Through the Garden Gate - A Diary of the English Countryside with Wildlife Cameraman Stephen de Vere [DVD]

EMMY and BAFTA award-winning wildlife cameraman Stephen de Vere's film charts his unique and intimate experiences in the natural world discovered in his own backyard - the British countryside. Through the changing seasons of a year - Stephen observes and films the animals and birds hidden in hedgerows, woods and fields beyond his garden in Oxfordshire. Hearing only the sounds of the wild and the cameraman's narration, we re-live his experiences of being there to capture month-by-month highlights such as hares boxing, fox cubs at play, sparrowhawks mating and baby owls being fed in their nest. With patience, humour and skill he shares the cameraman's perspective of his local wildlife to both specialist and enthusiast alike - at the same time giving us first-hand insights into the making of a wildlife film. This film reminds us that you do not have to travel to all four corners of the world to get close to nature. 5% of the proceeds from the sale of this DVD goes to support the work of the Wildlife Trusts - a charity that looks after hundreds of nature reserves throughout Britain.

A wonderful portrait of a hidden corner of the English countryside, full of unexpected delights. By staying so close to home, and using his extraordinary filming skills, Stephen de Vere has revealed the secret nature of his own country parish, and reminded us just how magical our own landscape and wildlife can be. --Stephen Moss - Naturalist, author and broadcaster

Reviews

Sharp intakes of breath at the stunning scenery, sounds of awe and appreciation at the ingenuity of some of the wildlife and spontaneous comments such as "this is much more interesting than other wildlife films" (from an 11 year old) punctuated our viewing of this fabulous DVD. You almost feel as if you are walking through the countryside with Stephen as he talks about what he is seeing and shares his knowledge of the local birds and animals. It's beautifully filmed, has natural sounds and no music and would appeal to wildlife enthusiasts young and old. I've already bought 4 copies!

This is a beautiful film of wildlife in the English countryside through the seasons. The photography is exquisite, and the gentle commentary by Stephen is instructive and completely absorbing.There is no distracting music, just birdsong, frogs, wind, rain, and all the natural sounds that are never heard in television documentaries. I cannot recommend it highly enough, and have bought three copies.

This is a very special film as award winning cameraman Stephen de Vere shows you the natural world that lies just beyond your garden. Beautifully shot and full of intimate detail about the wildlife and his relationship with it, the film is a little gem of a documentary. It's a celebration of the extraordinary nature of ordinary nature and I'd much rather watch it than lions eating things in the Serengeti. I particularly liked the film of the long tailed tits making their magical little nest from gossamer and feathers. Would recommend this to anyone living in the UK who would like to know a little more about their wild neighbours.