38,320 BIRDSONG 267 00:33:41,240 --> 00:33:43,760 Some years in this Highland garden, 268 00:33:43,760 --> 00:33:46,440 it barely feels like summer at all. 269 00:33:47,880 --> 00:33:50,120 But when the sun does shine, 270 00:33:50,120 --> 00:33:52,400 everyone takes full advantage. 271 00:33:52,400 --> 00:33:54,320 MOTOR WHIRS 272 00:33:57,880 --> 00:34:01,840 Crossbills move in to feed on Matt's pines... 273 00:34:03,920 --> 00:34:06,200 ..using their twisted beaks 274 00:34:06,200 --> 00:34:09,760 to extract ripening seeds from the cones. 275 00:34:17,880 --> 00:34:21,440 House martins hurry their young out of the nest. 276 00:34:29,800 --> 00:34:32,600 And in the warm compost heap, 277 00:34:32,600 --> 00:34:35,760 the slowworms take their chance to mate... 278 00:34:37,360 --> 00:34:39,000 ..while they can. 279 00:34:50,080 --> 00:34:54,160 Four months after the toads abandoned their little eggs, 280 00:34:54,160 --> 00:34:57,080 something is stirring in the pond. 281 00:35:03,360 --> 00:35:05,480 A tiny toadlet, 282 00:35:05,480 --> 00:35:08,120 no bigger than a human fingernail. 283 00:35:11,240 --> 00:35:14,160 Only around one in 500 toad eggs 284 00:35:14,160 --> 00:35:16,240 develops into an adult. 285 00:35:19,640 --> 00:35:22,680 So this newly emerged toadlet 286 00:35:22,680 --> 00:35:24,600 has a long way to go. 287 00:35:28,520 --> 00:35:31,120 His very first sight above water? 288 00:35:33,080 --> 00:35:34,800 A giant! 289 00:35:38,320 --> 00:35:42,840 Matt is thinning the plants at the edge of his pond... 290 00:35:44,360 --> 00:35:48,560 ..to encourage the sundews that grow in his bog. 291 00:35:51,400 --> 00:35:54,680 These bizarre-looking plants thrive here, 292 00:35:54,680 --> 00:35:57,200 even in the poor soil... 293 00:36:01,560 --> 00:36:04,000 ..and provide a useful service... 294 00:36:09,480 --> 00:36:12,920 ..bug control. 295 00:36:12,920 --> 00:36:17,160 Like Venus flytraps, sundews are carnivores. 296 00:36:27,640 --> 00:36:32,120 Their sticky tentacles trap unwary victims. 297 00:36:36,040 --> 00:36:38,440 Then they release enzymes 298 00:36:38,440 --> 00:36:40,160 to digest their prey. 299 00:36:44,040 --> 00:36:46,160 INSECT GULPS 300 00:36:47,760 --> 00:36:51,360 The toadlet is heading straight through them... 301 00:37:03,080 --> 00:37:06,440 ..but he's strong enough to get past. 302 00:37:10,680 --> 00:37:14,680 He's developing his own hunger for insects, 303 00:37:14,680 --> 00:37:17,400 but only those that are alive. 304 00:37:30,120 --> 00:37:33,040 Soon he will head out into the hills, 305 00:37:33,040 --> 00:37:36,040 helping to keep the local midges in check. 306 00:37:42,760 --> 00:37:45,640 Until, with luck, 307 00:37:45,640 --> 00:37:48,400 one spring night, 308 00:37:48,400 --> 00:37:52,360 he will return to Matt's pond to breed. 309 00:38:07,800 --> 00:38:10,320 In the race to grow up, 310 00:38:10,320 --> 00:38:12,880 the owlets are a little behind. 311 00:38:16,280 --> 00:38:20,600 It takes weeks to replace fluff with feathers. 312 00:38:26,040 --> 00:38:28,840 But two months after hatching, 313 00:38:28,840 --> 00:38:30,680 they're fully grown. 314 00:38:34,800 --> 00:38:37,280 Now they must learn to fly. 315 00:38:44,160 --> 00:38:47,000 A wing workout is a good start. 316 00:38:53,200 --> 00:38:57,000 It will take a few nights to build flight muscles 317 00:38:57,000 --> 00:38:59,280 and confidence. 318 00:39:02,360 --> 00:39:06,280 But with no more gifts from their parents, 319 00:39:06,280 --> 00:39:08,360 hunger is urging them on. 320 00:39:22,360 --> 00:39:24,760 Matt's nestbox 321 00:39:24,760 --> 00:39:28,120 has kept them safe and dry. 322 00:39:28,120 --> 00:39:29,880 OWLS SCREECH 323 00:39:38,160 --> 00:39:42,000 Now it's up to each of them to find a new home. 324 00:39:56,240 --> 00:40:01,400 Only one in four barn owls survive their first year. 325 00:40:05,360 --> 00:40:08,080 For now they will stay close by... 326 00:40:10,200 --> 00:40:12,560 ..learning to hunt for themselves. 327 00:40:41,160 --> 00:40:45,360 With the youngsters gone, their mother can reclaim her home. 328 00:40:51,960 --> 00:40:54,520 Matt has now seen this female 329 00:40:54,520 --> 00:40:58,240 raise a remarkable 13 owls. 330 00:41:01,200 --> 00:41:02,840 And he's still hopeful for more. 331 00:41:15,360 --> 00:41:17,880 WIND HOWLS 332 00:41:26,920 --> 00:41:29,640 At the end of August, 333 00:41:29,640 --> 00:41:32,120 the autumn gales sweep in. 334 00:41:43,720 --> 00:41:47,960 Matt never knows what the changing seasons will bring... 335 00:41:49,880 --> 00:41:52,400 ..but a few things are certain. 336 00:41:55,320 --> 00:41:59,640 His native trees and shrubs will come into fruit... 337 00:42:01,600 --> 00:42:06,160 ..providing food for locals and visitors alike. 338 00:42:09,280 --> 00:42:11,520 Some, such as redwings, 339 00:42:11,520 --> 00:42:16,360 are escaping even tougher conditions in Europe's far north. 340 00:42:21,280 --> 00:42:23,040 As temperatures fall, 341 00:42:23,040 --> 00:42:25,320 garden animals seek shelter. 342 00:42:27,560 --> 00:42:29,440 SNUFFLING 343 00:42:43,000 --> 00:42:45,800 Strange bedfellows come together 344 00:42:45,800 --> 00:42:48,600 to escape the cold winter ahead. 345 00:42:56,440 --> 00:42:58,040 DOOR CREAKS 346 00:43:08,320 --> 00:43:12,840 The pine marten also needs a place to den. 347 00:43:17,880 --> 00:43:19,600 Somewhere safe. 348 00:43:26,040 --> 00:43:28,880 Preferably high off the ground... 349 00:43:32,960 --> 00:43:34,920 ..away from foxes. 350 00:43:43,280 --> 00:43:47,760 But she can't find a cosy nook in this shed. 351 00:44:06,000 --> 00:44:10,120 Matt decides to lend the pine marten a helping hand. 352 00:44:12,720 --> 00:44:16,120 He builds a carefully designed den. 353 00:44:17,360 --> 00:44:19,720 And he knows just where to put it. 354 00:44:22,600 --> 00:44:27,120 There's a gap under the eaves where she could get in, 355 00:44:27,120 --> 00:44:29,560 and a ladder will lead the way. 356 00:44:37,240 --> 00:44:41,200 But it will be up to her to find it for herself. 357 00:44:44,880 --> 00:44:47,000 BIRD OF PREY CRIES 358 00:44:52,480 --> 00:44:55,240 As winter approaches, 359 00:44:55,240 --> 00:44:57,880 red squirrels are on the move. 360 00:44:58,960 --> 00:45:01,200 SQUIRREL CHATTERS 361 00:45:01,200 --> 00:45:05,600 This year's youngsters may travel some ten miles 362 00:45:05,600 --> 00:45:08,520 in the search for a territory of their own. 363 00:45:15,480 --> 00:45:19,400 They come to the ground to find and store food, 364 00:45:19,400 --> 00:45:23,040 but they prefer the safety of the trees. 365 00:45:26,560 --> 00:45:30,440 For years, red squirrels have been absent from the area 366 00:45:30,440 --> 00:45:32,120 around Matt's garden. 367 00:45:33,440 --> 00:45:36,040 But just a few miles from him, 368 00:45:36,040 --> 00:45:38,960 they're being reintroduced, 369 00:45:38,960 --> 00:45:42,440 and are using gardens as stepping stones 370 00:45:42,440 --> 00:45:45,200 to reclaim their former range. 371 00:45:52,480 --> 00:45:54,800 As Matt's own trees mature... 372 00:45:58,440 --> 00:46:00,760 ..perhaps one day, 373 00:46:00,760 --> 00:46:02,440 like the pine marten... 374 00:46:03,960 --> 00:46:08,280 ..red squirrels will find their way here. 375 00:46:27,440 --> 00:46:30,280 WEATHER FORECAST: We're widely well below freezing out there, 376 00:46:30,280 --> 00:46:32,440 and the northerly winds aren't helping today, 377 00:46:32,440 --> 00:46:34,880 as this particular cold snap continues to bite. 378 00:46:48,440 --> 00:46:53,400 As the young female pine marten faces her second Highland winter... 379 00:46:56,520 --> 00:47:00,360 ..Matt does all he can to help her survive. 380 00:47:08,520 --> 00:47:13,320 His supply of peanuts will give her the fat reserves she needs 381 00:47:13,320 --> 00:47:15,080 for the months ahead. 382 00:47:25,320 --> 00:47:29,080 Remarkably, when she's focused on food, 383 00:47:29,080 --> 00:47:32,360 she momentarily loses her fear. 384 00:47:37,080 --> 00:47:41,400 Even after 40 years of encouraging wildlife into his garden, 385 00:47:41,400 --> 00:47:44,200 this is a special moment for Matt. 386 00:47:50,720 --> 00:47:53,600 And it's about to get even better. 387 00:48:11,120 --> 00:48:15,160 The fact that the garden now has multiple pine martens 388 00:48:15,160 --> 00:48:19,080 suggests that there could be young next year. 389 00:48:34,720 --> 00:48:38,400 But there's one more thing that the female needs... 390 00:48:44,800 --> 00:48:46,520 ..somewhere to hide. 391 00:49:01,240 --> 00:49:03,640 Matt's specially built box, 392 00:49:03,640 --> 00:49:05,920 furnished with comfy bedding. 393 00:49:08,760 --> 00:49:10,880 And it's above the lounge, 394 00:49:10,880 --> 00:49:13,480 so it is nice and warm too. 395 00:49:17,520 --> 00:49:20,680 It's the perfect place to see out the winter. 396 00:49:23,120 --> 00:49:25,200 And perhaps next spring, 397 00:49:25,200 --> 00:49:28,440 she'll give birth to her first litter of kits. 398 00:49:36,520 --> 00:49:39,640 Over a lifetime of dedication, 399 00:49:39,640 --> 00:49:42,640 Matt has created a welcome shelter 400 00:49:42,640 --> 00:49:45,920 for all kinds of Scottish wildlife. 401 00:49:45,920 --> 00:49:47,640 BIRDSONG 402 00:49:47,640 --> 00:49:49,600 BUZZING 403 00:49:49,600 --> 00:49:54,240 I feel privileged to have been able to create this garden 404 00:49:54,240 --> 00:49:57,240 for all the animals that visit and use it. 405 00:49:58,200 --> 00:49:59,480 MATT CHUCKLES 406 00:49:59,480 --> 00:50:02,720 It's their garden, not mine. 407 00:50:02,720 --> 00:50:06,840 But it gives me huge pleasure just to be able to share it with them. 408 00:50:40,280 --> 00:50:44,920 Filming one of Britain's most secretive animals - 409 00:50:44,920 --> 00:50:47,200 the pine marten - 410 00:50:47,200 --> 00:50:50,000 in a Highland garden, 411 00:50:50,000 --> 00:50:55,160 presented a formidable challenge to wildlife cameraman Simon King. 412 00:50:58,760 --> 00:51:02,200 I'm used to spending a lot of my life in wilderness areas, 413 00:51:02,200 --> 00:51:05,880 and being in a garden may sound like a domestic exercise, 414 00:51:05,880 --> 00:51:07,680 but it's every bit as wild. 415 00:51:07,680 --> 00:51:11,400 I'm under no illusion that this is going to be an easy task. 416 00:51:14,440 --> 00:51:18,360 At least Simon can expect a warm reception. 417 00:51:21,720 --> 00:51:24,400 I've probably known Simon for over 30 years now. 418 00:51:26,240 --> 00:51:28,240 Yeah, we just hit it off. 419 00:51:28,240 --> 00:51:31,120 There was a mutual interest about nature. 420 00:51:32,600 --> 00:51:34,360 Even with Matt's help, 421 00:51:34,360 --> 00:51:37,040 Simon will need all his experience 422 00:51:37,040 --> 00:51:40,000 to capture the pine martens on camera. 423 00:51:42,880 --> 00:51:47,200 He'll need to be ready before they emerge after dark. 424 00:51:47,200 --> 00:51:49,160 MIDGES BUZZ 425 00:51:49,160 --> 00:51:52,280 Oh, it's pretty midgey out here. Yeah, a few midges about tonight. 426 00:51:52,280 --> 00:51:53,480 I'll be thinking of you! 427 00:51:53,480 --> 00:51:56,000 SIMON CHUCKLES 428 00:51:53,480 --> 00:51:56,000 Have fun. Cheers, bud. 429 00:51:58,400 --> 00:52:02,800 No-one likes seeing an old friend draw the short straw. 430 00:52:02,800 --> 00:52:04,560 Aye, rather him than me, eh? 431 00:52:08,080 --> 00:52:11,960 Pine martens are extraordinary creatures 432 00:52:11,960 --> 00:52:16,360 and armed with the most acute senses, 433 00:52:16,360 --> 00:52:19,520 so filming them is challenging. 434 00:52:19,520 --> 00:52:21,920 Their hearing is fantastic. 435 00:52:21,920 --> 00:52:24,360 Even switching the camera like this, I'm going to... 436 00:52:24,360 --> 00:52:27,200 QUIET CLICK That clunk, that tiny little sound, 437 00:52:27,200 --> 00:52:28,720 they'll pick it up. 438 00:52:28,720 --> 00:52:32,760 They're very familiar with everything in their neighbourhood. 439 00:52:32,760 --> 00:52:34,920 Even putting a hide up like this 440 00:52:34,920 --> 00:52:38,600 runs the risk of slightly affecting their behaviour. 441 00:52:38,600 --> 00:52:40,560 It can be a very, very long wait. 442 00:52:41,760 --> 00:52:43,680 Sometimes you get absolutely nothing. 443 00:52:49,760 --> 00:52:52,320 HIGH-PITCHED BUZZING 444 00:52:52,320 --> 00:52:53,320 SIMON SIGHS 445 00:52:54,360 --> 00:52:56,600 Oh, the midges are getting a bit bad. 446 00:53:02,480 --> 00:53:04,280 Plenty of bites, 447 00:53:04,280 --> 00:53:06,880 but no sign of pine martens. 448 00:53:08,480 --> 00:53:11,080 That's it. There's so much light in the sky, 449 00:53:11,080 --> 00:53:14,120 I don't think we're likely to see a pine marten. 450 00:53:14,120 --> 00:53:15,920 I'm going to get some sleep. 451 00:53:21,240 --> 00:53:24,880 Simon just has to put in the hours. 452 00:53:29,040 --> 00:53:32,440 Several long, midgey nights later... 453 00:53:32,440 --> 00:53:34,480 SIMON WHISPERS: Oh, here we go, here we go. 454 00:53:34,480 --> 00:53:36,720 ..the light spilling from Matt's kitchen 455 00:53:36,720 --> 00:53:39,560 is enough for Simon's ultra-sensitive camera 456 00:53:39,560 --> 00:53:42,520 to capture the first magical shots. 457 00:53:42,520 --> 00:53:43,720 Yes. 458 00:53:44,800 --> 00:53:46,400 That is a great view. 459 00:53:49,520 --> 00:53:53,320 Well, that was a wait of about six hours. 460 00:53:54,720 --> 00:53:57,520 But it lights up the night, just their charisma, their... 461 00:53:58,520 --> 00:54:00,200 ..their presence. 462 00:54:00,200 --> 00:54:02,120 Very, very special neighbours. 463 00:54:05,600 --> 00:54:07,320 It's a start. 464 00:54:07,320 --> 00:54:10,560 But to find out what this pine marten is up to, 465 00:54:10,560 --> 00:54:15,480 Simon rigs the garden with an assortment of kit - 466 00:54:15,480 --> 00:54:17,280 camera traps, 467 00:54:17,280 --> 00:54:19,080 remote cams, 468 00:54:19,080 --> 00:54:21,520 and den cams. 469 00:54:22,640 --> 00:54:27,080 Simon and Matt check the footage every few days. 470 00:54:27,080 --> 00:54:31,520 They're slowly building a picture of the pine marten's movements. 471 00:54:33,920 --> 00:54:37,680 Matt is keen to see where she hunts. 472 00:54:38,920 --> 00:54:42,920 All the clues point towards the sand martin colony 473 00:54:42,920 --> 00:54:44,560 at the end of the garden. 474 00:54:51,760 --> 00:54:54,480 Yeah, the material's all been pulled out here. 475 00:54:54,480 --> 00:54:56,800 There's feathers there as well, look. Yeah. 476 00:54:56,800 --> 00:54:58,280 And scuff marks. 477 00:54:59,960 --> 00:55:03,880 Yeah, definitely had a pine marten there not that long ago. 478 00:55:03,880 --> 00:55:07,040 Then, more definitive evidence. 479 00:55:07,040 --> 00:55:09,680 OK. Classic remains. 480 00:55:09,680 --> 00:55:11,920 There you go. That's an adult wing. 481 00:55:11,920 --> 00:55:13,800 Must have grabbed that one in there. 482 00:55:13,800 --> 00:55:17,640 Time to set up yet more cameras... 483 00:55:19,200 --> 00:55:20,600 ..and wait. 484 00:55:27,800 --> 00:55:31,080 Now, it's the moment of truth. 485 00:55:34,920 --> 00:55:36,800 Oh, oh. 486 00:55:36,800 --> 00:55:39,200 OK, there we go. 487 00:55:39,200 --> 00:55:41,160 Coming across the top, look. 488 00:55:41,160 --> 00:55:44,640 Not successful though. Just shows, doesn't it, that they are... 489 00:55:45,800 --> 00:55:47,440 ..working that colony. 490 00:55:51,160 --> 00:55:52,640 It's like a cat. 491 00:55:52,640 --> 00:55:54,840 Just agile, eh? Mm. 492 00:55:54,840 --> 00:55:57,480 GASP 493 00:55:54,840 --> 00:55:57,480 Oh! 494 00:55:57,480 --> 00:56:00,880 Just as well these holes are three feet deep. Yep. 495 00:56:00,880 --> 00:56:03,600 Oh, there we go! Oh, that was close! 496 00:56:03,600 --> 00:56:05,000 That was a flush out. 497 00:56:05,000 --> 00:56:07,520 And got one! Yeah, yeah. 498 00:56:07,520 --> 00:56:09,320 Definitely. 499 00:56:09,320 --> 00:56:11,240 This is the first time we've had this view 500 00:56:11,240 --> 00:56:13,240 of this sort of hunting behaviour. 501 00:56:13,240 --> 00:56:15,600 No-one has ever filmed this before. 502 00:56:16,840 --> 00:56:19,360 But it's not an easy watch. 503 00:56:19,360 --> 00:56:20,880 Heart in mouth stuff, isn't it? 504 00:56:20,880 --> 00:56:24,400 Because the sand martins are such a charming feature, 505 00:56:24,400 --> 00:56:27,280 but, then, so are the pine martens, and the two coming together. 506 00:56:27,280 --> 00:56:29,280 Everything's interlaced, eh? 507 00:56:30,440 --> 00:56:35,040 It's rare to have a predator like this living in your garden. 508 00:56:36,240 --> 00:56:41,320 But thanks to Matt's wildlife-friendly approach, 509 00:56:41,320 --> 00:56:45,040 it's just one of an enchanting cast of animals 510 00:56:45,040 --> 00:56:48,520 whose secret lives Simon has revealed. 511 00:56:49,840 --> 00:56:52,240 It's been great having Simon here. 512 00:56:52,240 --> 00:56:55,640 All this intimate views of the creatures round the house 513 00:56:55,640 --> 00:56:59,040 has given me a better understanding and appreciation. 514 00:56:59,040 --> 00:57:02,640 And all the species that will keep on coming in. 515 00:57:02,640 --> 00:57:04,760 It's an exciting thing. 516 00:57:10,080 --> 00:57:12,520 Discover the wildlife on your doorstep 517 00:57:12,520 --> 00:57:14,400 with the Open University's 518 00:57:14,400 --> 00:57:17,520 Secret Garden interactive experience. 519 00:57:17,520 --> 00:57:21,920 Scan the QR code on screen now 520 00:57:21,920 --> 00:57:23,320 or head to...