The power of nature during this pandemic explored in TG4 documentary

A positive consequence of the coronavirus is the way in which it has led many of us to value and explore our natural surroundings.
By Darryl Armitage
Published 10th Mar 2021, 13:35 BST
Updated 10th Mar 2021, 16:58 BST
Cumhacht an Nádúir, a new two-part documentary for TG4, viewers find out if this greater awareness has been of any benefit to wildlife, and whether a greater natural balance can emerge from the lockdown experience is presented by Darach " MurchúCumhacht an Nádúir, a new two-part documentary for TG4, viewers find out if this greater awareness has been of any benefit to wildlife, and whether a greater natural balance can emerge from the lockdown experience is presented by Darach " Murchú
Cumhacht an Nádúir, a new two-part documentary for TG4, viewers find out if this greater awareness has been of any benefit to wildlife, and whether a greater natural balance can emerge from the lockdown experience is presented by Darach " Murchú

Access to wilderness areas, coastlines and parklands has provided much needed solace during this pandemic.

In Cumhacht an Nádúir, a new two-part documentary for TG4, viewers find out if this greater awareness has been of any benefit to wildlife, and whether a greater natural balance can emerge from the lockdown experience.

What happens when sites fall strangely and beautifully silent, when nature is given a chance to breathe and to revive? Has this twelve-month period implanted a greater need to protect and expand our wilderness areas?

In the hands of presenter Darach Ó Murchú, an environmental educator who was given permission to travel outside of his own restricted area, we visit some of Ireland’s most celebrated destinations and tourist sites: Malin Head, the Blaskets, Glendalough, and Garnish Island, as well as community spaces and local areas of beauty.

The documentary captures these locations during a near total absence of visitors and we consider how wildlife has behaved in their absence.

Post-lockdown, the documentary returns to evaluate how these landscapes could be better managed in the crucial years ahead.

This pandemic and the successive lockdowns have not only piqued our interest in nature, but the hope is they might prompt long-terms adjustments in lifestyle and, by doing so, curtail our carbon emissions.

Presenter Darach " Murchú and John Bhaba Jeaic "'ConghailePresenter Darach " Murchú and John Bhaba Jeaic "'Conghaile
Presenter Darach " Murchú and John Bhaba Jeaic "'Conghaile

There is a need to reintroduce displaced native species, prevent further loss of natural habitat and replenish our bog and wilderness areas.

The pandemic has shown that we are willing to accept and embrace change; it has also encouraged us to explore local initiatives that improve wildlife populations and biodiversity.

Filming took place between March and early December and the episodes take in a panorama of sights during the lockdown experience.

While everyone were cocooning or self-isolating, or taking walks and runs within the two and five-kilometre radius set by the Republic’s authorities, what was happening to some of our most celebrated and spectacular locations? How have natural sites, that usually fuel an entire economic sector, been affected by months of abandonment? And what can we learn from all of this?

Cumhacht an Nádúir is presented by Darach Ó Murchú and will be broadcast on TG4 on 24th and 31st March 2021, 9.30pm.