In August, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Sir David Attenborough as he and the Planet Earth crew descended upon our Downe Bank nature reserve to film the opening sequence for the incredible third installment of the flagship series that is on our screens now.  

Downe Bank nature reserve is nestled on the outskirts of Bromley in Kent and has a rich history. Located close to Charles Darwin’s home, Down House, Downe Bank was one of his favourite places and helped to inspire his work. The Darwin family called this orchid-rich site “Orchis Bank.” Experts also consider Downe Bank as Darwin’s “Entangled Bank” that inspired the last paragraph of the Origin, where he summarised his theory of evolution by natural selection.   

Downe Bank was also the first reserve to be purchased by Kent Wildlife Trust in 1962. The reserve boasts a stunning array of wildflowers, including pyramid and bee orchids in the summer and vibrant bluebells in the autumn. In turn, the wildflowers support a thriving butterfly population. Hairstreak and brown argus butterflies flutter among the blooms.  

After several recces (pre-filming visits) with the Planet Earth crew to discern exactly which spot of Downe Bank David should walk on, drone footage opportunities and lighting discussions to capture the reserve’s natural beauty, filming day was finally upon us.

It was an early start for me; I arrived at around 7am and helped the crew set up. Downe Bank, unsurprisingly, consists of a very steep bank, so helping the crew carry heavy camera equipment to the heart of the reserve was an early-morning workout.

Not long after, whispers began to circulate that Sir David had arrived with his daughter, Susan. I patiently waited my turn to introduce myself. His warmth and appreciation for the beauty of the reserve were evident, and the brief conversation we had left a lasting impression. It was a real ‘pinch me’ moment, meeting the man who had influenced my life, as well as countless others’, to pursue a career in conservation and the protection of nature now and for future generations. 

Then, it was straight to work. The crew carefully escorted David up the bank as he walked the very steps that Charles Darwin had traversed centuries before amidst orchids, wildflowers and butterflies It was an extremely special moment to hear Sir David say ‘Welcome... to Planet Earth’ in real life in the same way that had captured the attention of people around the world.  

The most dramatic moment of the day was when a very loud lawnmower started up in the field below us, ruining the sound of every shot. I was tasked with locating this mystery lawnmower and persuading them to pause just for as long as it took for the perfect take.

At the end of a long day of filming, I presented David and Susan with a letter I had written on behalf of the Trust, expressing our admiration and gratitude for his lifelong dedication to conservation. To our astonishment, a few weeks later, we received a heartfelt handwritten reply from Sir David himself. His words were filled with gratitude, humility and encouragement. It was an incredible gesture that just highlighted his commitment to advocating a deep connection between humanity and the natural world.  

Then, on Sunday 22 October at 6.15pm, alongside millions of others, I watched as Sir David materialised on our screens at Downe Bank as he welcomed viewers to the new series (with no sound of a lawnmower anywhere to be heard, I might add).  

Despite the global, exotic locations covered in BBC Planet Earth III, it was Downe Bank that stole the hearts of the series producers; when asked about any unique wildlife encounters he had experienced in the making of the programme, Executive Producer Mike Gunton said: 

“My answer might surprise you because it doesn’t involve a remote location or an exotic species. It was actually a very simple moment. Our final day of filming for the series was with David in a quintessential English flower meadow on a sunny late summer's day. It was the very meadow that Charles Darwin used to observe and explore while he ruminated on his theories about the natural world and evolution. 

“Both David and I said it was truly magical and it gave me hope that if we can protect and restore and allow nature to work its miracles, then future generations will be able experience that magic for many years to come.” 

This sentiment was also echoed by Series Producer, Matt Brandon, who said: “That day we spent filming at Downe Bank Nature Reserve in Kent, with David, was just one of the most glorious days we had on set. It was peaceful, the sun was shining, the air was filled with butterflies and the grass was humming with life. 

As natural history filmmakers we are lucky enough to travel all over the world, but I’m equally amazed by the wildlife here at home. We must remember to appreciate the wildlife we have on our doorstep - it’s so special and needs our protection just as much as wildlife overseas.” 

For myself, meeting Sir David Attenborough amidst the stunning surroundings of Downe Bank Nature Reserve on a beautiful summer’s day was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It not only deepened my appreciation for the reserve's history and the beauty of its wildflowers and butterflies but also left me with an enduring sense of hope and inspiration to continue advocating for the preservation and restoration of the wildlife wonders found right here in Kent.  

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More about Downe Bank

• Address: Hang Grove Hill, Downe, Bromley BR6 7LH
• Access: Park in Downe village then take the public footpath on the right hand side of Cudham Road, just past Christmas Tree Farm, for 1/2 mile. Exit opposite Hang Grove track. Follow it downhill.
• OS Map Reference:  TQ706622

Learn more about Downe Bank