This Sunday, “Countryfile” viewers are in for a treat as the show welcomes a fresh face to its ranks. Joining the ever-present Matt Baker is new presenter Vick Hope, and their first outing together takes them deep into the heart of Kielder Forest, a sprawling woodland in Northumberland and the largest of its kind in England.
The episode offers more than just stunning scenery, though there’s certainly plenty of that. Baker and Hope meet the dedicated locals working tirelessly to protect and diversify the forest’s unique ecosystems. Baker gets his hands dirty, participating in a project focused on collecting seeds from some of the UK’s rarest native trees, an effort to ensure the woodland’s future resilience. Meanwhile, Hope wades into the restoration of critically endangered freshwater pearl mussels, a delicate task with significant implications for Kielder’s waterways.
Beyond the main features, the episode takes a look at Adam Henson’s work in the Cotswolds, where he examines the delicate balance of using woodland for livestock grazing while also preserving it as a haven for wildlife. And for those who prefer two wheels to two feet, Baker lends a hand in the construction of one of England’s longest mountain bike trails, designed with accessibility in mind for adaptive cyclists.
With its blend of natural beauty, conservation efforts, and a dash of good old-fashioned countryside know-how, this week’s “Countryfile” provides its usual great access to the UK’s rural stories and scenery. “Countryfile” airs this Sunday, March 9th at 5:15 PM on BBC One.
