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Sunday 23rd October - Surrey
Much of Surrey is in the metropolitan green belt. But despite it’s proximity to the capital, it contains a good deal of mature woodland (reflected in the official logo of Surrey County Council, a pair of interlocking oak leaves).
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Sunday 23rd October - Surrey
Much of Surrey is in the metropolitan green belt. But despite it’s proximity to the capital, it contains a good deal of mature woodland (reflected in the official logo of Surrey County Council, a pair of interlocking oak leaves).
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Racing on Epsom Downs
The Epsom Downs are spread across 600 acres of green, open countryside – right on the doorstep of London. It’s just as popular with dog walkers as horse riders.
The Derby and The Oaks – both held annually at Epsom - are more than just sporting events, they’re proud traditions.
Generations of racing fans have packed into the grandstand and crowded the downs – cheering their horses to victory.
It’s a carnival atmosphere and Derby Day prides itself on being down to earth and open-to-all. So much so it, was nicknamed the ‘Londoner’s Day Out’.
Today it attracts the largest crowd for a one-day sporting event in the UK.
Ellie visits Clear Height Stables on Epsom Downs to see a potential, future race winner in training. -
Fighting to save wildlife
The Royal Horticultural Society flagship Wisley Gardens is fighting a frontline battle to save the nation’s trees and flowers.
The Royal Horticultural Society
There are two categories of offender – disease and pests. Mostly it’s an open and shut case but sometimes the team are faced with a real mystery.
Ellie meets Wisley’s Head of Science Dr Roger Williams to find out more. -
Whiteley village
In 1907 a wealthy entrepreneur called William Whiteley - famed for inventing the modern department store - was shot dead by a man claiming to be his illegitimate son.
Whiteley Village
Whiteley left a million pounds in his will – not to his son – but for the creation of a village, to provide homes for the elderly and needy (Providing they fulfil certain criteria). Ellie takes a tour of the village with Ian Lansley, the estate manager. -
wATTS gALLERY RESTORATION PROJECT
George Frederic Watts (1817-1904) was – and still is - a giant of the art world.
The Watts Gallery on Restoration
His work can be seen at the Tate Britain and the National Gallery in London. Yet his gallery in Compton, which opened the same year he died to house some of his most precious work, teetered on the edge of collapse.
In 2006 ‘Watts Gallery’ – dilapidated and impoverished - appeared on the BBC’s Restoration programme to appeal for a much-needed lifeline... Ellie popped in to see how the gallery is getting on.
Credits
- Series Producer
- Richard Sharman
- Presenter
- Ellie Harrison
- Executive Producer
- Sarah Moors
