Sean Fletcher and Anita Rani venture into the rugged hills and valleys of west Exmoor, witnessing first-hand the landscape-scale changes brought about by the introduction of large animals for nature restoration. Sean encounters an unusual group of ecosystem engineers—a herd of water buffalo—who are being prepared for release to create wetland habitats. He also lends a hand in rounding up 23 Exmoor ponies for their yearly health examination.
Anita observes the unique contribution of hairy Mangalitsa pigs, who, in their own way, are creating the ideal environment for the rare high brown fritillary butterfly. The programme also looks into the significance of the west Exmoor landscape to mathematician and writer Ada Lovelace, and we catch up with the dedicated ranger team working tirelessly to keep deer out of their woodlands.
Meanwhile, in the Cotswolds, Adam Henson’s harvest continues to be hampered by the weather, but there’s a silver lining as his youngest lambs are now ready to go to market.
Countryfile: West Exmoor airs on BBC One on Sunday 8 September 2024 at 7.00 pm.
