Countryfile – Dame Judi Dench Special – In an exclusive, one-of-a-kind episode, the inimitable Dame Judi Dench opens up about her profound love for the great outdoors, with a special emphasis on the rugged and ethereal beauty of Scotland. She’s not just an aficionado of theater and film; the natural world has also had an indelible impact on her life. From idyllic picnics under the vast sky to nights spent camping amidst the whispering woods, Dame Judi has immersed herself in the rich tapestry of rural living. Moreover, she’s a stalwart supporter of the arts in these communities, recognizing the vitality and resilience that cultural contributions bring to far-flung locales.
Hosted by Charlotte Smith, this heartwarming chat takes place in the majestic backdrop of Inveraray Castle, where Dame Judi takes a reflective journey into how the serenity and simplicity of the countryside have shaped both her and her family’s lives. But did you know Dame Judi has another artistic feather in her cap? She is a remarkably gifted watercolourist whose muse has often been the breathtaking Scottish vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. The undulating hills and misty lochs provide endless inspiration for her brush strokes. Now, the real question on everyone’s lips is: How will she adapt to the medium of oils?
The episode features a special appearance by her loving grandson Sam, who accompanies her to inspect an intricately designed tartan fabric that’s being crafted just for her. This isn’t merely a tartan; each thread woven into it serves as a narrative strand, telling deeply personal stories from her life’s rich tapestry.
While the focus is often on Dame Judi, the episode also turns its lens towards her life partner, David Mills. Not just any farmer, David is an award-winning conservationist who transitioned from dairy farming to establish the revered British Wildlife Centre on his expansive Surrey estate. What’s the glue that binds these two kindred spirits? Interestingly enough, it’s their shared passion for wildlife, notably Dame Judi’s enchanting love for otters that initially sparked their connection.
To cap off this emotional and adventurous episode, wildlife filmmaker Hamza Yassin accompanies Dame Judi on what can only be described as a quest. Their mission? To help her achieve a long-held dream that has eluded her for years: witnessing the awe-inspiring sight of golden eagles soaring freely in their natural habitat. Hamza takes her to an undisclosed location, veiled in mystery and nature’s grandeur, as they set off to spot these majestic birds of prey in the wild.
In this remarkable episode, Dame Judi Dench reveals layers of her persona that many may find unexpected, yet thoroughly delightful. Through her artistic pursuits, commitments to community, and deep-rooted love for wildlife and the natural world, Dame Judi proves that she is indeed a woman of extraordinary depth and compassion. A must-watch for anyone who admires not just her work on the stage and screen, but also her lifelong dedication to causes that make our world a better, more beautiful place.
Countryfile – Dame Judi Dench Special
In a special episode, Dame Judi Dench reveals her love of the countryside – and Scotland in particular. From picnics to camping, saving the arts in rural communities and a lifelong passion for wildlife, the legend of stage and screen joins Charlotte Smith in the grounds of Inveraray Castle to reflect on the impact the countryside has had on her and her family.
A Passion for Painting
Dame Judi is a talented watercolorist, inspired by the lush greens and blues of the Scottish landscape. As a child, she would sit for hours trying to capture the beauty of the highlands and lochs with brushstrokes of vivid color. Though the actress is celebrated for disappearing into her many roles, painting allows Judi to express her true self.
“I find painting utterly absorbing and satisfying. When I’m focused on mixing the paints and deciding where to place each stroke, I become blissfully lost in the process,” she says. “It’s almost meditative for me.”
Judi primarily works in watercolor due to its unpredictable, fluid nature that mirrors the ever-changing light in Scotland. The pigments bleed into one another in unexpected ways, capturing the moodiness of the land. Though Judi has mastered the medium, she’s ready to try her hand at oils, seduced by their thick, buttery texture perfect for rendering detailed wildlife.
Charlotte Smith arranges for Judi to take an open-air painting lesson in the ruins of an old castle. Under the guidance of esteemed Scottish landscape artist Iain MacPhail, Judi creates her first oil painting depicting the craggy mountaintops surrounding Inveraray. Though initially hesitant about abandoning her favored watercolors, the richness of the oils soon wins Judi over. By the end of the lesson, she agrees to donate her maiden oil painting to a charity auction benefitting arts programs in rural schools.
Weaving a Tartan Tapestry
In addition to nurturing local artists, Judi wants to honor her Scottish roots in a personal way. She commissions weaver Diana Matthews to design an original tartan pattern that symbolizes key moments and relationships in Judi’s life. They meet at Diana’s studio to discuss the meaning behind each thread.
“Tartans tell a story through their colors and geometric shapes. Yours will be a tapestry of your journey,” explains Diana. She shows Judi samples of ancient tartans worn by Highland clans. Judi runs her fingers over the fabric, imagining the history woven into the brilliant plaids.
Diana suggests incorporating blue for Judi’s career highlights on the stage and silver for her film roles. Judi requests a crimson stripe to represent her passion for the dramatic arts and leaf green threads for her love of nature. Most meaningful are the navy blue and deep purple shades honoring Judi’s late husband and daughter.
“Though they’re gone, I carry their memory with me always,” Judi says softly.
Diana promises to blend all these elements into a tartan that encapsulates Judi’s story. She’ll weave the cloth into a scarf Judi can wear or display in her home. Preserving memories through craft and honoring those no longer with us are ancient Scottish traditions Diana is proud to continue.
Saving the Family Farm
While in Scotland, Judi visits her partner David Mills’ family farm, now home to the British Wildlife Centre. David gave up dairying to turn the 135-acre farm into an animal sanctuary and education facility focused on native species. Otters, in particular, hold a special place in Judi and David’s hearts.
“I was besotted with otters as a child when my father took me to the London Zoo. Their playful nature and whiskered faces enthralled me,” Judi recalls. “Sharing my passion for these engaging creatures brought David and I together.”
In the late 1980s, Judi funded an otter exhibit at the UK’s first otter sanctuary in Earsham, Norfolk. David was a volunteer there and met Judi during one of her visits. Captivated by their shared love of wildlife, the two forged an instant connection.
When David opened the British Wildlife Centre in 1997, otters were one of the first residents. Today the sanctuary provides a safe habitat for beloved but threatened native species like pine martens, wildcats, badgers, red squirrels, and water voles. Adam Henson of Countryfile tours the park with David to meet its furry ambassadors.
“Judi’s encouragement gave me the final push to make this dream a reality,” David tells Adam. “Now we’re able to teach 40,000 visitors a year about Britain’s incredible biodiversity.”
Judi’s passion for conservation lives on through David’s efforts to connect people with nature right in their own backyards. She couldn’t be prouder of the Wildlife Centre’s success.
A Lifelong Love of Golden Eagles
No other bird stirs Judi’s imagination like the golden eagle. As a child, she was awestruck by their wingspans stretching over six feet, sharp talons, and piercing yellow eyes. Something about their power and wildness called to Judi’s adventurous spirit.
“Seeing a golden eagle in flight has been on my to-do list for decades. Their mastery of the skies is magical to witness,” Judi says.
Luckily, Judi is in the perfect location to finally have an encounter with Scotland’s national bird. The highlands are home to around 500 breeding pairs who fiercely guard their mountainside territories. Wildlife expert Hamza Yassin takes Judi to a remote glen known as an eagle hotspot.
After hours of patient waiting and hearing only distant cries echoing off the cliffs, a juvenile golden eagle suddenly swoops low over the valley. Hamza sets up his spotting scope so Judi can admire every detail of the massive raptor from its razor-sharp beak to distinctive white V-shaped tail.
“Extraordinary, isn’t he?” Hamza grins. “Still honing his flying skills but already an impressive hunter.”
The eagle circles slowly on an updraft, scanning for mountain hares and other small prey. Judi watches, enraptured, as he banks and soars with innate grace. She burns the image of dark feathers gleaming golden in the sun into her memory.
“He’s more breathtaking than I ever imagined. I’m so grateful to have finally fulfilled this dream,” says Judi. She can’t stop smiling, moved by having witnessed one of nature’s finest sky dancers.
Reflections on a Life Well Lived
Sitting on a mossy stone wall after the golden eagle sighting, Judi reflects on what the countryside has given her. She values the tranquility it provides in contrast to her busy city life. Nature serves as a wellspring of inspiration for Judi’s painting and reconnects her to cherished childhood memories. Most of all, the land, arts, and wildlife of the Scottish countryside have shaped Judi into who she is.
“My family, my career, my passions – so much of what matters most can be traced back to experiences I had here,” Judi says.
From rolling green fields stitched with stone walls to craggy peaks echoing with eagle cries, the landscapes of Judi’s youth fuel her creativity. She’s determined to help safeguard the arts, culture, and biodiversity that nourish the soul. Though Judi has achieved international acclaim, her heart remains in the wild Scottish places she loves.
Conclusion
In this special episode of Countryfile, Dame Judi Dench gave viewers an intimate look at her enduring relationship with Scotland’s rural communities and wild landscapes. We saw her passion for painting capture the moods of the land she’s loved since childhood. She honored her family ties by weaving them into a tartan’s threads. The episode highlighted her advocacy for nature and the arts through the British Wildlife Centre and other organizations. And Judi finally fulfilled her dream of seeing the golden eagles that have captivated her imagination soar above the highlands. Her reflections on how Scotland’s countryside shaped her illuminate the power of place. Nature nurtures not just our bodies, but also our souls. Judi Dench’s story inspires us to seek out wild beauty wherever we can find it.
FAQ
**What is Dame Judi Dench best known for?**
Dame Judi Dench is best known for her extensive acting career on the stage and screen. She is celebrated for her roles in numerous Shakespeare plays, James Bond films, and other movies like Mrs. Brown, Philomena, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
**How did Dame Judi become involved with wildlife conservation?**
Dame Judi has had a lifelong passion for wildlife, particularly otters. Her support for an otter sanctuary brought her together with her partner David Mills, who later founded the British Wildlife Centre. Judi’s advocacy helps fund and promote sanctuaries focused on native British species.
**What inspires Dame Judi’s painting?**
Dame Judi is especially inspired by the landscapes of the Scottish countryside that she’s loved since childhood. She began painting in watercolor to try to capture the colors and moods of the land. On Countryfile, Judi created her first oil painting depicting the mountains near Inveraray.
**What is tartan?**
Tartan is a wool fabric woven in patterns of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical stripes and colored checks. Tartans are associated with Scottish culture and used to make kilts and other garments. The patterns and colors of a clan’s tartan told the story of their history.
**Why are golden eagles important to Scottish culture?**
The golden eagle is Scotland’s national animal. These magnificent raptors have wingspans over 6 feet wide and can live for decades. In Gaelic folklore, golden eagles represent bravery, strength, and vision. Around 500 breeding pairs make their home in the Scottish highlands.
