Countryfile Season 23, Episode 50: 05/12/2010

1

January 3, 2010

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury re-kindle some animal magic when they look back at the close encounters they've had with the creatures at the heart of our countryside. They get up close to some of our best loved native animals at the British Wildlife Centre in Surrey, including some frisky foxes, otters and some very shy red squirrels.

60 min

2

January 10, 2010

In this special edition of the programme, Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury head for the Isle of Man to take a look back at some of their favourite places from the series so far. Julia takes the plunge coasteering off the Pembrokeshire coast, Matt experiences perfect peace in the Durham Dales and John Craven is in search of the beavers that have been reintroduced into the Scottish countryside.

60 min

3

January 17, 2010

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury explore the Kennet and Avon canal in Wiltshire which is celebrating its 200th anniversary, while John Craven investigates food waste including claims that up to half of the produce grown on some of our farms never even finds its way to the supermarket shelves. Adam Henson gets to grips with the big freeze as he battles through the snow to make sure all his animals are fed and watered. Plus Katie Knapman heads to Cambridgeshire to have a go at fen-skating.

60 min

4

January 24, 2010

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury head for Jersey to lend a hand with potato planting and to find out how the island's infamous war tunnels are being given a new lease of life. Jules Hudson takes to the skies with the scientists conducting an aerial survey of Scotland's grey seal population, and there are new arrivals on the farm as Adam Henson's sows give birth. Tom Heap finds out about controversial plans to dispose of the waste from ten new nuclear power stations underground.

60 min

5

January 31, 2010

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury are in the Cairngorms, a part of Scotland which has seen its heaviest snowfall in more than a decade. Matt makes the most of the icy conditions by taking part in the annual sled dog rally and finding out what makes a good racing husky. Julia helps to create a snow hole, which can offer a lifeline for people caught out in the mountains. Back on his farm in the Cotswolds, Adam Henson ensures his sheep and cattle get what they need to stay healthy through the winter, and John Craven heads to Herefordshire to investigate one of the biggest issues in rural Britain - its ageing population.

60 min

6

07/02/2010

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury are in the Yorkshire Dales, to see how one of the world's greatest railways is keeping communities together. They also re-home some travelling cave spiders and explore a remote location which inspired one of the finalists in the Countryfile Photographic Competition. On his Cotswold farm, Adam calls in a horse whisperer to help him move some stubborn Exmoor ponies. Meanwhile John Craven investigates the demise of our dairy farms and asks whether there is any way to make money out of milk.

60 min

7

14/02/2010

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury explore the area around Long Mynd in Shropshire. Matt finds out why setting fire to the hillside is not as damaging as it sounds, while Julia tries to catch a glimpse of the red grouse, one of the county's wildlife success stories. Meanwhile, Countryfile's resident farmer, Adam Henson, takes some rare breed sheep back to their roots, and John Craven investigates the massive growth in offshore windfarms.

60 min

8

21/02/2010

Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker explore the wetlands known as the Somerset Levels and visit the limestone cliffs of Cheddar Gorge. On his farm in the Cotswolds, Adam Henson discovers why farming is one of the most dangerous professions. Meanwhile, John Craven investigates the effectiveness of domestic energy-generating devices such as solar panels and wind turbines.

60 min

9

28/02/2010

Matt and Julia explore the Wye Valley, a dramatic limestone gorge on the Welsh border, and Julia takes to the water to explore the landscape that earned the Wye its reputation.

60 min

10

07/03/2010

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury head for Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland to get a sneak preview of a spectacular plan to light all 73 miles of the iconic landmark as part of its 1,600th anniversary celebrations. Elsewhere, John Craven investigates why culling certain species of animals can help to conserve others and asks if the costs outweigh the benefits. James Wong looks at the future of food production and examines whether vertical farming - growing food on walls - could help feed our cities, while Adam Henson is hoping spring has finally sprung down on the farm when he scans his ewes to see how many lambs he can expect this season.

60 min

11

14/03/2010

Matt Baker heads for the Severn Estuary in Gloucestershire to surf one of the wonders of the natural world - the infamous Severn Bore - while Katie Knapman finds out what the Slimbridge bird reserve is doing to prepare for its spring arrivals. Cornwall is the destination for John Craven who investigates whether fishermen need to radically change the way they do business if they're to save the industry from collapse. Plus James Wong discovers how appearing in a movie blockbuster can transform the fortunes of cash-strapped stately homes and, in the run up to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Adam Henson discovers how his goats are ideal companions for thoroughbred race horses!

60 min

12

21/03/2010

Julia Bradbury takes to the skies over Wales on a mission to help restore the peat bogs that criss-cross the Brecon Beacons, while Matt Baker heads deep underground to explore one of the UK's most important caving systems. John Craven returns to Cumbria - four months after the big floods - to see how farmers are coping with the clear-up operation. And, spring may be in the air, but Katie Knapman's been to a part of the Lake District which is still in the grips of the big freeze - ideal conditions for ice-climbing. Down on Adam Henson's farm, there are plenty of new arrivals but his plans to boost farm income with a fun ride aren't going so smoothly - and it's all because of our unpredictable weather!

60 min

13

28/03/2010

Julia Bradbury and her dad go walking in Dovedale, where she first fell in love with the great outdoors. Matt Baker goes on exercise with a team dedicated to fighting wild fires, and finds out why a helicopter comes in handy. A mysterious hole has opened up in one of Adam Henson's fields, just what is down there? Meanwhile John Craven investigates plans for Britain's largest dairy herd.

60 min

14

04/04/2010

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury head for the Brighton Downs in Sussex to find out about the rise of urban shepherds, why water voles are making a comeback and to mark the 150th anniversary of Brighton's Outdoor Swimming Club - an unseasonal dip in the briny. John Craven meets rural campaigners fighting against the invasion of supermarkets but are they local heroes or villains standing in the way of progress? Jules Hudson discovers how you can experience the thrills of off-roading without carving up the countryside. Plus, the new arrivals are coming thick and fast down on Adam Henson's farm but not all sheep are natural mothers as he discovers.

60 min

15

11/04/2010

Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker head for the Essex countryside to explore the landscape that inspired artist John Constable and to find about a natural approach to flood management. Matt's also in search of Britain's only venomous snake - the adder - while Julia meets the ex-prisoner who believes pig farming has saved her from a life of crime. John Craven investigates dire predictions that hundreds of our native animals are in danger of extinction while, down on Adam Henson's farm, the new arrivals are coming thick and fast - and it's not just lambs. Plus self-confessed map addict Jules Hudson heads to Loch Ness to find out if can chart a course as easily on water as on land.

60 min

16

18/04/2010

Julia Bradbury heads to Ennerdale in the Lake District to find out what is being done to make this wild and wonderful landscape wilder still, while Matt Baker gets to grips with hound-trailing, one of Cumbria's oldest and most popular sports. John Craven investigates predictions that we are going to need 60,000 new farmers and workers to keep British agriculture afloat, and looks at whether anyone can become a farmer. James Wong finds out how freezing temperatures back in the winter of 2009 are still affecting some of our most precious wildlife. Plus a look at what happened when Adam Henson put the animal-handling skills of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Dorothys to the test down on the farm.

60 min

17

25/04/2010

Julia Bradbury heads to Ennerdale in the Lake District to find out what is being done to make this wild and wonderful landscape wilder still, while Matt Baker gets to grips with hound-trailing, one of Cumbria's oldest and most popular sports. John Craven investigates predictions that we are going to need 60,000 new farmers and workers to keep British agriculture afloat, and looks at whether anyone can become a farmer. James Wong finds out how freezing temperatures back in the winter of 2009 are still affecting some of our most precious wildlife. Plus a look at what happened when Adam Henson put the animal-handling skills of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Dorothys to the test down on the farm.

60 min

18

02/05/2010

In a special edition of Countryfile, Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury celebrate the spirit of adventure when they head for the National Mountain Centre in North Wales to look back at some of their favourite countryside activities from the last year. Julia gets a bird's eye view of the countryside when she tries her hand at microlighting before taking to the water for a boating regatta on the Norfolk Broads. Meanwhile, Matt relies on pedal power to explore the Brecon Beacons and takes on the might of the Severn Bore using a surfboard.

60 min

19

Spring Special

Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker head off on a trip through the New Forest, to celebrate the height of Spring. After catching their lunch in the seas off the Hampshire coast, Julia spends the night under the stars in a geodome - the last word in camping chic. The next morning, she and Matt discover how to record the Spring dawn chorus for posterity. Meanwhile, John Craven finds out what truly seasonal food is available in Spring, and Katie Knapman goes star spotting in the UK's only Dark Skies Park.

60 min

20

09/05/2010

Matt Baker heads to Lacock in Wiltshire to discover why it's a ready-made backdrop for period dramas. It's also the birthplace of photography, making it the ideal place for John Craven to launch the Countryfile Photographic Competition for 2010. Fellow judge Jo Brand proves you don't have to be a hot shot to get good results while wildlife presenter and photographer Chris Packham has some expert advice to inspire you to grab your camera and go for glory. Down on the farm Adam Henson's on tenterhooks as his cattle are re-tested for TB. Will they go clear of the disease this time? Plus the challenges of farming bison, and a look at whether the UK be growing more food and importing less.

60 min

21

16/05/2010

Matt Baker heads to Snowdonia National Park, where he hitches a ride on a train that relies on the laws of gravity to move it, and finds out about the challenges of farming on the side of the highest mountain in Wales. Joining him is Ellie Harrison, who meets the man who's come up with a novel way of growing mushrooms and discovers what is being done to control the foreign invaders threatening our native wildlife. John Craven is in the Orkney Islands in Scotland to investigate controversial plans to harness energy from the sea, while Adam Henson's got some expert advice for Kate Humble as she gets to grips with pig production on her smallholding in Wales.

60 min

22

23/05/2010

Ellie Harrison puts her faith in Cedric Robinson, the Queen's official guide to the treacherous sands of Morecambe Bay, while Matt Baker trains with the RNLI rescue crews who spring into action when disaster strikes. John Craven heads to Wales to investigate controversial plans to cull hundreds of badgers in an effort control bovine TB, while Adam Henson puts his young apprentice through his paces down on the farm. As railway enthusiasts get ready to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Great Western Railway, Katie Knapman finds out why steam trains continue to provoke such passion. Plus why salt marsh lamb is becoming increasingly popular with chefs.

60 min

23

30/05/2010

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury head to Adam Henson's farm in the Cotswolds to look back at some of the highlights of his farming calendar and to get a progress report on some of the animals we've met along the way. It's been a year of real drama for Adam - from the highs of a successful lambing season to the lows of losing prize cattle to bovine TB. Matt also gets a chance to put his sheep shearing skills to the test while Julia gives Adam's prize bull a wash and brush-up in an effort to entice a prospective buyer.

60 min

24

04/06/2010

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury head to Adam Henson's farm in the Cotswolds to look back at some of the highlights of his farming calendar and to get a progress report on some of the animals we've met along the way. It's been a year of real drama for Adam - from the highs of a successful lambing season to the lows of losing prize cattle to bovine TB. Matt also gets a chance to put his sheep shearing skills to the test while Julia gives Adam's prize bull a wash and brush-up in an effort to entice a prospective buyer.

60 min

25

06/06/2010

Matt Baker heads to Slapton Sands in Devon on the 66th anniversary of D-Day to discover how a training exercise cost 749 American troops their lives, and finds out why this area is now being used to train a new generation of military recruits. Julia Bradbury's on the freshwater lagoon which also played a part in training for the Normandy invasion to discover what's being done by modern day King Canutes to hold back the sea water and protect this fragile freshwater lake. John Craven investigates the dairy industry practice of killing male calves and goats at birth and asks if there's an alternative. While Matt looks at the current fashion for micropigs, Adam takes a journey back in time to find out about their Iron Age ancestors.

60 min

26

13/06/2010

Adam Henson and Ellie Harrison are in the picturesque Vale of Evesham, for the annual asparagus harvest. Adam gets busy taking this iconic crop to auction and helps a family determined to live the good life on their small-holding. Ellie gets close to some of nature's newest arrivals at a wildlife rescue centre, as well as finding out how flood defences on the River Avon are helping the flora and fauna that make this place so special. John Craven is in the West Country investigating why raw sewage is being allowed to pollute the seas just off some of our most popular resorts. And he discovers that cleaning up our coast isn't as straightforward as it sounds. Jules Hudson is all at sea with a team of women rowers determined to get into the record books.

60 min

27

20/06/2010

Ellie Harrison and Adam Henson explore the contrasting landscapes of Northumberland. Ellie's on the wild, unspoilt Farne Islands helping scientists discover more about one of our most iconic birds, the puffin. Back on dry land, Adam finds out just what challenges face one farmer in his struggle to go organic. With genetically modified crops back on the political agenda, John Craven investigates whether GM should be welcomed or banned forever. James Wong has a look at a traditional British crop that might just surprise you.

60 min

28

27/06/2010

Adam Henson and Ellie Harrison head for Lough Erne in Northern Ireland where they find out about the fight against the zebra mussel, a foreign invader threatening the future of the marine environment, and help a farmer move his rare-breed pigs to their summer grazing on an island in the middle of the Lough. John Craven investigates why the number of pollinating insects is declining at such an alarming rate and what is being done to reverse the situation. Plus Katie Knapman joins enthusiasts from all over the world who are converging on the Wirral to celebrate the joy of kite-flying.

60 min

29

04/07/2010

John Craven speaks exclusively to Prince Charles about his new scheme to connect shoppers to the countryside, and discovers how it will help rural communities most in need. Adam Henson and Ellie Harrison head for the Howardian Hills in North Yorkshire to find out about a pioneering project to use river water to generate electricity - without harming the fish who live there - and why our graveyards are an unlikely haven for wildlife. Plus Julia Bradbury discovers how turning a chunk of cheese into a piece of art is helping put Farmhouse Cheddar onto the food map of Great Britain.

60 min

30

Summer Special

Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker head to the Shropshire Agricultural Show, with their two temperamental sheep, to compete for a cherished 'Best in Breed' rosette. Under the tutelage of Countryfile's Cotswold farmer Adam Henson, they're up against some of the top breeders in the country. While Matt and Julia prepare for the show, John Craven goes on a summer hike around our coastal paths and discovers there more obstacles than he expected; James Wong heads to Cornwall to see some unexpected summer crops; Katie Knapman goes canoeing and wild camping in the Scottish Highlands ... and, after twenty years out of the saddle, Jules Hudson learns how to become an expert horseman.

60 min

31

25/07/2010

Ellie Harrison and Adam Henson explore the town of Holmfirth, home for nearly forty years to BBC sitcom Last of the Summer Wine, and the Yorkshire countryside that surrounds it.

60 min

32

01/08/2010

Ellie Harrison and Adam Henson visit the area around Coniston Water in the Lake District. Adam helps one of the local farmers round up his Herdwick sheep, a breed known for their hardy nature and their mass of tangled fleece. Ellie finds out how the sound of local slate is being used to create music. John Craven is also in the Lake District, finding out if the recent heavy rain the north of England has made any real difference to the drought conditions.

60 min

33

08/08/2010

Ellie Harrison and Adam Henson are in the English Midlands to mark the 20th anniversary of the National Forest. The planting of millions of trees has transformed a landscape scarred for generations by mining. Adam finds out what it takes to survive outdoors in the heart of the forest, while Ellie explores the arboretum planted in honour of our fallen service men and women. John Craven heads to Northumberland on the trail of salmon poachers, and James Wong is in Norfolk to help with the annual lavender harvest.

60 min

34

15/08/2010

Adam Henson is in Lincolnshire, an agricultural stronghold where the fertile soil is particularly good for growing vegetables. But it's peas that Adam is interested in as he joins the race to get them picked. He also meets the farmer who's now the biggest bird seed supplier in the UK, and Ellie learns the language of bees. Meanwhile, John Craven investigates why rural communities across the UK are at war with the opencast coal industry, and Jules Hudson takes to the skies to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

60 min

35

22/08/2010

Adam Henson and Ellie Harrison visit Dorset to explore a stretch of coastline which tells us much about the history of life on earth. Often called The Jurassic Coast, the crumbling cliffs of Dorset reveal fossils dating back millions of years. And there are also more hidden gems under the water off the Dorset coast: rare seahorses. At this time of year, the males are about to give birth, as Ellie finds out when she dives down to see them. John Craven is in Herefordshire to investigate the effect of music festivals on our countryside. Who cleans up the mess after the bands and their fans have packed their backs and headed back to the city? Also James Wong meets the man who's determined to save our wild flower meadows.

60 min

36

29/08/2010

Adam Henson and Ellie Harrison are in the Shropshire town of Ludlow, to help them celebrate the tenth anniversary of the local farmers' market. Ellie and Adam investigate the history of farmers' markets and look back to the nineties when John Craven reported on this new phenomenon from the streets of Los Angeles. In Ludlow, Adam takes on a local farmer in a cook-off, to see which of them produces the tastiest sausage, while he and Ellie look back at some of the food-related topics Countryfile has covered in the last twelve months.

60 min

37

05/09/2010

Ellie Harrison explores the countryside around the source of the Thames. She finds out why the source of our longest river isn't always in the same place, before heading up one of the rivers that feeds the Thames, to meet the team that run the UK's only privately-owned palace, Blenheim. John Craven is on the south coast to investigate how inspectors make sure our imported food is up to scratch, and Adam Henson is back on the farm to see how the summer weather has affected his crops and his livestock.

60 min

38

12/09/2010

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury explore the coast and countryside around St David's in Pembrokeshire. Julia goes whitewater kayaking, and discovers how the area's fierce tides can generate clean, green power. Meanwhile, John Craven is just along the coast in Milford Haven investigating the legacy of the massive oil spill there fifteen years ago.

60 min

39

19/09/2010

Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker explore the South Downs and discover why the beautiful Cuckmere Valley could soon be reclaimed by the sea. John Craven, Jo Brand and Chris Packham choose the 12 finalists in this year's Countryfile Photographic Competition. Adam Henson is in the Gloucestershire countryside getting an exclusive insight into the newly launched vaccination programme for badgers, designed to prevent the spread of bovine TB.

60 min

40

26/09/2010

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury explore the Cheshire countryside around the towns of Knutsford and Alderley Edge. Matt goes underground to find out about the ancient mines beneath The Edge, while Julia discovers how bats and newts have learned to live with the roar of super-size jumbo jets at Manchester Airport. Meanwhile, John Craven investigates the recent rise in rural crime, and Adam Henson hosts a fun ride for horse owners on his farm in The Cotswolds.

60 min

41

03/10/2010

Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker find out about the 100-year project to expand Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, England's last remaining area of traditional undrained fenland. Following a series of attacks in towns and cities, John Craven investigates whether foxes are truly becoming an urban menace, and Adam Henson discovers how sharing his expertise and machinery with neighbouring Cotswold farmers can make his business more sustainable.

60 min

42

10/10/2010

Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker explore County Durham - from Matt's parents' farm in the Durham Dales, to the North Sea coast. They also unveil the result of this year's Countryfile Photographic Competition and talk to the winners. John Craven investigates the latest non-native species to invade these shores - a natural prawn killer. And Adam turns wool from his herd of rare-breed sheep into a Savile Row suit.

60 min

43

17/10/2010

Ellie Harrison joins the Royal Navy team which rescues stricken fishermen from the seas around Cornwall, while Matt Baker joins the crew on a local oyster boat. Tom Heap asks whether it is really possible, or affordable, to capture and store carbon emissions from our dirtiest power stations, while Jules Hudson is in Scotland to visit the mountain that helped scientists calculate the weight of the world.

60 min

44

24/10/2010

Adam Henson visits a farm in the United States with a dairy herd of thirty-two thousand cows to ask whether the UK should adopt the same intensive methods. Meanwhile, Ellie Harrison brings in the harvest at a Monmouthshire vineyard, and Tom Heap investigates alternatives to the plastic packaging which surrounds our food.

60 min

45

Autumn Special

In a special programme, Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury investigate the roar of the rutting deer, while John Craven joins the pensioners picking apples for pocket money.

60 min

46

07/11/2010

Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker are in Surrey, where Julia follows the Greensand Way to the highest point in South East England and Matt visits some fancy fowl enthusiasts to find out what it takes to breed a champion chicken. Tom Heap is on the East Coast of Scotland, investigating the dispute over mackerel stocks, and Adam Henson continues his mission to make a Savile Row suit from the fleece of one of his rare-breed sheep.

60 min

47

14/11/2010

Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker are in the Chilterns to witness the autumn display provided by thousands of beech trees. Julia visits the farm that's been turned into a miniature airport, and Matt gets a lesson from a celebrity chef on how to make the most of sweet chestnuts. On his Cotswolds farm, Adam is on a mission to breed a traditional Suffolk sheep - and he's busy weaning his calves.

60 min

48

21/11/2010

Julia Bradbury walks the Wicklow Way, Ireland's first official countryside path, while Matt Baker journeys along the River Thames on the Oxfordshire/Berkshire border, learning about the people who live, work and play on Britain's most historic river. John Craven travels to Devon to investigate the demise of the stag known as the Emperor of Exmoor, and to find out why it's considered necessary to control the deer population. On his farm in The Cotswolds, Adam Henson welcomes a new rare breed of native Irish cattle.

60 min

49

28/11/2010

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury explore the Staffordshire section of the Peak District, where Matt scales The Roaches' gritstone rocks and Julia explores England's highest village. As inshore locations get more difficult to find, John Craven is in Scotland investigating plans to position massive fish farms out in the Atlantic. James Wong samples an ancient fruit which gets tastier if you leave it to rot.

60 min

50

05/12/2010

Adam Henson and Ellie Harrison visit Manifold Valley in the Peak District, where Adam cleans up a cave in the name of conservation and Ellie becomes the human quarry for a pack of hunting dogs. John Craven investigates the festive crime of turkey rustling, and James Wong discovers some weird and wonderful hybrid vegetables.

60 min

51

12/12/2010

Julia Bradbury and Adam Henson are in Devon, exploring the River Exe and the countryside around it. Julia joins RSPB guides to experience one of the UK's most beautiful wetlands and to spot avocets. Adam joins Devon farmers as they prepare for the winter and John Craven reports on the growing menace of illegal off-roading in the countryside.

60 min

52

17/12/2010

Julia Bradbury and Adam Henson are in Devon, exploring the River Exe and the countryside around it. Julia joins RSPB guides to experience one of the UK's most beautiful wetlands and to spot avocets. Adam finds out how to produce mussels in an ecologically-friendly way, and learns how to row like a champion. John Craven continues to investigate some of the big issues facing the British countryside.

60 min

53

Winter Special

The Countryfile team heads north to experience winter on the Hebridean island of North Uist. Matt Baker meets the family who are setting up home there after moving six hundred miles from Cornwall, and he heads to a ceilidh to learn some traditional Scottish dancing. Meanwhile, Julia Bradbury finds out about the extreme weather that hits the island in winter; John Craven barters his away through North Uist, swapping some of his local produce with some traditional Hebridean food; and Ellie Harrison goes hunting for some of island's most elusive creatures.

60 min

54

26/12/2010

Ellie Harrison delves into the Countryfile archive to showcase the very best wildlife stories of 2010. Ellie visits Kent to find out what is being done to conserve our native species, while Matt Baker travels north of the border, to Perthshire, to witness the red deer rut. He also finds out why a vacuum cleaner comes in handy if you are relocating cave spiders! Adam Henson kayaks with seals off the Farne Islands, while Ellie is on dry land, monitoring the puffin population.

60 min