In this special episode of Countryfile, airing on BBC One on Sunday 2 June, Anita Rani and Charlotte Smith travel to Dorset, the site of a significant chapter in history, as they commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Dorset holds remnants of the Allies’ preparation for the monumental undertaking, with bunkers, sunken tanks, and a village frozen in time, testifying to the scale of the war effort.
Anita Rani explores Studland Bay, selected for its resemblance to the Normandy landing beaches, and investigates traces of the extensive D-Day dress rehearsal that occurred there. Charlotte Smith, meanwhile, visits a local tank museum to understand how machinery designed for northern France was tested on Dorset beaches.
Adam Henson examines the evolution of farming during World War II and its role in readying the country for D-Day. Tom Heap investigates opposition to new 4G masts planned for remote and picturesque areas of Scotland.
In this episode, the Countryfile team examines the impact and legacy of World War II, focusing on the preparations and sacrifices made in the lead-up to D-Day, while also exploring modern-day technological developments and their potential impact on rural areas.
Countryfile: D-Day: 80th Anniversary airs on BBC One on Sunday, 2 June 2024, at 7:00 pm.
