Winter in the UK: a time for huddling indoors, complaining about the weather, and generally wishing for spring. But “Countryfile,” ever the optimist, finds beauty even in the bleak midwinter. This week, John Craven braves the chill at Farmoor Reservoir in Oxfordshire, a surprising hotspot for wildlife during the colder months.
Farmoor, it turns out, is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Craven chats with a local enthusiast to learn about the feathered friends who call the reservoir home, from common coots to rarer visitors. A biologist’s meticulously monitored ponds add a scientific angle, proving that even seemingly mundane waterfowl can be fascinating subjects of study.
As the sun sets, Craven witnesses the nightly spectacle of birds returning to roost. Gulls, often maligned as scavengers, take center stage, their vital role in the ecosystem finally getting some much-deserved attention. The episode also dips into the “Countryfile” archives, revisiting past winter wildlife stories, a welcome reminder that nature’s resilience has been a source of wonder for years.
“Countryfile” is comfort television at its finest, offering a soothing escape from the January blues. It’s a reminder that even in the depths of winter, life persists, adapts, and even thrives.
“Countryfile” airs Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM on BBC One.
