-
Isles of Scilly
This week Julia and Jules are on the Isles of Scilly. Lying 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, they form an archipelago of over 50 islands, five of which are inhabited. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, the Isles of Scilly enjoy a favourable climate and their winter temperatures are similar to the South of France.
-
Tresco Gardens
Flying into the famous Abbey Gardens of Tresco, Jules Hudson accompanies one of the world’s rarest plants on the last leg of its journey to its new home. And while he’s there he meets with the head gardener and garden curator to discover what makes the climate on Scilly so different to the mainland.
Simply Scilly website -
Underwater Landscape
Jules meets up with the Wildlife Trust’s marine biologist, Angie Gall, to explore the coastline of St Mary and learn about the research she’s doing, connected with the recent Marine and Coastal Access Act. Moving away from the shore, Jules takes the plunge into deeper water, to swim with one of the animals the islands are famous for – the Atlantic grey seals.
DEFRA: Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 -
Flower Farms
One of the main industries on the Isles of Scilly is flower farming. Julia joins a local farmer who has given up a navy career to return to St Mary and run the family business. She also speaks to workers from neighbouring farms and learns how important flowers are to the island’s economy.
Simply Scilly website: Fantastic Flora -
Moving Cows
A Local Wildlife Trust warden needs a hand to help move a herd of Red Ruby cattle from St Mary's to Bryher – and Julia’s more than happy to muck in. She also learns how the trust manages the scrub on the island to reinstate the heathland.
Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust website -
Burning Trees
Cutting down thousands of trees and burning them helps to combat global warming and is good for wildlife, according to the Forestry Commission and 15 conservation groups, including the RSPB and the country's Wildlife Trusts. In a report revealed to Countryfile’s Tom Heap they say 2 million tonnes of timber could be harvested each year - enough to heat nearly half a million homes - while improving the wildlife habitat and extending public access.
Forestry Commission: Sustainable forest management -
Adam’s Farm
This week Adam’s moving some of his pigs to an indoor barn to get them ready for slaughter. He’d rather leave them out in the fields but they’re making a mess of the ground. To get some advice, he visits a nearby pig farm where they’re kept outside all year round.
-
Horses in the City
Horse riding is often considered a rural pursuit, but riding for leisure began over 300 years ago in the heart of London. Jules Hudson explores Wimbledon on horseback, negotiating its busy streets, then he goes cantering on Wimbledon Common.
History of Wimbledon Village Stables website
Credits
- Presenter
- Julia Bradbury
- Presenter
- Tom Heap
- Presenter
- Jules Hudson
- Presenter
- Adam Henson
- Producer
- Teresa Bogan
- Executive Producer
- Andrew Thorman
