BIRDS CHIRP
Silence is complicity.
Inaction is death.
Nature is not for sale.
Preservation, not corporate greed.
Oi!
Fight for the future.
Anyone? We were meant to start the first performance at 11.
Yeah, OK, so don't panic,
but there's a lorry blocking the entrance.
It's causing chaos.
You're kidding.
Well, Jimmi's trying to sort it.
Not that Al and Malika are here.
And I thought Kirsty would at least come to watch.
Yeah, well, her and Al aren't getting on.
I mean, I told her to leave it, but...
Are we starting soon, or what?
A bit pointless without an audience.
Maybe that's a sign.
What's that? I'm just a little nervous.
Maybe I could film some fun content with these two for our socials.
Like, drum up some interest.
That would be good.
Sorry, it's just - this is important.
Why else do you think I would be dressed like this?
Let's do it, then.
Stay on the walkie-talkie.
Great. More evidence online of me looking like this.
Well, you knew that was the plan.
At least with a mask on, no-one will recognise you.
Things nosedived already?
..is not for sale.
Preservation, not corporate greed.
Loads of people are sharing it.
Stop worrying about what your folks will think.
I'm not.
Anyway, it's me on view, as usual.
Well, you're a better spokesperson.
We'd better get ready.
Haven't we done enough for today?
I thought you were committed. I am.
Understood why we're doing this. I do.
Then asking if we've done enough is a stupid question.
Nina to Jimmi. Any sign of anyone? Over.
If a theatre performance happens in the woods
and no-one is there to see it,
did it even happen?
We can hardly chuck in the towel, can we?
We could try.
Big success?
You wouldn't believe how many people we had here this morning.
Bit thin on the ground now, though, isn't it?
Thought I'd better come
and check no council regulations are being broken.
Welcome to The Beechwalk Promenade.
Hi. And madam, how did you hear about us?
I read about it online.
And she works at The Mill.
Look, housing is more important to the general public.
Or not.
Al, position.
Welcome, everyone! Please, come in.
I'm your beechwalk guide, Red Robin.
How twee.
Under the boughs we'll go and be brisk,
to tell my friends the beechwalk's at risk.
Sorry.
It's chaos out there, isn't it?
It's a relief to see it was just a broken-down truck
and not eco-idiots.
Eco-idiots? You know, the ones that block roads.
I nearly didn't bother coming,
but my daughter insisted I bring my grandkids.
No offence. Sorry.
Shall we go and meet our first friend?
Beneath the trees, there's lots to see and hear,
take it all in, before it might disappear.
Sorry. It's very...
..cute.
Aren't you on the council?
Councillor Munroe.
First up, he's black and he's white,
and usually seen at night.
But don't worry, don't fret,
here he comes from his sett.
Did Robin refer to me as friend?
The trouble with Robin is,
she thinks everyone should chirp like her,
but I have a different role to play in the ecosystem.
Listen up, badger, I come with important news,
but brace yourself, because this might bruise.
Some humans want to build their home here,
what do you think of that, my dear?
Oh, no.
For goodness' sake.
Won't someone give us badgers a break?
They've already built a road right through my foraging tracks.
And let's talk real estate.
My sett has been here for over 100 years,
handed down through generations of grumpy badgers.
You cannot build here.
I am protected.
Don't badgers spread disease like TB?
What? Who said that? Who said that?
Councillor.
I think you'll find actually, it's bovine TB.
And that's debatable. We're not to blame for everything.
Always coming at me with TB.
Why don't I come at you, with my tail right upside your head?
Do badgers do anything?
Sirrah, I am so pleased you asked that.
I am an omnivore.
I love eating worms,
and grubs, and fruit.
And then, when I go on my travels, do you know what I do?
I poop.
I poop so much! Great stinking mounds of the stuff.
And in my poop, there are seeds,
with the nutrients required to grow.
You see, us badgers, we encourage biodiversity.
So you cannot build over my part of The Beechwalk.
Now, there are some annoying, buzzing bees down yonder.
Why don't you go and shoo them away instead?
Bye-bye, badger, back to sleep you go.
But about your neighbour, I don't know.
So let's move on and see if we agree,
with what you said about Busy Bee.
You know, they're doing a decent job.
Maybe we should just...
With a nature pantomime? Seriously?
Besides, that councillor is here. We stick to the plan.
You make a great sarcastic badger.
Condescension?
No, honestly. Great.
Much better than I'd have done.
Do my ears deceive me?
Something you don't think you're an expert at?
Al, I came here to sort things out.
To bury the hatchet? Exactly.
Well, you'll have to remove it from my back first.
I prefer you as a badger.
Yeah, it was on the wrong channel.
That about sums up today.
I thought we'd have had more kids in the audience.
They seem to be enjoying it.
And the road's cleared, so that's good.
We're getting a bit of interaction online.
A bit isn't enough. We'd better move on.
Everybody, gather round.
This goes to show that you don't know
how much you'll miss bees
until...
I'm here.
I'm... I'm Bee.
Oh, Busy Bee, you must be tired from all that pollinating.
Other people's pollinating, actually.
Less bees means more work...
Sorry to interrupt your patter, but The Beechwalk is under threat,
and badger says the bees don't matter.
He said what?
Fight for the future! Fight for tomorrow.
Councillor Moron, you are taking our future for profit.
That's not true.
How dare you say such a thing?
This is disgraceful.
Everyone stay calm.
The time for calm is over.
Councillors like her line their pockets
while they destroy our vital green spaces.
That's slander.
You should be committing to more trees, to more preservation.
Until it's agreed The Beechwalk will be saved, we will not be moved.
Fight for the future.
Fight for tomorrow.
This is nice.
Just sitting in peace and nature.
If only we didn't have to perform.
You've taken to this way better than I thought you were going to.
Embrace the mask.
I should have stuck being the grumpy hedgehog.
It's much more my vibe at the moment.
Perhaps you can change your vibe to being foxy.
Become the character.
OK, Daniel Day-Hedgehog.
Do hedgehogs eat biscuits?
What is taking them so long?
Is glueing yourself to a tree eco-friendly?
We're both science students.
It's not going to cause any lasting damage to the tree.
Rip them off it.
That would be assault.
What gives you the right to ruin this for everyone?
There's more carbon dioxide in our atmosphere
than at any time in human history,
pushing us towards climate catastrophe.
You vandalised our offices this morning.
Is that really so important
when, on average, wildlife populations have decreased by 69%?
Dr Bulsara, best call it a day while this situation is dealt with.
I don't think that's necessary.
I'm not being put off by these crackpots.
My grandkids came along to enjoy the show.
Unfortunately, I am out of time.
Busy selling off public land to your mates?
Young lady, one day you'll realise
this world is not as simple as you'd like it to be.
People actually vote for you?
Well, I've had a lovely time.
Everyone can rest assured our final decision tomorrow
will consider all aspects.
Those that can, let's move on to our next stop.
The truth can't be ignored.
Zo? Now you speak up?
My hand is itching real bad.
Councillor. Would you like to give us an interview about today?
I'll remain impartial.
Such a shame your little play was hijacked.
It's a reflection of the strength of feelings about The Beechwalk.
You can't reason with people like that, though, can you?
Well, sometimes politeness can be confused with being reasonable.
We've got a lot of shots of you enjoying the play, though,
so you'll see them on our socials.
That's not going to make the slightest bit of difference.
Do you think she's right?
We need to be noisier online.
Hi, Craig, it's Beverly.
Yes, I know, I still owe you that drink.
I've got a story for you.
Have you heard about this nonsense around the Selly Heath beechwalk?
It's proper itchy.
You said.
What are you two playing at?
A lot of us have put a lot of effort into today.
You're naive.
Excuse me? You think adults playing dress-up
are going to inspire action?
We're engaging with people in an accessible and informative way.
It's not enough.
Zo, my hand.
And you think this aggressive approach will work?
And you think asking nicely will?
We need civil disobedience and direct action.
Zo.
My hand really hurts.
What's wrong with it?
Contact dermatitis.
You're having an allergic reaction to either the tree or the glue.
Did you bring anything to release yourself?
We weren't planning on going anywhere.
I'll fetch something. I'll be fine.
It's for the cause.
It could get much worse.
Amir, let her help you.
I'll be back.
Robin.
Sorry about them.
I don't know your actual name.
But that was great. You won me over.
You enjoyed it?
Absolutely. Just a shame about those idiots and their stunt.
I hope it didn't spoil it for you.
Not at all. The grandkids want to see it again.
Is that OK?
Absolutely. We go again in half an hour. Wonderful.
I'll try and rally some local friends for support.
Post on social media too.
Remember to use the hashtag.
I don't know how to hashtag, but no doubt the kids will enlighten me.
Nina? If it's the lad who's having the allergic reaction...
Yeah, it's not. Did they mention the performance?
"Extreme protestors terrified children
"at an am-dram performance at The Beechwalk this afternoon."
That's all they said about the play?
Well, it's mainly about the protestors
and their "unsavoury methods".
Children weren't terrified.
I can guess who's behind this.
It's getting quite a lot of attention online.
That family are still out there,
interview them about the lovely time they had.
We're tackling this negativity with positivity, OK?
Yes, boss.
They've made it look like I'm angry at the performance.
There's no mention of Fight for the Future,
no facts about the climate crisis,
no facts about the loss of green spaces.
My hand is killing me.
Will you shut up about your hand?
I'm the new local face of "Terrifying small children".
And the comments.
Don't. Don't read the comments.
"I know what I'd do if she scared my kids."
"Just lock them up." "That...
"That girl needs a slap."
Something's really worked.
This is amazing. Scarlett's done a great job online.
We've even got a reporter.
Send them down in a few minutes?
OK. We're reaching people.
We have a chance.
All right, if everyone could listen to me, please?
If you could start to gather around for me. Excellent.
Zo, talk to me, please?
What's happened?
That stupid article with even stupider comments.
I'd agree with that analysis.
Wash your hands, and I'd advise an over the counter antihistamine.
And if it gets worse, or doesn't improve,
seek further medical advice.
Zo, don't let this get to you.
You can stay, but there's an audience
and a journalist about to come through. A journalist?
Please don't take attention away from the performance.
Please. Get me off. What?
Unstick me.
I'll still sit here with you.
People are coming. People have called us names before.
Wait, don't... Zo!
That was silly.
Let's see.
It needs a dressing. Wait here.
When I'm done, I'll do it for you. Wait.
Talk to me. I've just had enough.
Welcome, all, I'm Robin, your host and guide.
Hi, Robin.
I hope, for you, Badger was well behaved,
I know he's keen for his home to be saved.
But here beneath the trees there's plenty more to see,
so let me introduce my next friend, Ms Busy Bee.
Ms Busy Bee!
Hi, Robin, can't stop, too much to do.
Queen Bee will be mad.
Sorry to interrupt your patter, but The Beechwalk's under threat,
and Badger says that bees don't matter.
He said what? Us pollinators are responsible
for one out of every three mouthfuls of your food.
One third?
And bees are worth Â£690 million for the UK economy...
Leave her alone.
Gosh, I give up.
Don't ruin this again.
Why are people's priorities so messed up?
She's selflessly given her time to make a difference.
Selfless?
Don't you think we'd rather be studying, or just being young?
Nobody's stopping you.
No, just the fact that everything's pointless
if we don't have a habitable Earth.
I understand you're here with good intent,
but what will you do after you've been entertained?
Go home and back to normal? Hope for the best?
Or leave it to someone else?
Well, we're someone else.
Doing it because you won't.
That's hard to follow.
Further on, I have a neighbour who doesn't do much at all.
Come on, all, let's go and see,
if Bee's neighbour is really lazy.
This friend is shy and getting harder to find,
but despite her spikes is usually quite kind.
I think she's hiding behind that log,
let's gently call out for Mrs Hedgehog.
ALL: Hedgehog! Hedgehog! Hedgehog!
Hello, who's there? I can't see very well.
It's me, Robin, glad to find you in.
Well, it's not a good time, I'm afraid.
I'm feeling very grumpy because I've recently found out
that I am "vulnerable to extinction."
I'm afraid I've no news of joy or merriment,
the Beechwalk's being eyed for development.
Oh, this is absolutely desperate.
Human beings are just... argh!
Curse these little legs.
Oh, laugh, why don't you?
I don't know why I am bothering
when British woodlands are being decimated
and we are being fobbed off with lip service and rhetoric.
We can see you're passionate about this, Hedgehog.
Oh, I am many things, Robin.
I'm enraged that tree targets have been reduced by one third,
with never a priority given to native trees.
I'm incensed that 7% of British woodland
is considered to be in good condition.
And I am absolutely enraged to hear that it's 1%,
only 1% has it increased in the last 20 years.
And yet... And yet we are having a debate
about whether we should cut down these trees or any others.
Is nobody paying attention?
And not to mention the fact that coming to places like this
can help with anxiety and depression,
and we are taking these places away from our children
who already live in an increasingly chaotic,
deprived and anxiety-inducing world.
Really?
Hedgehog.
You've given us plenty to think about.
Um...
We'll do our best to protect your nest.
Yes.
And further on, you will find a real pest.
Do you want to watch it back?
I've reached my own tipping point.
I guess I got one degree hotter.
It's just a few keyboard warriors
who are scared of the truth, so they lash out.
We're wasting our time.
People think we're the enemy.
We're getting there.
People still want it sugar-coated
with plays about talking animals.
I don't know, maybe they managed to make a difference.
We haven't.
You don't think we made an impact?
That we didn't bring more attention to this?
Let's go have fun.
Party like it's the end of the world. Why?
Because it is. We're not giving up.
I have been protesting since I was 14.
I spend all my time worried or angry.
You just need a break.
There's no time.
We're screaming into a void.
Let's get your hand seen to, and then we'll decide what to do, OK?
Bushy-tailed and known to be sly,
yet the truth is, he's also quite shy.
He's seen in town or country,
let's welcome our Mr Foxy.
I wasn't expecting so many people.
I don't want to put you to the test,
but one of your neighbours said you're a pest.
Could a pest look this good?
I just go wherever the food is,
and I'm excellent at keeping those rodent numbers down.
Who called me a pest, anyway?
Was it that grumpy hog?
Or was it Mr Handsome?
Well, unlike some, us urban foxes
are very good at regulating the population.
We're smart like that, adaptable.
So where will you go if The Beechwalk is no more?
The question is, where will you all go when The Beechwalk
or beechwalks everywhere are no more?
Hmm.
Not a nice thought, is it?
So do something about it, and trust me,
there's nothing foxier than saving the environment.
Now, I've got to go and have a word with that prickly little beast.
Remember, the council's decision is tomorrow.
Email them, spread the word,
and use our hashtag.
Didn't you enjoy it second time round?
First time, I was entertained.
Second time, I realised how serious it is.
How long until they realise we've messed it all up for them?
Kids shouldn't have this to worry about.
That's why we have to do all we can.
How are we, Team Social Media?
We are getting so many likes and shares, I can't actually keep up.
Yeah, we're putting the performances online soon now as well,
so hopefully there'll be even more people.
My favourite bit is Zara falling over, though.
I want to say it was a success, but I don't want to jinx anything.
Well, you did a great job.
Tomorrow will tell if we did enough.
Nina? You OK?
Could you help me with one more thing?
What we've done today, you may think silly,
a waste of time,
or maybe just not enough.
We had young protestors here you may think were extreme.
But what I've realised is this.
Debating the right and wrong way to bring about change
is wasting time we don't have.
While we turn against each other, more of our green spaces
and vital natural environment are lost.
Maybe forever.
And for what? A few to get rich?
What use is money or possessions when our world becomes unliveable?
Maybe you think this is some sort of "woke" conspiracy?
Not as bad as it's being made out to be?
Well, if you won't listen to Sir David Attenborough,
who knows why you'd listen to me?
We can't afford to be silent.
We've taken nature for granted for too long.
We're at a tipping point.
This problem is beyond any one person or nation,
so let's start with the places on our doorsteps.
Because this isn't just happening somewhere else.
It affects us all.
We need to care.
The time is now.
You should pay me to do your social media. Why?
Because I posted a video of you as the sexy fox
and the internet is losing its mind.
Well, it's good news that the Naproxen is working.
That means next time you have a flare-up,
we can quickly get that under control. Next time?
How often is it going to happen?
I can't get out of it early. Why?
If all goes well, you'll be out of here within a month.