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Private Notes
Keeley Donovan is in Northumberland's Kielder Forest to report on the controversial plan to protect one of the most cherished native species, the red squirrel. Margherita Taylor reveals the secrets of how to grow record-breaking giant vegetables. And each day, Paul Martin breathes new life into his Victorian smallholding in Wiltshire. His autumn diary starts with giving his woodland trees a seasonal MOT as the leaves begin to fall.
As the salmon season gets underway, Keeley is on the River Tyne in Northumberland to find out what is being done to save wild salmon stocks. Margherita is on the case of a furry alien menace that could soon be invading people's homes. Paul Martin visits a community project that is bringing farm animals to the heart of the city. And Jules discovers how your dog could be a killer without you even knowing it.
In Lincolnshire, Jules joins the police on the frontline of rural crime as they crack down on illegal hare coursing by organised criminal gangs. Margherita discovers why the hedgehog is heading towards extinction, and she reveals what you can do to help this prickly problem. Diana Man has always been a keen horse rider, but what will she make of the newest trend of putting glitter tattoos on ponies? She joins the international polo team to find out why they are fans. And rookie smallholder Paul Martin discovers that our £7.9 billion coffee habit could come in handy when growing mushrooms at home.
Margherita's finding out why our pets are proving to be the perfect pick-me-up. Spiders strike fear in many people, but autumn is the time they love most. Jules discovers why our eight-legged friends are moving indoors and reveals why they make the ideal housemates. And down on his smallholding, Paul Martin is on the hunt for a ram to introduce to his flock of Wiltshire horns - but will he find Mr Right for his ewes?
Keeley is investigating why light pollution could be damaging both to wildlife and our health. Margherita uncovers a secret garden that is inspiring inner-city kids to grow and eat their greens. Jules reveals some tips for living off-grid in the woods, whilst Paul is finding out if his smallholding will come up to scratch as a site to release rehabilitated wildlife.
John Craven is enjoying the natural splendour of Cumbria's Lake District. Meanwhile, Jules Hudson is investigating the rise in Lyme disease, which has hit celebrities such as former international rugby player Matt Dawson, and finds out how it could be just as deadly for people's pet dogs. Keeley Donovan unravels the story of the home-grown wool industry that is warming up after decades in the doldrums. Margherita Taylor lifts the lid on a surprising culinary tale of one of our favourite Autumn staples. There are also some Countryfile top tips to see wildlife this Autumn, and Paul Martin is on the trail of the magical powers of the mushroom.
Margherita Taylor is in West Sussex investigating an alarming and growing trend on rural roads. Jules Hudson discovers that there is life after death in public cemeteries which have become a haven for British wildlife, especially at night. Meanwhile, Keeley is in Northumberland to visit a garden with a deadly difference and finds out what toxic nasties could be lurking in our backyards. There is a look at some of Countryfile's favourite places to catch the changing colours of the season, and Paul visits a country show where some hogs are trying to be top dogs.
Keeley Donovan explores the hidden dangers of hillwalking and investigates whether we might be pushing ourselves too far in the search for a bit of fresh air. Steve Brown is shedding light on why one corner of Kent has become home to some stowaways with a sting in their tail. Margherita Taylor finds out how one childhood favourite could turn out to be the stuff of nightmares as an invasive species of ladybird arrives in the UK in swarms.
With studies suggesting that Autumn is starting later, Keeley Donovan finds out what the warmer weather means for the countryside and the food we produce. Steve Brown is in Norfolk to witness one the greatest spectacles in the UK birding calendar and finds out what impact climate change might have on migrating birds. Margherita Taylor is tasting the top foods to beat the winter blues, and Paul Martin discovers how a furry garden pest might actually be good for your lawn. There is also a look at some top walks to blow away the Autumn cobwebs.
With tree planting hitting a 45-year low, Jules is in the Forest of Dean finding out whether an increasing demand for wood in building and DIY can be met by our woodlands. Keeley Donovan is in Cumbria visting a community previously torn apart by floods but who are now fighting back and preparing for another wet winter. Greg McKenzie is meeting a retired clergyman whose fireworks have dazzled the nation and finds out how we can prepare our pets for bonfire night. There are some top tips on what to do as the nights draw in, and Paul Martin is visiting an animal rescue centre to find out how people can help wildlife in need.
John Craven and the team investigate the worrying number of dementia suffers who go missing, discover how nature helps to crack crime, and pick up useful tips on battling fleas.
John Craven celebrates autumn in the Peak District, and the team reports on the wonderful world of trees, the terrifying market in dangerous pets and the growth of garden robots.
Autumn in the Peak District with John Craven, plus investigations into rural crime, how scampi could combat plastic pollution, and a farm that cares for the animals no-one else wants.
John Craven is in an autumnal Peak District. In this edition, an exclusive on the world's rarest kitten, what climate change could do to our favourite trees, and the orchid's spooky secrets.
John Craven and the team cover a range of the best autumn stories. John marks the centenary of the end of World War I with reports on how stately homes tended the wounded. Plus the brave dogs of war, and how one village will never forget.
John Craven explores the stunning countryside around the historic city of Oxford, including a visit to Wytham woods, one of the most spectacular ancient woodlands in the country. Margherita Taylor meets 17-year-old Bailey Williams and his family. They have been battling to have full extract cannabis oil prescribed for their severely epileptic son on the NHS. Jules Hudson gets the inside track on how you can get rid of all of your sky high autumn and winter utility bills. If you are prepared to sacrifice a few home comforts to cut these costs, there is a way. In Wales we meet Carys and Matthew Watkins, both vets who left their professions behind to take advantage of Wales’ new One Planet scheme that allows applicants to build on their own land if they are up for a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Keeley Donovan learns that the red squirrel is on the brink of extinction in the UK, and a loophole in forestry law is not helping. There are only 15,000 left in England, so Keeley heads to Anglesey to meet Dr Craig Shuttlesworth, founder of Red Squirrels United, a campaign group trying to raise awareness of the plight of this beloved symbol of autumn. And Paul Martin learns that every planter, pot and windowsill can become a growing area for autumn vegetables.
John Craven continues his exploration of the stunning countryside around the historic city of Oxford. Keeley Donovan goes on night patrol with police who are trying to catch the criminals stealing contaminated meat that could end up on your dinner plate. Jules Hudson uncovers a worrying driver shortage that could throw our heritage railways into crisis. Paul Martin invites two experts to raid his home for plastics that he could ditch in favour of more eco-friendly and often cheaper options. And Margherita Taylor goes head to head with the robot farmers of the future.
John Craven continues his exploration of the stunning countryside around the historic city of Oxford. Keeley Donovan returns to the site of the devastating fires on Marsden moors, discovering how the damage done to this site has impacted on every cup of tea in the country. Our pets consume a staggering one fifth of the world’s meat and fish, and that figure is rising given the recent trend for feeding pets top grade meat. This has a huge impact on the planet. So what can you do if you want to reduce the impact that your pet’s food is having on the environment? And Steve Brown digs into the history of a very humble autumn fruit, the wild blackberry, learning how this berry became a vital source of food for troops during WWI.
Paul Martin investigates an invasive and dangerous aquatic plant that is clogging up our river and waterways and putting wildlife and pets at risk. Keeley Donovan visits the largest roost of endangered bats in the country. These bats also happen to live in one of the most haunted houses in the country, Woodchester Mansion in Gloucester. Steve Brown meets Adele Pember founder of a website called Dog Furiendly. Her dog Charley struggled with separation anxiety, a condition that affects 30% of dogs in the UK. And Jules Hudson investigates why a fifth of children between the ages of eight and ten have never played outside without adult supervision. We often blame devices and games consoles for children being sedentary, but could it be that parents are a bit too cautious when it comes to giving them a bit freedom?
Paul Martin meets legendary Queen guitarist Brian May to discover why he has been buying agricultural land. The UK was once 98% covered by ancient woodlands. Now only 2% of these remain, so Bryan has decided to act to restore these vital habitats for the future. He began with a piece of land in Bere Regis in Dorset and engaged the help of landscape detective Julian Olsen to establish what types of trees were native to the area. So far they have taken 170 acres of land out of agricultural production, and planted 101,000 trees. Dog attacks on sheep have jumped by 67% in the last seven years. Even if they survive an attack, pregnant ewes will often miscarry their young as a result. Jules Hudson investigates what enhanced measures farmers are taking to protect their livestock and how these could impact on you and your unsuspecting pet on a countryside stroll. Margherita Taylor discovers how one of the UK’s most scenic autumnal landscapes could be at risk. The Lake District is a Unesco world heritage site, but 300,000 local people have signed a petition asking for even greater protections to be introduced to curb the use of motorbikess and 4x4s.
