TV and radio
Tune into the best rural TV and radio this week
This week's best TV & radio: 31 July - 6 August
Wed, 28/07/2010 - 19:22
WHAT'S ON TV
.jpg)
Country Tracks - Sunday – 11pm
Joe Crowley goes on a journey across the Kingdom of Fife.
Last of the Summer Wine – Sunday – 7pm
Pearl throws Howard out of the house, but when he goes to Clegg’s for sympathy it falls on deaf ears.
Countryfile – Sunday – 7pm
Ellie Harrison and Adam Henson visit the area around Coniston Water in the Lake District.
.jpg)
Coast – Wednesday – 8pm
The new series starts with an exploration of Britain’s strong bonds with its Celtic cousins across the English Channel in Brittany.
The Normans – Wednesday – 9pm
Professor Robert Bartlett reveals how the Normans became formidable warriors and conquered England in 1066.
Victorian Pharmacy – Thursday – 9pm
While the pharmacy enters a period of new inventions and new laws, Ruth, Tom and Nick face a taste of the examinations pharmacists went through to become qualified.
The Great British Home Movie Roadshow – Friday – 9pm
Dan Cruickshank and Kirsty Wark present a hundred years of Briton’s lives filmed on home movie cameras – including what may be the first wedding video, shot in 1905 on the Isle of Bute.
.jpg)
English Heritage – Sunday – 8pm
Looking at the trials and tribulations of the restoration of Apethorpe Hall in Northamptonshire.
Balmoral – Sunday – 9pm
A delve into the story of Balmoral, the Royal Family’s most private residence.
Britain’s Park Story – Monday – 9pm
Historian Dan Cruickshank reveals the history of Britain’s public parks.
Britain by Bike – Tuesday – 8.30pm
Clare Balding continues her cycling adventure in the Isle of Wight.
Wild Swimming – Tuesday – 9pm
Alice Roberts examines the phenomenon of wild swimming and why the British are so attracted to water.
Countrywise – Monday – 8pm
Paul Heiney is in the New Forest, one of the largest areas of unspoilt countryside in Southern England.
The Lakes – Wednesday – 7.30pm
An observational documentary featuring the Lake District and its inhabitants.
WHAT'S ON RADIO
Open Country – Saturday – 6.07am
Moira Hickey travels to Fair Isle and investigates whether or not it is losing its knitting tradition.
On Your Farm – Sunday - 6.35am
Masterchef Alex Rushmer takes us for a walk around his small holding and the surrounding countryside for some wild food foraging.
Comments: 0 Add comment
This week's best TV & radio: 24 -30 July
Fri, 23/07/2010 - 12:48
WHAT'S ON TV
Country Tracks
Sunday – 11am – BBC One
Jodie Kidd goes on a journey through Yorkshire, from Leeds to Scarborough.
Sunday – 11am – BBC One
Jodie Kidd goes on a journey through Yorkshire, from Leeds to Scarborough.
Countryfile
Sunday – 8pm – BBC One
Ellie Harrison and Adam Henson explore the town of Holmfirth, and the Yorkshire countryside that surrounds it. For 37 years, Holmfirth has provided the backdrop to BBC favourite Last of the Summer Wine. Now, with the show about to start its final series, Adam Henson and Ellie Harrison look at the influence it has had on the town, and they speak to some of its stars.
Sunday – 8pm – BBC One
Ellie Harrison and Adam Henson explore the town of Holmfirth, and the Yorkshire countryside that surrounds it. For 37 years, Holmfirth has provided the backdrop to BBC favourite Last of the Summer Wine. Now, with the show about to start its final series, Adam Henson and Ellie Harrison look at the influence it has had on the town, and they speak to some of its stars.
Monday – 10.55pm – BBC Four
Documentary recalling the life of eccentric Lancastrian Alfred Wainwright.
Britain by Bike
Tuesday – 8.30pm – BBC Four
Clare Balding’s journey into Wales sees her discover how a cycle factory went to war.
Great British Holiday
Tuesday – 10.30pm – BBC Four
Rock in north Cornwall is the UK's St Tropez – home to second homes of billionaires.
The Great Outdoors
Wednesday – 9pm – BBC Four
Rambling club organiser Bob begins a titanic battle of wills with the newest member.
Great British Holiday
Wednesday – 11.45pm – BBC Four
Documentary focusing on Blackpool's bid to host the UK's first super-casino.
Countrywise
Monday – 8pm – ITV1
Monday – 8pm – ITV1
Paul Heiney visits an animal fame academy in Derbyshire where pigs play football, rabbits go shopping and reindeer are in training for Christmas.
Ship Rescue: The Devon Disaster
Tuesday – 8pm – Five
Tuesday – 8pm – Five
Documentary exploring the attempts of the emergency services to rescue MSC Napoli, a 53,000-tonne container ship that ran aground on the Devon coastline in 2007, spilling its cargo into the hands of looters. For three years, teams fought to prevent an environmental disaster and remove the ship from busy UK waters.
WHAT’S ON RADIO
Open Country
Saturday - 6.07am - BBC Radio 4 Moira Hickey visits Fair Isle for the opening of a new bird observatory.
On Your Farm
Sunday - 6.35am - BBC Radio 4
On Your Farm
Sunday - 6.35am - BBC Radio 4
Caz Graham discovers how to make your farm wildlife friendly.
Comments: 0 Add comment
This week's best TV & radio: 17 -23 July
Fri, 16/07/2010 - 08:05
WHAT'S ON TV
Countryfile
There is no Countryfile this week.
Wainwright Walks: Coast to Coast
Thursday – 7pm – BBC Two
Another chance to see Julia Bradbury follows in the footsteps of guidebook writer Alfred Wainwright by walking across the whole of northern England.
Thursday – 7pm – BBC Two
Another chance to see Julia Bradbury follows in the footsteps of guidebook writer Alfred Wainwright by walking across the whole of northern England.
The Private Life of pigs
Thursday – 8pm – BBC Two
Jimmy Doherty embarks on a quest to reveal the hidden lives of farmyard animals. How sensitive is a pig's nose? Why can they find truffles underground? How do piglets find the right teat to feed from? Pigs are very intelligent, but can they recognise themselves in a mirror?
Thursday – 8pm – BBC Two
Jimmy Doherty embarks on a quest to reveal the hidden lives of farmyard animals. How sensitive is a pig's nose? Why can they find truffles underground? How do piglets find the right teat to feed from? Pigs are very intelligent, but can they recognise themselves in a mirror?
Britain by Bike
Tuesday – 8.30pm – BBC Four
Clare Balding attempts to rediscover Britain from the saddle of a touring cycle, following in the wheeltracks of compulsive cyclist and author Harold Briercliffe, whose evocative guide books of the late 1940s lovingly describe by-passed Britain. She begins on the Atlantic coast of north Devon.
Tuesday – 8.30pm – BBC Four
Clare Balding attempts to rediscover Britain from the saddle of a touring cycle, following in the wheeltracks of compulsive cyclist and author Harold Briercliffe, whose evocative guide books of the late 1940s lovingly describe by-passed Britain. She begins on the Atlantic coast of north Devon.
Britain Goes Camping
Tuesday – 9pm – BBC Four
Featuring the memories and unseen archive of generations of enthusiasts, this documentary tells the story of how sleeping under canvas evolved from a leisure activity for adventurous Edwardian gents to the quintessentially British family pastime that it is today.
Tuesday – 9pm – BBC Four
Featuring the memories and unseen archive of generations of enthusiasts, this documentary tells the story of how sleeping under canvas evolved from a leisure activity for adventurous Edwardian gents to the quintessentially British family pastime that it is today.
The Great British Outdoors
Wednesday – 8pm – BBC Four
Mark Benton voices a witty tribute to a very British story of mud, sweat and tent pegs in a world without a solid roof.
Wednesday – 8pm – BBC Four
Mark Benton voices a witty tribute to a very British story of mud, sweat and tent pegs in a world without a solid roof.
Countrywise
Monday – 8pm – ITV1
Monday – 8pm – ITV1
Paul Heiney uand the team are in Snowdonia to discover how the mountains actually provide a living for the locals and slate for the world.
WHAT’S ON RADIO
Open Country
Saturday - 6.07am - BBC Radio 4
Helen Mark takes to the waters of Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland.
On Your Farm
Sunday - 6.35am - BBC Radio 4
On Your Farm
Sunday - 6.35am - BBC Radio 4
Elinor Goodman visits a watercress farm in Dorset.
Comments: 0 Add comment
This week's best TV & radio: 10 -16 July
Fri, 09/07/2010 - 08:45
WHAT'S ON TV
Countryfile
There is no Countryfile this week.
Wild Wales
Monday – 7pm – BBC Two
Iolo Williams shares his passion for Welsh wildlife. Filmed over a year, with stunning aerial and wildlife photography, this first episode features the beautiful south of Wales, including red deer, seals and a rare sighting of red squirrels.
Monday – 7pm – BBC Two
Iolo Williams shares his passion for Welsh wildlife. Filmed over a year, with stunning aerial and wildlife photography, this first episode features the beautiful south of Wales, including red deer, seals and a rare sighting of red squirrels.
The Private Life of Chickens
Thursday – 8pm – BBC Two
Jimmy Doherty embarks on a quest to reveal the hidden lives of farmyard animals. He finds out about chickens: often taken for granted, what really goes on inside their brains?
Thursday – 8pm – BBC Two
Jimmy Doherty embarks on a quest to reveal the hidden lives of farmyard animals. He finds out about chickens: often taken for granted, what really goes on inside their brains?
Countrywise
Monday – 8pm – ITV1
Monday – 8pm – ITV1
Paul Heiney uncovers an ancient place of worship at Glastonbury Tor. And he'll be visiting a bird sanctuary to discover what Somerset could have looked like centuries ago.
Build a New Life in the Country - Was It Worth It?
Tuesday – 8pm – Five
Architectural designer Charlie Luxton revisits some of his favourite projects. Charlie gets reacquainted with David and Barbara, who decided to renovate one of the country's oldest lighthouses and turn it into a luxury B&B.
Tuesday – 8pm – Five
Architectural designer Charlie Luxton revisits some of his favourite projects. Charlie gets reacquainted with David and Barbara, who decided to renovate one of the country's oldest lighthouses and turn it into a luxury B&B.
WHAT’S ON RADIO
Open Country
Saturday - 6.07am - BBC Radio 4
Welsh poet and writer Owen Sheers hears about plans for a badger cull in Pembrokeshire.
On Your Farm
Sunday - 6.35am - BBC Radio 4
On Your Farm
Sunday - 6.35am - BBC Radio 4
Elinor Goodman attends a course for budding smallholder pig farmers.
Comments: 0 Add comment
This week's best TV & radio: 26 June - 2 July
Fri, 25/06/2010 - 15:25
WHAT'S ON TV
Countryfile
Sunday – 6pm – BBC One
Adam Henson and Ellie Harrison head for Lough Erne in Northern Ireland where they find out about the fight against the zebra mussel, 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.
Jimmy's Food Factory: Second Helpings
Monday – 7pm – BBC One
Setting up his own food factory in a barn, Jimmy looks at how food is put together and at some of the tricks used in food production. Jimmy makes his own cornflakes, cola and sandwich ham, and he even pasteurises some milk. Visits to ice-cream, baked bean and sugar factories reveal some exciting science, and a day trip to see salad being harvested and prepared reveals how they get rid of unwanted bugs.
Gardeners' World
Friday – 8pm – BBC Two
Toby Buckland visits some of his favourite coastal gardens and discovers how, despite the tricky and tempestuous locations, the gardens around the coast of Britain are at the forefront of horticulture and are amongst the most beautiful in the country.
Friday – 8pm – BBC Two
Toby Buckland visits some of his favourite coastal gardens and discovers how, despite the tricky and tempestuous locations, the gardens around the coast of Britain are at the forefront of horticulture and are amongst the most beautiful in the country.
River Cottage
Sunday - 7pm - Channel 4
In this episode, Hugh learns that slugs have been eating soft cabbages in the River Cottage garden, and takes the drastic action of putting them onto his menu. Meanwhile, disappointment looms as Hugh discovers his expectant goat has had a phantom pregnancy.
Sunday - 7pm - Channel 4
In this episode, Hugh learns that slugs have been eating soft cabbages in the River Cottage garden, and takes the drastic action of putting them onto his menu. Meanwhile, disappointment looms as Hugh discovers his expectant goat has had a phantom pregnancy.
Build a New Life in the Country - Was It Worth It?
Tuesday – 8pm – Five
Fed up with life in the Bristol suburbs, the Taylor family moved to the Brecon Beacons in Wales in search of adventure. They bought a rundown barn with the idea of transforming it into a beautiful, self-sufficient home with a holiday annex. Now Charlie Luxton returns to see if the countryside adventure has lived up to the dream.
Tuesday – 8pm – Five
Fed up with life in the Bristol suburbs, the Taylor family moved to the Brecon Beacons in Wales in search of adventure. They bought a rundown barn with the idea of transforming it into a beautiful, self-sufficient home with a holiday annex. Now Charlie Luxton returns to see if the countryside adventure has lived up to the dream.
WHAT’S ON RADIO
Ramblings
Saturday - 6.07am - BBC Radio 4
Clare Balding walks the final stretch of the South Downs way, from East Meon to Winchester.
On Your Farm
Sunday - 6.35am - BBC Radio 4
On Your Farm
Sunday - 6.35am - BBC Radio 4
How a hospital trust is supporting local farmers.
Comments: 0 Add comment
This week's best TV & radio: 19 - 25 June
Fri, 18/06/2010 - 15:30
WHAT'S ON TV
Countryfile
Sunday – 6pm – BBC One
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's finding 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.
Wild Night In
Sunday – 8pm – BBC Two
Wild Night In is a live, fundraising extravaganza for conservation projects across the world. Presented by the Springwatch team, who are joined by wildlife enthusiasts including David Attenborough and Big Cat Diary's Jackson Looseyia, it explores conservation in action.
Sunday – 8pm – BBC Two
Wild Night In is a live, fundraising extravaganza for conservation projects across the world. Presented by the Springwatch team, who are joined by wildlife enthusiasts including David Attenborough and Big Cat Diary's Jackson Looseyia, it explores conservation in action.
River Cottage
Sunday - 7pm - Channel 4
In this episode, Hugh introduces a leftovers night at the canteen, tries his hand at fishing for mullet, and investigates a scheme run by chemistry students that turns cooking oil into car fuel. He also visits Manchester residents Marg Dwyer and Doreen Wilkinson, who have persuaded their local council to let them turn nearby wasteland into a food-growing haven.
Sunday - 7pm - Channel 4
In this episode, Hugh introduces a leftovers night at the canteen, tries his hand at fishing for mullet, and investigates a scheme run by chemistry students that turns cooking oil into car fuel. He also visits Manchester residents Marg Dwyer and Doreen Wilkinson, who have persuaded their local council to let them turn nearby wasteland into a food-growing haven.
WHAT’S ON RADIO
Ramblings
Saturday - 6.07am - BBC Radio 4
Clare Balding walks a stretch of the South Downs Way near Petersfield with Gurkhas.
On Your Farm
Sunday - 6.35am - BBC Radio 4
On Your Farm
Sunday - 6.35am - BBC Radio 4
Cornwall singers The Fisherman's Friends tell their stories of fishing and sea shanties.
Comments: 0 Add comment
This week's best TV & radio: 12 - 18 June
Fri, 11/06/2010 - 09:00
WHAT'S ON TV
Countryfile
Sunday – 7.30pm – BBC One
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
Springwatch 2010
Monday – 8pm – BBC Two
Chris Packham, Kate Humble, Martin Hughes-Games and Simon King return for the final week of the wildlife event of the year, with live updates on all of the animal characters.
Continues through the week at 8pm.
Monday – 8pm – BBC Two
Chris Packham, Kate Humble, Martin Hughes-Games and Simon King return for the final week of the wildlife event of the year, with live updates on all of the animal characters.
Continues through the week at 8pm.
Gardeners' World Live
Friday – 8.30pm – BBC Two
Friday – 8.30pm – BBC Two
Gardeners' World Live comes to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, offering something for everyone, from high-end design to helpful hints for ordinary gardeners. Toby Buckland visits the jewel in the crown of the show, the RHS Floral Marquee, meeting passionate plantsmen and women from around the country. Meanwhile, Joe Swift tours the show gardens, from the large and aspirational to the small and inspirational, finding the best ideas to take away and try out at home.
Countrywise
Monday - 8pm - ITV1
Paul Heiney discovers how the beautiful coast of Carmarthenshire inspired one of Wales's most famous poets, Dylan Thomas. Meanwhile, Bettany Hughes explores a magnificent medieval castle built with a moat to keep rabbits in.
Monday - 8pm - ITV1
Paul Heiney discovers how the beautiful coast of Carmarthenshire inspired one of Wales's most famous poets, Dylan Thomas. Meanwhile, Bettany Hughes explores a magnificent medieval castle built with a moat to keep rabbits in.
River Cottage
Sunday - 7pm - Channel 4
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall presents a new series of the show. In this episode, Hugh attempts to change public opinion about veal by visiting a local farm that produces welfare-friendly animals. He also throws a sheep-shearing party in honour of the River Cottage flock.
Sunday - 7pm - Channel 4
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall presents a new series of the show. In this episode, Hugh attempts to change public opinion about veal by visiting a local farm that produces welfare-friendly animals. He also throws a sheep-shearing party in honour of the River Cottage flock.
WHAT’S ON RADIO
Ramblings
Saturday - 6.07am - BBC Radio 4
Clare Balding continues her route along the South Downs Way, walking at night at full moon.
The Living World
Sunday - 6.35am - BBC Radio 4
The Living World
Sunday - 6.35am - BBC Radio 4
Lionel Kellaway witnesses the performance of early migrant birds on Dartmoor.
Comments: 0 Add comment
This week's best TV & radio: 15 - 21 May
Fri, 14/05/2010 - 09:02
WHAT'S ON TV
Countryfile
Sunday – 7.10pm – BBC One
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's being done to control the foreign invaders threatening our native wildlife.
Springwatch Signs of Change with Chris Packham
Monday – 8pm – BBC Two
Chris Packham shows us how changes in nature around us provide solid proof that climate change is already happening. Some of the most powerful data has come from amateur naturalists and recorders. Chris investigates what climate change means for UK plants and animals and predicts the winners and the losers.
Monday – 8pm – BBC Two
Chris Packham shows us how changes in nature around us provide solid proof that climate change is already happening. Some of the most powerful data has come from amateur naturalists and recorders. Chris investigates what climate change means for UK plants and animals and predicts the winners and the losers.
Springwatch City Living with Simon King
Wednesday – 8pm – BBC Tw
Wednesday – 8pm – BBC Tw
Simon King is on safari again, this time in the urban jungle. Cities can be great places for wildlife - home to otters, peregrine falcons, badgers, foxes, bats and more. To really appreciate our natural neighbours and the extraordinary ways they've adapted to city living, you need to re-tune your senses and enter their world. Super-sleuth Simon shows where and how to find our wildest city dwellers.
Monty Halls' Great Hebridean Escape
Wednesday - 9pm - BBC Two
Marine biologist and professional diver Monty Halls is back in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, living the good life and working as a volunteer wildlife ranger in the Outer Hebrides. As November starts, Monty realises that he has loads of work to do and little time left. To help open up the islands to tourists, he is writing a guide book to a series of trails.
Springwatch High Seas with Gordon Buchanan
Thursday – 8pm – BBC Two
Join Gordon Buchanan on his adventurous journey into the UK's high seas, where he discovers the world's top ocean predator and a whole lot more. From seabirds to seals and sand-eels to basking sharks, discover the creatures that make this alien environment their own.
How to Live a Simple Life
Friday – 9pm – BBC Two
Sussex vicar Peter Owen Jones has been struggling to lead a simpler and more meaningful life. In a radical experiment following the Rule of St Francis of Assisi, he has travelled across southern England without money. On the road, Peter glimpsed the secret of a simple life. But how long can he live without money?
Sea Fever
Tuesday – 9pm – BBC Four
The story of Britain's fishermen during the 20th century, captured in amateur home movies. Hull skipper Ken Knox and filmmaker Alan Hopper talk about the sophisticated technologies companies used to send crews to distant Atlantic waters in the 50s and 60s in the hunt for white fish. In Peterhead, Donald Anderson filmed the exploits of his crew, including his young son, as the fleets hunted herring shoals.
Tuesday – 9pm – BBC Four
The story of Britain's fishermen during the 20th century, captured in amateur home movies. Hull skipper Ken Knox and filmmaker Alan Hopper talk about the sophisticated technologies companies used to send crews to distant Atlantic waters in the 50s and 60s in the hunt for white fish. In Peterhead, Donald Anderson filmed the exploits of his crew, including his young son, as the fleets hunted herring shoals.
The Seasons with Alan Titchmarsh
Sunday - 7pm - ITV1
In his second programme about the seasons, Alan Titchmarsh examines summer. For humans it can be a relaxing time, but for smaller creatures who stray too far from home it can be very dangerous indeed. Joining children pond-dipping, Alan explores the strange life of our rockpools and goes to the beach. He also takes a look at some of the less enticing aspects of the season, including midges, flies and hayfever.
Sunday - 7pm - ITV1
In his second programme about the seasons, Alan Titchmarsh examines summer. For humans it can be a relaxing time, but for smaller creatures who stray too far from home it can be very dangerous indeed. Joining children pond-dipping, Alan explores the strange life of our rockpools and goes to the beach. He also takes a look at some of the less enticing aspects of the season, including midges, flies and hayfever.
Countrywise
Monday - 8pm - ITV1
Paul Heiney and the team travel to Guernsey to help the islanders celebrate the 65th anniversary of their liberation from the Nazis. He meets up with a man who has an incredible collection of war memorabilia, amassed over a lifetime of collecting.
Monday - 8pm - ITV1
Paul Heiney and the team travel to Guernsey to help the islanders celebrate the 65th anniversary of their liberation from the Nazis. He meets up with a man who has an incredible collection of war memorabilia, amassed over a lifetime of collecting.
The Landscape Man
Sunday - 7pm - Channel 4
Six couples strive to create bold and beautiful gardens with the assistance of expert Matthew Wilson. The landscape gardener helps Anne and Geoff Shaw renovate their wrecked garden in Sussex.
Sunday - 7pm - Channel 4
Six couples strive to create bold and beautiful gardens with the assistance of expert Matthew Wilson. The landscape gardener helps Anne and Geoff Shaw renovate their wrecked garden in Sussex.
The Restoration Man
Sunday - 9pm - Channel 4
George Clarke travels the British Isles meeting people hoping to restore architectural treasures. Simon and Victoria Hooper wish to convert a Grade I listed medieval hall into a unique home, while the Edwards family have their sights set on a neglected 70-room mansion.
Sunday - 9pm - Channel 4
George Clarke travels the British Isles meeting people hoping to restore architectural treasures. Simon and Victoria Hooper wish to convert a Grade I listed medieval hall into a unique home, while the Edwards family have their sights set on a neglected 70-room mansion.
Highland Emergency
Friday - 7:30pm - Five
The coastguard conduct a daring cliff-top rescue on the Isle of Lewis. A man on the Isle of Iona is struck down by deep-vein thrombosis, and a woman suffering seizures has to be rescued from a yacht.
Friday - 7:30pm - Five
The coastguard conduct a daring cliff-top rescue on the Isle of Lewis. A man on the Isle of Iona is struck down by deep-vein thrombosis, and a woman suffering seizures has to be rescued from a yacht.
Sea Patrol UK
Friday – 8pm – Five
An RAF rescue crew races to the aid of an injured climber trapped in a narrow gully, a Royal Navy bomb-disposal unit tackles an unexploded World War II mine at a popular seaside destination and the UK Border Agency clamps down on a tanker's tobacco stash.
Friday – 8pm – Five
An RAF rescue crew races to the aid of an injured climber trapped in a narrow gully, a Royal Navy bomb-disposal unit tackles an unexploded World War II mine at a popular seaside destination and the UK Border Agency clamps down on a tanker's tobacco stash.
WHAT’S ON RADIO
Open Country
Saturday - 6.07am - BBC Radio 4
Helen Mark explores the Forest of Bowland, England's last great wilderness.
On Your Farm
Sunday - 6.35am - BBC Radio 4
On Your Farm
Sunday - 6.35am - BBC Radio 4
Caz Graham visits a Sheffield community farm run by 20 families who met online.
Comments: 0 Add comment
This week's best TV & radio: 1 - 7 May
Fri, 30/04/2010 - 08:30
WHAT'S ON TV
Countryfile
In a special edition of the show, 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.
Countryfile's Spring Special
Monday – 6.30pm – BBC One
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 geodesic dome – 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.
The Edible Garden
Wednesday – 8pm – BBC Two
Alys Fowler attempts to avoid shop-bought fruit and vegetables and live off her own, home-grown produce. Alys grows flowers and herbs for many reasons; to flavour her food, to decorate her home and to attract wildlife essential for the health and productivity of her garden.
Wednesday – 8pm – BBC Two
Alys Fowler attempts to avoid shop-bought fruit and vegetables and live off her own, home-grown produce. Alys grows flowers and herbs for many reasons; to flavour her food, to decorate her home and to attract wildlife essential for the health and productivity of her garden.
Monty Halls' Great Hebridean Escape
Wednesday - 9pm - BBC Two
Monty has begun to restore walking trails that have been abandoned for years, but he needs to raise several thousand pounds to pay for marker posts and trail guides. At the North Uist Agricultural Show, where Reuben fails to shine in the dog obedience competition, Monty meets with Niall Leveson-Gower, who runs the local hunting lodge, and hatches plans for a great feast at his hotel to showcase local produce and raise funds.
Wednesday - 9pm - BBC Two
Monty has begun to restore walking trails that have been abandoned for years, but he needs to raise several thousand pounds to pay for marker posts and trail guides. At the North Uist Agricultural Show, where Reuben fails to shine in the dog obedience competition, Monty meets with Niall Leveson-Gower, who runs the local hunting lodge, and hatches plans for a great feast at his hotel to showcase local produce and raise funds.
How to Live a Simple Life
Friday – 9pm – BBC Two
Part-time vicar Peter Owen Jones yearns for a life of simplicity and meaning - a deeper connection to both nature and people. Filmed over the course of nearly a year in his beautiful Sussex parishes, the first in a three-part series follows Peter as he tries to turn his back on consumerism.
Friday – 9pm – BBC Two
Part-time vicar Peter Owen Jones yearns for a life of simplicity and meaning - a deeper connection to both nature and people. Filmed over the course of nearly a year in his beautiful Sussex parishes, the first in a three-part series follows Peter as he tries to turn his back on consumerism.
Countrywise
Monday - 8pm - ITV1
Paul Heiney and the team travel to Guernsey to help the islanders celebrate the 65th anniversary of their liberation from the Nazis. He meets up with a man who has an incredible collection of war memorabilia, amassed over a lifetime of collecting.
Monday - 8pm - ITV1
Paul Heiney and the team travel to Guernsey to help the islanders celebrate the 65th anniversary of their liberation from the Nazis. He meets up with a man who has an incredible collection of war memorabilia, amassed over a lifetime of collecting.
The Restoration Man
Sunday - 9pm - Channel 4
George Clarke travels the British Isles meeting people hoping to restore architectural treasures. Lisa and Darren Walker dream of converting a coach house in east Sussex into a unique family home.
Sunday - 9pm - Channel 4
George Clarke travels the British Isles meeting people hoping to restore architectural treasures. Lisa and Darren Walker dream of converting a coach house in east Sussex into a unique family home.
Highland Emergency
Friday - 7:30pm - Five
Documentary series following the work of the emergency services in the Highlands of Scotland. A Royal Navy SAR team battles to save two injured climbers, and a day out on the river ends in disaster.
Friday - 7:30pm - Five
Documentary series following the work of the emergency services in the Highlands of Scotland. A Royal Navy SAR team battles to save two injured climbers, and a day out on the river ends in disaster.
Sea Patrol UK
Friday – 8pm – Five
Documentary series charting the work of the elite teams that patrol the English Channel. A Russian cargo ship sheds its load on stormy seas, an RAF crew makes a daring descent to save the life of an injured sailor and a missing man on a cliff top sparks a major cross-agency rescue operation.
WHAT’S ON RADIO
Open Country
Saturday - 6.07am - BBC Radio 4
What effect has the coldest winter for decades had on the wildlife of Scotland?
On Your Farm
Sunday - 6.35am - BBC Radio 4
On Your Farm
Sunday - 6.35am - BBC Radio 4
Adam Henson visits a Welsh farm with a flock of multi-coloured sheep.
Comments: 0 Add comment
This week's best TV & radio: 17 - 23 April
Fri, 16/04/2010 - 11:28
WHAT'S ON TV
Countryfile
Sunday – 7:00pm – BBC One
Julia Bradbury heads to Ennerdale in the Lake District to find out what is being done to make the landscape wilder than it already is while Matt Baker gets his head around 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 going, and looks at whether anyone can become a farmer.
Escape to the Country
Monday to Friday - 2.15PM - BBC1
Series in which prospective buyers are helped to find their dream home in the country.
Escape to the Country
Sunday - 11.30am - BBC2
A series in which experts help prospective buyers to find their dream home in the country.
Monty Halls' Great Hebridean Escape
Wednesday - 9pm - BBC2
After a year of city living, marine biologist and professional diver Monty Halls returns to live the good life in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. This time, he and his canine companion, Reuben, are sharing a rennovated crofter's cottage on the Hebridean island of North Uist. Volunteering as a wildlife ranger, Monty finds himself trying out Highland Games, fishing for salmon and trout, and exploring the wildlife and remote reaches of his new domain.
Grow Your Own Drugs
Tuesday - 8pm - BBC2
In the penultimate episode of his ethnobotanical guide to the medicinal property of plants, James Wong uses trees and shrubs to tackle minor everyday complaints. He shows one shaving rash sufferer how to grow witch hazel and turn it into a cooling gel, and offers three sinusitis sufferers some relief with a fragrant eucalyptus rub that takes just moments to make. He meets expert growers and turns St John's Wort into a skin balm for cuts and wounds.
Countrywise
Monday - 8pm - ITV1
The Yorkshire Dales are known as the TV setting of Emmerdale and perhaps Britain's best known farming landscape. But the Dales have their own dramatic tales to tell. Bettany Hughes uncovers 800 years of history hidden in dry stone walls, and Paul Heiney turns underground explorer with the cave rescue team that is celebrating 75 years of saving lives.
Monday - 8pm - ITV1
The Yorkshire Dales are known as the TV setting of Emmerdale and perhaps Britain's best known farming landscape. But the Dales have their own dramatic tales to tell. Bettany Hughes uncovers 800 years of history hidden in dry stone walls, and Paul Heiney turns underground explorer with the cave rescue team that is celebrating 75 years of saving lives.
Country House Rescue
Thursday - 12.35pm - Channel 4
Businesswoman Ruth Watson advises the owners of British stately homes how to diversify and finance the future of their properties. Ruth helps the reluctant family owners of Cothay Manor House in Somerset to turn their home into a sculpture park.
Thursday - 12.35pm - Channel 4
Businesswoman Ruth Watson advises the owners of British stately homes how to diversify and finance the future of their properties. Ruth helps the reluctant family owners of Cothay Manor House in Somerset to turn their home into a sculpture park.
Highland Emergency
Friday - 7:30pm - Five
Documentary series following the work of the emergency services in the Highlands of Scotland. The RAF races to save a woman missing on Ben Nevis and a helicopter has to bypass dangerous power cables to save an injured man.
Friday - 7:30pm - Five
Documentary series following the work of the emergency services in the Highlands of Scotland. The RAF races to save a woman missing on Ben Nevis and a helicopter has to bypass dangerous power cables to save an injured man.
WHAT’S ON RADIO
Open Country
Saturday - 6.07am - BBC Radio 4
Matt Baker pays a visit tp the Brecon Beacons and learns some survival skills with the aid of an ex-military trainer who teaches him how to light a fire and set traps. He meets some of the villagers in the National Park who are aiming to be carbon negative in five years' time by involving the whole community in several green schemes that make use of some of Wales's greatest natural resources, its rivers, waterfalls and woodlands. Matt also finds out why the Welsh hill pony is under threat and finds out how well the locals are doing so far in participating in a new scheme to use public transport instead of their cars to try and reduce carbon emissions in the area.
Farming Today This Week
Saturday - 6.30am - BBC Radio 4 News and issues in rural Britain with Charlotte Smith
Comments: 0 Add comment
Current issue
Daphne du Maurier's Cornwall
Summer holiday fun
The lost valley
Farming for free
.jpg)
New forum topics
Latest Features
More about BBC Worldwide.