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PUMLUMON
This week John Craven visits Pumlumon in Mid Wales, the highest point in the Cambrian Mountains. These remote uplands have been home to generations of hardy miners, sheep and farmers. It’s known as the last wilderness of Wales, but despite its beauty the hills have been overgrazed and the bogs have been shrinking. John meets the group trying to make the hills a better place for wildlife and farmers alike.
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WATER POLLUTION
Recent research suggests a third of male fish in UK rivers are experiencing reduced fertility and changing sex. Certain female hormone residues from such things as the contraceptive pill are not totally eliminated at sewage treatment works before the water re-enters our rivers. Scientists fear there could be a devastating effect on our fish population. Miriam O’Reilly investigates.
Centre for Ecology & Hydrology -
COWGIRL
This week's video diary comes from the UK's only cowgirl, Lisa Hawthornthwaite, and her horse Ossie. The National Trust in Dorset appointed Lisa to undertake the job of moving a herd of Red Devon cattle around Studland Heath reviving a 200-year old tradition.
The National Trust: Conservation Cowgirl -
PUMLUMON MINING
John Craven goes underground to discover the silver and lead mining history in the Pumlumon area, and the extraordinary man who decided to rescue a decaying mine and bring it back to life.
LLywernog Silver-Lead Mine -
MARMALADE
Adam Henson visited Dalemain in Cumbria which hosted The World’s Original Marmalade Festival. Just like the harvest of crops in autumn is celebrated, here they honour the harvest of oranges from Seville in Spain which are considered to make the best quality marmalade.
The World’s Original Marmalade Festival 2009 -
WILDWOOD
Countryfile rejoins staff at Wildwood in Kent, where they work to replenish woodland by breeding endangered wildlife. Despite the recent harsh winter weather, Boris the wild boar has sired a baby piglet and the wild horses have produced a baby foal.
Wildwood Trust -
GEOCACHING
Geocaching is outdoor treasure-hunting where participants use GPS to find containers full of “treasure”, but the pleasure is in the chase. Experts designed Michaela Strachan a personalised geocaching trail in the Chiltern Hills, where she had to solve clues in order to discover the three caches.
The Geocaching Association of Great Britain
Credits
- Presenter
- John Craven
- Participant
- Adam Henson
- Participant
- Michaela Strachan
