If there was an award for the world’s most beloved national treasure, David Attenborough would win without opposition. The gentle documentary giant has enchanted and taught us with his respectful, deep voice for decades. Now he is returning to his own roots.
There is little he has not done: he has crisscrossed the globe, uncovered the hidden corners of the earth and had his passport stamped more times than any globetrotter. But instead of exploring the Amazon or Congo, Sir David is now putting London in the spotlight. On New Year’s Day, you can look forward to an hour-long Attenborough special about Britain itself.
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Titled Wild London, we follow Attenborough back to the city he has called home for over 75 years. The documentary takes a closer look at the incredible animal world that surrounds the capital – from foxes in Finchley to goldfinches in Golders Green. The hour-long film airs on BBC One on 1 January at 18:30, and kicks off 2026 with an elegant and educational bang.
While London may not be the first place that comes to mind as an ecocentre, it has actually been voted the world’s greenest city and is home to a surprisingly rich animal world. Attenborough shows us how each species adapts and evolves to survive – from pigeons to parrots (although commuters aren’t included this time around, no matter how impressive our adaptation to the morning rush on the Northern Line must be). After observing – and living among – London’s wild animals for decades, Attenborough now shares his knowledge and love of the city with us – as the ideal (virtual) guide.
Attenborough, who has lived in Richmond for nearly seventy years, describes London as “a city full of hidden natural wonders.” Produced in partnership with the London Wildlife Trust, this heartfelt special airs just before the beloved biologist and presenter’s 100th birthday in May.
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