Tony Bergin

Farmer who befriended fox features in TG4 show

A retired farmer from South Offaly is to feature in a new TG4 documentary on how nature has responded to the pandemic.

Cumhacht an Nádúir is a two-part documentary by Red Pepper Productions. The first episode is to be shown on TG4 tomorrow (Wednesday). The second part will be screened on Wednesday, March 31, at 9.30pm

In the first episode of the series presenter Darach Ó Murchú met Tony Bergin a retired farmer, from Coolanure south of Birr. During lockdown, he’s been feeding and befriending a local fox he’s called Covey.

The documentary explores how the pandemic has led many of us to value and explore our natural surroundings.

The documentary considers if this greater awareness has been of any benefit to wildlife, and whether a greater natural balance can emerge from the lockdown experience.

Ó Murchú, an environmental educator who was given permission to travel outside of his own restricted area, visits 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.

Viewers will experience these locations during a near total absence of visitors and post-lockdown, the programme returns to evaluate how these landscapes could be better managed in the crucial years ahead. Wednesday's night's episode can be viewed on the TG4 player.