Judi Dench: My Passion for Trees

An intimate journey through the seasons to uncover the hidden lives and remarkable intelligence of trees, guided by Judi Dench’s lifelong passion.

Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench has long been captivated by trees. From childhood, she has objected to anyone cutting them down, and over the years she has nurtured her own woodland, sharing this passion with her late husband, actor Michael Williams, and continuing its care with her close companion, wildlife enthusiast David Mills.

Filmed across the seasons, this intimate documentary follows Judi as she explores the vital role of her woodland in both history and the future of the planet. Guided by leading tree scientists, ecologists, and historians, and using cutting-edge technology, she uncovers the secret lives of trees. Special microphones let her hear water pulsing through trunks, while 3D scanning reveals the full scale and structure of her favourite oak, showcasing its immense complexity.

Through the changing seasons, Judi witnesses trees drink, grow, communicate, and defend themselves against insects, disease, and extreme weather. She investigates the hidden networks beneath the forest floor—the underground fungi system known as the “wood wide web”—revealing how trees share resources and support the vulnerable members of their community. NASA satellite imagery highlights how forests act as crucial carbon-capturing machines, sustaining the planet.

Through her exploration, Judi experiences the woodland as a living community. She uncovers stories, secrets, and connections that reveal not just the intelligence of trees, but the profound ways they shape the world around them—and the part humans play in that story.