Countryfile, 28 April 2024, BBC One, “Rutland”

On this week’s episode of Country File, Sean Fletcher and Margherita Taylor travel to Rutland, the smallest county in England. Despite its size, Rutland is home to the country’s largest man-made body of water—Rutland Water. This reservoir covers over four square miles and contains 110 billion litres of water, supplying much-needed hydration to the driest region of the UK.

Sean Fletcher explores the area’s transformation into a vibrant wildlife habitat during spring. He discovers that Rutland Water is a haven for migratory bird species, including the once-extinct ospreys. These magnificent birds, driven to extinction in England in the 19th century, are now back thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Sean joins a young osprey enthusiast in a hide, hoping to witness the return of a star breeding female who has occupied a nest since 2010. Sean also encounters some of the UK’s rarest mammals, such as bats, which rely on Rutland as a vital stop during their arduous spring migration.

Margherita Taylor takes to the waters of Rutland Water to uncover the history of the submerged landscape. She explores the story of how this reservoir was created by flooding the surrounding area, altering the natural terrain.

In another segment, Charlotte Smith journeys to Devon to investigate the rising tick population in the countryside. These parasites pose a significant threat to animals, livestock, humans, and pets alike by carrying and transmitting various diseases.

The show also features Adam Henson, who examines the impact of one of the wettest winters on record on farming practices.

Countryfile airs on BBC One at 6:00 pm on Sunday, 28 April 2024.