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Ellie’s Seaweed Search
Seaweed has been harvested in Ireland for hundreds of years, so Ellie Harrison heads to Portrush to find out why. Out at sea in a small rowing boat, Ellie meets local fisherman Mack who shows her a hot spot for seaweed – The Skerries. The Skerries are a group of Islands off Portrush where seaweed thrives. Mack used to capitalise on this by harvesting it from the rocks with his bare hands, then leaving it to dry out in the sun before enjoying it with a pint that evening. Ellie also finds out about the delights of cooking it, before taking a relaxing soak in a seaweed bath!
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SEAWEED
IMAGE: Ellie enjoys a seaweed picnic with Prannie Rhatigan. -
John’s Drive Through The Glens
Embarking upon one of his all-time favourite drives, John Craven sets out on a journey through the Glens of Antrim. During this magnificent drive Andrew McAlister tells John about the close connection to Scotland and the importance of the coastal road. James McHenry explains the difficulties in farming such extreme and wild terrain. He also opens up to John about his concerns regarding farmers who have been abandoned by the younger generation. Finally, John meets Eamon Matthews who has a full time job as well as being a passionate farmer – and has recently installed hydro-power on his family farm.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF ANTRIM
IMAGE: John and Andrew McAlister filming on a blustery coastline. -
Ellie Goes Kayaking
Ellie takes to the water to get a unique view of the enchanting North Antrim coastline. She’s one of the very first people to embark upon the newly opened North Coast Canoe Trail. Ellie battles the elements to discover a landscape rich in beauty, history and legend. Beginning at The Giant’s Causeway, and taking in Dunluce castle, Port Moon and Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, Ellie’s journey reveals a side of Northern Ireland that’s rarely seen.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE NORTH COAST CANOE TRAIL -
The Story Behind “Guard of Honour”
Bob McCallion’s photograph of a tractor emerging through a bewitching track of trees captured the imagination of judges and viewers alike, in this year’s Countryfile Photographic Competition. “Guard of Honour” was selected as the winner of the Farm Life category and claimed a place in the 2012 Countryfile calendar. John goes to meet the man behind the photo to discover just what makes this stretch of beech trees so special.
GET YOUR COPY OF THE COUNTRYFILE CALENDAR 2012 -
Adam’s Farm: Irish Moiled Cattle
For months Adam’s been on the lookout for a new bull for one of his most precious herds of cattle, the Irish Moileds. Could the news that a nearby farmer has one for sale be the answer to his prayers? Also this week Adam makes an emotional trip to Wales, visiting the hilltop farm that has supplied some of his own Romney sheep. Adam is also a judge on this year’s BBC Radio 4, Food and Farming Awards. Tune in to Radio 4 on Friday 25th November to hear who has won – or listen again on the BBC I-player.
MORE INFORMATION ON THE IRISH MOILED BREED -
Tom Heap Investigates Animal Antibiotics
On this week’s Countryfile Tom investigates the controversy surrounding the use of antibiotics on animals. Drugs are used on farms not only to treat sick animals, but also to prevent others being infected. Tom sees scientific proof that some of these animal infections are now developing a resistance to antibiotics, making bugs more difficult to treat. But will that have an impact on human health?
FIND OUT ABOUT MORE ABOUT ANTIBIOTIC RESEARCH
Credits
- Series Producer
- Teresa Bogan
- Presenter
- John Craven
- Presenter
- Ellie Harrison
- Presenter
- Tom Heap
- Presenter
- Adam Henson
