Free Screening of Ocean with Sir David Attenborough a hit with residents

As part of the nationwide Great Big Green Week – a celebration of community action to tackle climate change – Three Rivers District Council hosted a free community screening of Ocean with David Attenborough on Thursday, 12 June.

The film is the 99-year-old broadcaster’s most urgent documentary to date, highlighting the pressing threats, such as coral bleaching, plastic pollution, and destructive industrial fishing practices, all captured through groundbreaking underwater cinematography. Sir David made a heartfelt call to action which resonated deeply with the audience.

This sold-out event proved to be a tremendous success, drawing in hundreds of attendees of all ages who came together to reflect on the beauty—and fragility— of our planet’s oceans.

It was also an opportunity for them to engage directly with Three Rivers’ Climate Change and Sustainability team, who were on hand to offer advice, answer questions, and encourage local action.

Cllr Jon Tankard, the council’s Lead Member for Climate Change & Sustainability, said: “This powerful film is a timely reminder of the urgent need to protect our oceans and the natural world. It's not just about raising awareness — it’s about inspiring action.

“As the name of our area implies, we are lucky to have three rare bodies of water that runs through the district to the sea. As the custodians of these important streams, the council is committed to working with our partners to maintain and nurture these rivers for wildlife.

“We have been actively working to enhance local habitats and wildlife. One example is the Bury Grounds Biodiversity Project where we have introduced natural materials to improve the river flow and cutting some of the woodland to introduce more sunlight to the ground, encouraging a diversity of plant species to establish.

“Through these efforts, we hope to inspire more people to understand that by engaging with the protection of our local rivers, we are contributing to the global health of our oceans. By seeing our rivers as part of the broader journey toward ocean health, we can make more informed and impactful choices for the future.”

The event was part of a wider programme of climate and nature activities during Great Big Green Week, coordinated by Watford and Three Rivers Friends of the Earth, including workshops, nature walks, and community-led events. Residents were encouraged to find ways to get involved locally and build momentum toward a more sustainable future through local community groups or taking action at home.

What You Can Do: 5 Ways to Help Protect Our Oceans

Inspired by the film? Here are five ways individuals can make a real difference in supporting sustainable seafood and protecting marine biodiversity:

1. Reduce fish consumption – Eat fish less frequently and explore      plant-based alternatives to reduce pressure on marine ecosystems.
2. Choose sustainably sourced seafood – Look for certifications like MSC      (Marine Stewardship Council) or ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) when      buying fish.
3. Avoid endangered species – Skip overfished species like Atlantic      cod or bluefin tuna; opt for more abundant, sustainably managed stocks.
4. Support local, low-impact fisheries – Purchase from small-scale, local      fishers who use traditional, non-destructive fishing methods.
5. Educate and advocate – Share knowledge, support ocean-friendly      legislation, and encourage others to make informed seafood choices.

To learn about the environmental challenges and what you can do to help locally, please consider signing up to the council’s Greener Living Newsletter.