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Vale of Evesham
The Vale of Evesham is known as Britain’s fruit and vegetable basket. Its rich soil has helped create a proud tradition of market gardening that dates back to medieval times. But it also boasts some of our prettiest countryside, stretching from the peaceful banks of the river Avon to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Adam Henson and Ellie Harrison meet the people at the heart of the British asparagus harvest, the workers and volunteers dedicated to protecting local wildlife, and the newcomers hoping to find their own piece of paradise in the Vale.
Vale of Evesham History Portal -
Setting Up a Smallholding
Living the good life, with a bit of land to farm and a few animals, is a dream many people share. Adam Henson offers some advice to one family who have just taken over a fifteen-acre smallholding near Evesham. They plan to keep goats and make cheese from their milk.
The Accidental Smallholder -
Wildlife Hospital
Summer is a busy time for the Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre. With all the new life springing up, there are plenty of young birds and mammals needing care. Ellie Harrison lends a hand looking after some of the most vulnerable and gets to release some ducks that are now fit enough to fend for themselves.
Vale Wildlife Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre -
Avon Flood Defences
The River Avon may be beautiful, but it isn’t always benign. In 2007, following one of the wettest summers in recent history, it burst its banks. The floods left people homeless and ruined businesses. Ellie finds out what’s being done to combat future flooding and how the plans will benefit wildlife along the banks of the river.
Avon Navigation Trust -
Asparagus Auction
There’s been a surge in demand for British asparagus in recent times and now it is being grown on a huge scale. To meet this demand, British growers have increased production by 84% over the past five years. Adam gets stuck in to harvesting this seasonal crop and takes the fruits of his labour off to the annual auction at the Fleece Inn near Evesham. But will it fetch a good price?
British Asparagus Festival -
John Craven Investigates
This week John travels the Devon and Dorset coast, to investigate the cleanliness of our sea water. He finds out how, after periods of heavy rainfall, raw sewage is still being discharged into our inshore waters. Campaign groups say this practice is making people ill and that all sewage should be treated. But what would that cost the consumer? John meets those charged with monitoring sea-ater cleanliness, and reveals what is polluting our seas.
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Sea Gals
Challenges don’t get much more extreme than rowing around the entire coast of Britain. This month, four very determined women are hoping to make history by doing exactly that. Jules Hudson does his best to keep up with this intrepid team when he meets them for one of their final training sessions before they embark on their epic row.
SeaGals
Credits
- Presenter
- Adam Henson
- Presenter
- Ellie Harrison
- Presenter
- John Craven
- Presenter
- Jules Hudson
- Producer
- Teresa Bogan
- Executive Producer
- Andrew Thorman
