Countryfile: Ronald Blythe’s Suffolk (BBC One Sunday 2 July 2023)

Countryfile: Ronald Blythe’s Suffolk airs Sunday 2 July 2023 on BBC One

What can we expect from this episode

John Craven and Margherita Taylor visit the village of Charsfield in the heart of Suffolk in honour of Ronald Blythe, one of the most admired rural writers in the country and a centenarian. Charsfield and the surrounding area inspired many of his best-selling novels, including the timeless classic, Akenfield. John and Margherita immerse themselves in Blythe’s world by travelling to significant locations, investigating traditional rural occupations, and conversing with readers who live by Blythe’s ideals.

Margherita has a conversation with Melissa Harrison, a nature writer who was inspired by Blythe’s writings and ultimately settled in Suffolk. She elaborates on the significance of Blythe’s existence and the enchanted rural world he envisioned. Margherita climbs up onto a thatched roof to learn more about the work of Nick Walker, one of only 20 master thatchers still active in the United Kingdom.

When John visits the blacksmith Paul Stoddart, they design and make a latch typical of Suffolk. Charlie Haylock, a proud Suffolk speaker, introduces himself to John and gives him an overview of the history of the dialect and the ways in which it differs from the Norfolk accent.

We also look at how a new generation of engineers and a groundbreaking project in Cornwall could play important roles in the United Kingdom’s push towards clean energy. And Adam Henson meets up with young farmers Ioan and Emily to discuss the ups and downs of their early agricultural careers.

The people, places and stories making news in the British countryside.

Season 35 Episode 27

When can we see the episode

Countryfile: Ronald Blythe’s Suffolk airs Sunday 2 July 2023 at 20:00 on BBC One

Featured image credit: BBC One