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The White Peak
The Peak District National Park was the first established National Park in the UK and is made up of the Dark Peak and the White Peak. The White Peak is so called because of the limestone that underlies the entire area – a chocolate-box dream of limestone villages set amongst green fields, bound together with dry-stone walls.
The Peak District -
Adam on the White Peak
Adam Henson and the Countryfile team filming on the White Peak in the Peak District.
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Going Underground
The limestone of the Manifold Valley is riddled with caves that have been inhabited, lost, and rediscovered by adventurers and archaeologists unearthing everything from reindeer bones to Roman pottery. The valley’s status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest is owed to the underlying rock. Adam learns that the conservation of that rock is just as important as conserving the area's wildlife habitats. He joins a group of geologists and ecologists who are keeping vegetation off an exposed part of the valley’s newly established ‘geo trail’ before he heads underground to see why it’s equally important to keep things down there clean and tidy too.
Manifold Valley Geotrail -
Adam in the Manifold Valley
Adam meets geologist Dr Pat Cossey from Staffordshire University. He is one of several volunteers working on exposing rock that has been covered by vegetation.
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Bloodhound Hunt
Bloodhounds have been used to track people and animals for centuries. These hounds have an amazing sense of smell and are well known for their mild temperament. Ellie Harrison meets these much-loved hounds and finds out what life is like as their quarry in a little-known countryside sport known as “hunting the clean boot” – chasing a person with a pack of hounds and riders on horseback. But will she manage to stay away?
Masters of Bloodhounds Association -
Ellie at the hunt
Ellie Harrison and runner Lee Mansfield prepare to be hunted down by bloodhounds.
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Ilam Village
Lying at the gateway to the Manifold Valley is Ilam Village, a gem of rural Peak District life. Starting life a thousand years ago, Ilam was redeveloped by Victorian industrialist Jesse Watts-Russell to mimic a Swiss village because, to him, the White Peak was a powerful reflection of the Alps. Adam Henson explores this unique village and helps a dedicated team of specialist stonemasons with the delicate restoration of one of its most iconic monuments – the central stone cross.
Ilam Village -
Adam in Ilam village
Adam meets the historians who have recreated the story of Ilam village by painting a detailed mural.
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Ultra Running
Ellie Harrison joins 'ultra runner' Karen McDonald on a run through the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. She learns how running in competitions for up to 100 miles is really more about mind-set and a love of the outdoors than it is about ultra-fitness.
Ultra Running -
Matt’s Farm
This week Matt’s lending a hand back on the family farm in County Durham. It’s the time of year in the shepherding calendar for tupping – introducing the rams to the ewes so there will be a flock of gambolling lambs in the spring. Matt’s with his mum giving the ewes a health check and ensuring they’re well-fed before he gets the lucky gentleman ready to meet the ladies. The family’s Hampshire Down sheep are renowned for early lambing – so will this late tupping help to ensure a good survival rate in the spring?
Hampshire Down sheep -
Hybrid Vegetables
In the carrot fields of Lancashire James Wong is surprised to learn that this humble vegetable was originally purple and not orange and what's more it's often harvested in the dark. Growers and scientists have striven for centuries to produce the most flavoursome fruit and vegetables, even changing their shape or colour. James gets his teeth into some of the most colourful tomatoes and soft fruit.
Carrots - BBC Good Food Guide -
Turkey Thefts
Every Christmas in the UK we consume 10 million turkeys. Our appetite for organic and free range means the industry is now worth £300m a year. It’s a fact that’s not gone unnoticed by organised gangs of criminals who’ve been keeping themselves busy in the run-up to the festive season. John Craven meets one farmer in Devon who’s had more than 1000 turkeys stolen and has been faced with a bill of £18,000 after being targeted more than 20 times. Many large farms are now being forced to invest high tech security systems to keep the thieves out. John also seeks advice on what to do if you’re offered a stolen turkey – and the potential health dangers you might face if you buy one and eat it.
UK Turkeys
Credits
- Series Producer
- Teresa Bogan
- Presenter
- Matt Baker
- Presenter
- Ellie Harrison
- Presenter
- John Craven
- Presenter
- Adam Henson
- Executive Producer
- Andrew Thorman
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