0:00:02 > 0:00:04Across the UK, days are warmer,
0:00:05 > 0:00:09brighter and longer.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12In the countryside, the air is filled with birdsong,
0:00:12 > 0:00:14and the scent of flowers.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16Spring has sprung.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21It's the time of year when nature wakes up.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26And there are new beginnings everywhere you look.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31It's a time to plant and sow.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36And to get out and enjoy everything
0:00:36 > 0:00:39our wonderful countryside has to offer.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45All week, while travelling the length and breadth of the UK...
0:00:45 > 0:00:48For every one degree temperature rise
0:00:48 > 0:00:50flowering advances by five days.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56..bringing the very best seasonal stories that matter to you.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00Is it time for me and my family to stop feeding ducks?
0:01:00 > 0:01:01Bread is not good for birds.
0:01:01 > 0:01:02It's junk food for them.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07A very warm welcome to the most joyous of seasons.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11This is Countryfile Spring Diaries.
0:01:17 > 0:01:18Coming up on today's programme:
0:01:18 > 0:01:22Keeley will be discovering the incredible benefits
0:01:22 > 0:01:24these birds can bring to our old folk.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26It gets us out of the house.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30Now I virtually know all the residents by name.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33It's just changed my life completely.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37Paul will be sharing his experience as he reflects on the highs and lows
0:01:37 > 0:01:40of a year trying to live the good life.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42There is a nest in there.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45We have an owl in residence. How exciting.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49And I'll be taking a look at the sort of house we could all
0:01:49 > 0:01:51be living in in the future.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59All this week I've been based here in Devon celebrating the delightful
0:01:59 > 0:02:01transformation that springtime brings
0:02:01 > 0:02:04to our countryside and our coastline.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09We've seen its ancient woodland burst into flower...
0:02:12 > 0:02:15..its rolling hills filled with lively lambs...
0:02:17 > 0:02:20..and everywhere take on that special hue of green
0:02:20 > 0:02:23that you only get in spring.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27Now, eggs and chicks are, of course, a key symbol of the season.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31But right now some hens are doing more than just laying.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34They're helping to tackle loneliness.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Up in the north-east, Keeley is meeting the hens who are having
0:02:37 > 0:02:38a miraculous impact
0:02:38 > 0:02:42on reducing social isolation amongst our elderly.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48Why did the chicken cross the road?
0:02:48 > 0:02:51To make our OAPs more chirpy, of course!
0:02:55 > 0:02:58I've come to Gateshead to visit HenPower,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01a project that's using chickens to boost the health and happiness
0:03:01 > 0:03:05of older folk in residential care.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07Hello there, gents. How are you doing?
0:03:07 > 0:03:10The chickens in this coop have no end of carers.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16It's an inspiring scheme which is run by Joss Forester Melville.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19Initially we kind of set out about trying to target hard-to-reach
0:03:19 > 0:03:22older men. So, historically, older men will stay at home
0:03:22 > 0:03:24and won't get engaged in social activity
0:03:24 > 0:03:26and it was about finding a meaningful way of bringing men
0:03:26 > 0:03:30out into the environment and into communities and getting them to work
0:03:30 > 0:03:31with each other.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33A lot of the time when you're older I think you kind of
0:03:33 > 0:03:35have a lot of responsibility taken away from you.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38So this kind of project is really a springboard
0:03:38 > 0:03:40to a new style of life for older people,
0:03:40 > 0:03:42so, working together collectively,
0:03:42 > 0:03:45having a shared responsibility and letting the hens out in the morning
0:03:45 > 0:03:48and having arguments about who has fed them and who hasn't fed them.
0:03:48 > 0:03:49There's lots and lots of benefits.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53So much so that other homes are picking up on it.
0:03:54 > 0:03:59We get approached by care settings who want hens with a hen house,
0:03:59 > 0:04:02some fencing and literally give them the skills and knowledge
0:04:02 > 0:04:04to become hen keepers in later life.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- Has it been a success? - It's been an amazing success.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09It has really revolutionised their lives.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13People who were isolated, lonely, didn't socialise and didn't mix
0:04:13 > 0:04:14before are now coming out.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17They've got opinions, they've got feisty about chickens, you know?
0:04:17 > 0:04:21And you can just genuinely see in all of the older people that we work
0:04:21 > 0:04:24with that it's really, really been a massive benefit to them.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27Alan Richards is one of the hen men at Wood Green.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30He's lived here for the past 12 years.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33He and his pal, Owen, take care of the chickens.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36They have been dubbed the "hensioners".
0:04:36 > 0:04:37So are you down here every day then, Alan?
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Virtually every day, yes,
0:04:39 > 0:04:43mostly of a night-time putting them to bed and making sure they're
0:04:43 > 0:04:47reasonably clean and there's water for them for the next morning.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Tell me how this has changed your life.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52It gets us out of the house.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56Us folk are a lot closer together, especially the men.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01A lot of residents just said good morning and that was it, but now,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04I know virtually all the residents by name
0:05:04 > 0:05:08and some of them are now personal friends.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10Before Alan got involved with the hens,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13he spent most of his time alone watching telly.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16The hens have given him the perfect excuse to get out of
0:05:16 > 0:05:18the house and get socialising.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23I've made friends with people from four-year-old to 94,
0:05:23 > 0:05:25just through the hens.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27And the best thing of the lot,
0:05:27 > 0:05:31one of the residents has got two granddaughters,
0:05:31 > 0:05:37I've got none of the family left, and them two lasses call me Grandad.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41That's as good as winning the Lottery, to my way of thinking.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44It's just changed my life completely.
0:05:47 > 0:05:5087-year-old Owen Turnbull is up at the crack of dawn
0:05:50 > 0:05:52to care for the chickens.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55I get up at 6.30am at this time of the year,
0:05:55 > 0:05:57go and let the bantams out.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59I really enjoy it.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02Owen lives with his wife who has dementia.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04They have been together for 62 years.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09The hens, all named after the female residents at Wood Green,
0:06:09 > 0:06:12give him a break from the responsibilities of home.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14This is Belle coming out.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- This is Belle.- This is the one that's named after your wife?
0:06:17 > 0:06:18- Yes.- She's beautiful.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20They've all got different names.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24Pam. She is the last one in of a night-time, Sandra.
0:06:24 > 0:06:25And what's Sandra like?
0:06:25 > 0:06:29Sandra's lovely. She does all the organisation for the charities.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32But what's the chicken like?
0:06:32 > 0:06:33THEY LAUGH
0:06:33 > 0:06:34She is all right. She is lovely to handle.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37There's a Millie somewhere, isn't there? My nan is Millie.
0:06:37 > 0:06:38What's Millie like?
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- She is making the noise. - That's Millie making the noise?
0:06:42 > 0:06:44Oh, that doesn't surprise me.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- Is your nana noisy then?- Yeah!
0:06:49 > 0:06:52The hens provide Owen with an outlet that's just for him.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54How important are the chickens to you?
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Oh, they're very important at the present moment, the way Belle is.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59You can sit and watch them all day.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01I don't know what I'd do without them.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06But it's not just the men that have embraced the project.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10Ladies like Doreen Realton and Pat Cain have also benefited.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15I didn't know anybody here, not a soul.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18I came from a different district to live here.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21I was asked to come up and see what's happening
0:07:21 > 0:07:24and see all the hens, and people were so nice and friendly.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28Because people come to see the hens and then you meet people, you know.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32Pat and Doreen now regularly take the chickens on HenPower roadshows.
0:07:33 > 0:07:38We've had some fun. We've been to Edinburgh, to Belfast, Wales,
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- everywhere and everybody. - Helsinki.- Helsinki.- All over.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46But they often share their love of hens closer to home
0:07:46 > 0:07:50either at other retirement homes or in local schools.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54It's lovely going to the schools because they like to talk to you,
0:07:54 > 0:07:58the children, and they want to know all about chickens
0:07:58 > 0:08:01and whether they lay eggs. It's lovely to go to them
0:08:01 > 0:08:05and see how they react to the hens. We take the hens with us.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09But today the schoolchildren are paying THEM a visit.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13It's a wonderful way to bring older folks and youngsters together.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15I really like spending time with the hensioners
0:08:15 > 0:08:18because they're really nice and they help you sometimes.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Have they taught you things about the chicks?
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Yes, tell us facts about them.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25This is such a brilliant idea.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27I'm loving it. Are you guys loving it?
0:08:27 > 0:08:28CHILDREN: Yes!
0:08:28 > 0:08:29Very hengaging!
0:08:29 > 0:08:30Sorry(!)
0:08:31 > 0:08:34The charity that organises all this feathery fun
0:08:34 > 0:08:37is actually an arts charity.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41All of these chicken capers are an elaborate way to get the elderly
0:08:41 > 0:08:43to engage in creative pursuits.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47A bit like art therapy with hens.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Today, the schoolchildren and the Wood Green residents
0:08:50 > 0:08:52are making tiles with a local artist.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54There's a hive of activity going on here. What is going on?
0:08:54 > 0:08:57So HenPower isn't just about keeping chickens,
0:08:57 > 0:09:00though the chickens are a catalyst for the creative work.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02We like to bring people together,
0:09:02 > 0:09:03whether that's children and older people,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06whether that's older people and more older people to do something
0:09:06 > 0:09:08meaningful so it's about not just staying at home
0:09:08 > 0:09:13and looking at your four walls, it's about using your own creativity.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17The hens activate, stimulate and inspire the elderly to get arty.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20From its humble beginnings,
0:09:20 > 0:09:24this idea is now being used in more than 50 care settings
0:09:24 > 0:09:28across the country, and has even spread overseas to Holland
0:09:28 > 0:09:30and as far afield as Australia.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34At a time in life when most people are starting to slow down,
0:09:34 > 0:09:36this lot are caring for chickens,
0:09:36 > 0:09:38forming new friendships and making masterpieces
0:09:38 > 0:09:41and they're creating a wonderful community to live in.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43It's amazing what a few hens can do.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50Who would have thought that the simple hen could be so uplifting?
0:09:51 > 0:09:56So much of our well-being depends on what's around us, and nothing lifts
0:09:56 > 0:10:00the spirits quite like being out in the sunshine,
0:10:00 > 0:10:04surrounded by the sight and smells of our wild flowers.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09Nature's ability to heal has been recognised for centuries,
0:10:09 > 0:10:14but do the benefits go beyond simply filling our lungs with fresh air
0:10:14 > 0:10:16and putting a spring in our step?
0:10:17 > 0:10:22Margherita is on the hunt for the healing power of flowers.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26Who doesn't love flowers? They're a...
0:10:26 > 0:10:27Oh, thank you!
0:10:27 > 0:10:29..they're a beautiful thing to see, and to be given,
0:10:29 > 0:10:33and they not only look great at this time of year when our natural flora
0:10:33 > 0:10:36is bursting into life, they may actually be good for our health,
0:10:36 > 0:10:38but can they really do us good?
0:10:42 > 0:10:44Deep in the Herefordshire countryside there's a man
0:10:44 > 0:10:48who believes in the restorative properties of British flowers.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53Herbalist Julian Barnard has been creating natural flower remedies
0:10:53 > 0:10:56for nearly 30 years.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01I'm so interested to find out. Why are flowers so good for our health?
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Well, in short order it's the healing power of nature.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08Dr Bach, who discovered the flower remedies in the UK in the 1930s,
0:11:08 > 0:11:12said that our health was related to our emotional and mental state
0:11:12 > 0:11:16so he found a variety of different plants which express,
0:11:16 > 0:11:18through the way they grow, a quality
0:11:18 > 0:11:20that's equivalent to an emotional state.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23So the flower links to an emotion?
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Absolutely.
0:11:25 > 0:11:26Edward Bach was a qualified doctor
0:11:26 > 0:11:30who had grown dissatisfied with orthodox medicine.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Giving up his lucrative Harley Street practice,
0:11:32 > 0:11:37he tested each plant personally and identified 38 flowers
0:11:37 > 0:11:42which he believed could be used to treat different emotional issues.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44One of which is the flower of the conker tree,
0:11:44 > 0:11:47otherwise known as white chestnut.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51This, Dr Bach says, is for when we have obsessive-compulsive thoughts
0:11:51 > 0:11:54that go round and round our head,
0:11:54 > 0:11:58the complexity of ideas which we cannot just drop and let go of them.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02So when we've got a lot going on in our minds, we're juggling, I don't know,
0:12:02 > 0:12:04kids, mortgage, work problems,
0:12:04 > 0:12:07this is connected to the complexity of the plants?
0:12:07 > 0:12:14Absolutely and so, if you see the individual structure of the flower,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17it's actually shapeless, it's almost amorphous,
0:12:17 > 0:12:22and that's to do with, if you like, dispelling the structured geometry
0:12:22 > 0:12:25of thinking that takes hold of our minds.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- What else is in the garden? I'd love to see more.- Well, let's go.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33Another tree with healing properties is the walnut.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Well, this is a remedy when you need protection.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39It could be if you go through a divorce or you change your job
0:12:39 > 0:12:40and you're in a new situation
0:12:40 > 0:12:43and you don't quite know who you are any more.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45So it helps you come back to yourself.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47And the way it does it, if you touch the leaves,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50give them a good squeeze - they won't mind - and smell them.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53Oh, it's quite pungent.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58Oh, yes. And that protects it because the insects and the animals
0:12:58 > 0:13:00stay away from this tree.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02They won't come near it because of that smell.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05So nature is giving us a chance to protect ourselves,
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- perhaps, emotionally.- Absolutely.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09And allow to us to get back on track to where we need to be.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11Perfect.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16Time for Julian to analyse which plants I might benefit from,
0:13:16 > 0:13:20using pictures of the 38 flower remedies.
0:13:20 > 0:13:21OK, well I'm drawn to that pink.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24That's very vibrant. There's something about that that I like.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26Well, that's a very interesting flower.
0:13:26 > 0:13:27That's red chestnut.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30This is a remedy for people who have a tendency
0:13:30 > 0:13:33to project fear and anticipate misfortune for other people.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35I'm a worrier. What can I do?
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Why not? That's exactly right.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40What about this one? This one seems interesting.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42That's good. That's beautiful.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45That's an olive tree from the Mediterranean
0:13:45 > 0:13:50and Dr Bach says this is a remedy for absolute total exhaustion.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53With that one, you're dead, absolutely flat, the battery is out.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55What woman isn't tired these days?
0:13:57 > 0:13:59So that would help give me some spring?
0:13:59 > 0:14:01Yes, it's about rejuvenation.
0:14:01 > 0:14:02I need to book a holiday.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Definite, yes. That's what that remedy is for.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11This all sounds great in theory, but do these remedies actually work?
0:14:11 > 0:14:14I'm off to meet dairy farmer Steve Fletcher,
0:14:14 > 0:14:19a previously sceptical local who not only used it on his RSI,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21but also on his animals.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25So Steve tell me, how did you start using flower remedies?
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Well, I had a problem with my wrist and I had terrible pins and needles
0:14:28 > 0:14:31in both hands and very bad swelling on the right wrist.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33About five years ago a friend of mine said
0:14:33 > 0:14:36that I should try the cream and just see what happens, and so I did.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39I was a bit sceptical, but I tried it and after about a fortnight
0:14:39 > 0:14:42the pins and needles almost stopped and after two months
0:14:42 > 0:14:44the swelling in my wrists completely went.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47Steve was so impressed with the results
0:14:47 > 0:14:49he decided to give it a go on the cows
0:14:49 > 0:14:51and their cracked and injured teats.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55Because the cream is so healing it allows the milk to still flow out of
0:14:55 > 0:14:57the udder and that's the most important thing
0:14:57 > 0:15:01because then, that udder is allowed to be, to return to normal
0:15:01 > 0:15:03and not have any infection.
0:15:03 > 0:15:08- So from a sceptic, you have become a bit of a convert?- I have, yes.
0:15:08 > 0:15:09Correct.
0:15:09 > 0:15:14But is there scientific basis to all this flower power?
0:15:14 > 0:15:18Andrew Tresidder is a GP in Somerset who uses natural remedies
0:15:18 > 0:15:20alongside his orthodox treatments.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23I work with them because they've helped me greatly
0:15:23 > 0:15:24over a number of years
0:15:24 > 0:15:27and also family, friends and patients as well.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29We learn at medical school about our hardware bodies,
0:15:29 > 0:15:32but we don't learn very much about our software beings.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Now, our soul, our software being, is fed by nature,
0:15:35 > 0:15:37it's fed by art, it's fed by music
0:15:37 > 0:15:40and all these aspects can help us retune when we go out of balance.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42To some of us, flower remedies are a new thing,
0:15:42 > 0:15:45but prescribing plants has been around for quite a while.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48The Egyptians used the healing powers of flowers.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51The aboriginals do still, I understand,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54and if I was a GP in 1945, 75% of my prescriptions
0:15:54 > 0:15:58would actually be herbal prescriptions from plants.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Well, if even medical professionals think there's something in it,
0:16:01 > 0:16:04I'm prepared, tentatively, to give it a go.
0:16:04 > 0:16:09So how do you get from beautiful blooms to usable flower remedies?
0:16:09 > 0:16:13Herbalists like Julian know exactly what's safe to pick
0:16:13 > 0:16:15and have two different ways of preparing them.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19One is the boiling method, where we've gathered the flowers before
0:16:19 > 0:16:22and we pour some water in from spring water
0:16:22 > 0:16:25and we put it on to boil for 30 minutes.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28And this is the sun method.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29So if you like to finish that,
0:16:29 > 0:16:32just pick off the flowers and put the last ones
0:16:32 > 0:16:34on the surface of the water.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37The sun method requires a perfectly clear day
0:16:37 > 0:16:39and not a cloud in the sky.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43The flowers are left to float in spring water for up to three hours.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Both preparations are then filtered and then a few drops of brandy added
0:16:47 > 0:16:50to act as a preservative.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52So all the goodness of the flowers is what you're getting down
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- into a pure essence.- Absolutely.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Absolutely, and that, hopefully, has got a message
0:16:57 > 0:17:00which is helpful to the individual person.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06So this is the dosage bottle that I prepared for you
0:17:06 > 0:17:08with the choice of your remedies.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11That's an olive and red chestnut and we recommend
0:17:11 > 0:17:13you take four drops four times a day.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16So this little bit of nature should put a spring into my spring?
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- Absolutely, a spring into your step. - Thank you so much. That's great.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- It's been a pleasure. It's been great to see you.- Thank you.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Well, I reckon it's worth a try.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30And, I mean, who can argue with the power of nature?
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Well, that's one way of capturing spring.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Better still, experience it for yourself.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45This is a great time of year to get out of the countryside
0:17:45 > 0:17:48and go for a really good walk.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50So here are some of our top Countryfile tips
0:17:50 > 0:17:53of places to go walking this season.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59We're a nation of ramblers with
0:17:59 > 0:18:01literally thousands of walks
0:18:01 > 0:18:03all across the UK.
0:18:03 > 0:18:08Some are long-distance, others no more than a stroll in the park.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09If you're in England,
0:18:09 > 0:18:11anywhere between Derbyshire and the Scottish Borders
0:18:11 > 0:18:16why not head out to the wild and windswept moors on the Pennine Way?
0:18:16 > 0:18:19For years this area has been a Mecca for hikers
0:18:19 > 0:18:22who travel here from far and wide
0:18:22 > 0:18:26to take on one of the most challenging walks in the world.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30Or further south, how about soaking up the endless patchwork views
0:18:30 > 0:18:33along the South Downs Way?
0:18:33 > 0:18:37100 miles from Eastbourne to Winchester.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40It's very popular with cyclists, with horse riders
0:18:40 > 0:18:42and people who want to go on a very long walk.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48Over to the West, Northern Ireland offers one of my favourites,
0:18:48 > 0:18:52the Causeway Coast, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56A two-day hike along the Causeway Coast path
0:18:56 > 0:19:00taking in the Unesco-protected Giant's Causeway,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03huge basalt, volcanic pillars that stretch from clifftop
0:19:03 > 0:19:04down to the sea.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10As islanders, we're drawn to our coast and in Wales,
0:19:10 > 0:19:14there's over 870 miles of stunning coastal path to choose from.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19Walking is a wonder drug. The Victorians were right.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23The smell of the sea air in walking can reduce all types of illnesses.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26And even if you're stuck in the city,
0:19:26 > 0:19:28there are places to get out to.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31In Edinburgh, you'll find a fabulous hill walk
0:19:31 > 0:19:34right in the heart of the city.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38I'm up on Arthur's Seat, the highest point in Edinburgh,
0:19:38 > 0:19:42and, let me tell you, the views from up here are incredible.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52As for me, well I'm happy to be walking on the spectacular wild side
0:19:52 > 0:19:55here in North Devon, where recently they have been restoring
0:19:55 > 0:19:58some much-loved long-distance paths.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Here in the stunning setting of Lynmouth is where four major walks
0:20:05 > 0:20:10converge, including England's longest waymarked footpath,
0:20:10 > 0:20:14the 630-mile South West Coastal Path.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18I'm here to meet Dan Barnet, the man in charge of looking after
0:20:18 > 0:20:21these trails in Exmoor National Park.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Greetings to you. What a glorious day for a walk.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26Absolutely. You really brought the weather with you.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28And you need a head for heights, certainly in this bit.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32You do. You do. And it's what makes it quite a challenging path to look
0:20:32 > 0:20:33after at times, as well.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35You get a lot of cliff falls and things like that,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38the path falling away. In the case of the South West Coast Path,
0:20:38 > 0:20:40there's actually millions of people who use it every year.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42So it does create a bit of damage and wear and tear.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45So there is plenty of work to be done to look after them.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48And you try to make sure that they stay as natural as possible.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52Absolutely, yes. It's important that we maintain the character
0:20:52 > 0:20:55of the path, so we try and use local materials and natural materials
0:20:55 > 0:20:57at all times, and really using techniques
0:20:57 > 0:21:00that have been used for hundreds and thousands of years.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03And as well as the south-western coastal path there are some other
0:21:03 > 0:21:06really good long-distance trails across Exmoor, aren't there?
0:21:06 > 0:21:07There are, there absolutely are.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10We've got the Two Moors Way, which starts over on Dartmoor
0:21:10 > 0:21:13and comes down here. We've also got the Coleridge Way
0:21:13 > 0:21:16which starts in the Quantock Hills at Nether Stowey
0:21:16 > 0:21:18and we've also got the Tarka Trail as well.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22Tarka The Otter, Henry Williamson's famous story.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25I didn't realise there were other romantic poets
0:21:25 > 0:21:26interested in this place.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29What exactly then is the connection between romantic poets,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32like Samuel Coleridge, and this place?
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Samuel Coleridge himself lived not too far away on the Quantock Hills
0:21:36 > 0:21:39and he used to enjoy walking on the Quantock Hills,
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Exmoor National Park, and out as far as here,
0:21:41 > 0:21:43as far as Valley of the Rocks.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- Did he write about it?- There is quite a bit of connection
0:21:45 > 0:21:47between some of his most famous works and this area,
0:21:47 > 0:21:50you know, Kubla Khan, and The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner,
0:21:50 > 0:21:54and in both those poems you can sort of understand the landscapes
0:21:54 > 0:21:55that he's describing
0:21:55 > 0:21:59have a lot of connections with Exmoor and this area.
0:22:01 > 0:22:07200 years on and this area continues to be a great source of inspiration.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13It's even triggered agricultural mechanic Richard Graham
0:22:13 > 0:22:15to develop a new skill in sculpting.
0:22:18 > 0:22:19- Hello, Richard.- Hi.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21What a great workshop you've got here.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23What a lovely spot to have it in.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- It's amazing, isn't it?- Now, what got you into sculpture?
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Welding was my first passion, really.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Farm machinery, tractors, all that kind of work
0:22:32 > 0:22:35and then here, looking out the window,
0:22:35 > 0:22:38the trees, and I just thought I'd start making a tree one day.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41His first wire tree certainly started something.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Now Richard spends more time on his sculptures
0:22:44 > 0:22:47than he does on fixing broken farm machinery.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50That would be good for what hanging rings on, or...?
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Yes, car keys, jewellery, rings.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56What about this one here? This is quite something.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58Yes. This is a bit of an experiment I've got going on.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02This is all moss which I'm training to grow on the branches.
0:23:02 > 0:23:03Oh, right.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06So anybody who buys this, they'll have to keep on watering it!
0:23:06 > 0:23:08There is a certain level of upkeep.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11So, tell me about this big new commission of yours.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15The wire man sculpture that I have been making
0:23:15 > 0:23:17to mark the Coleridge Way, the Two Moors Way,
0:23:17 > 0:23:20the South West Coast Path, and Tarka Trail.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22These are the rough, preliminary sketches I did for myself.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24Is he more like that one or that one?
0:23:24 > 0:23:26- More like this one.- Has he got a walking stick?
0:23:26 > 0:23:28He has got a thumb stick? Yes,
0:23:28 > 0:23:31and the other hand is held out so people can shake his hand
0:23:31 > 0:23:34as a congratulation on finishing the walks, or starting.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37To ensure the walking man can withstand the elements,
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Richard has used stainless steel.
0:23:39 > 0:23:44The 8ft statue has taken him 12 months to complete.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47And have you ever had any commission like this before,
0:23:47 > 0:23:50where thousands and thousands of people are going to come
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- and have a look at it? - No, I haven't.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56This is the first public sculpture that I've got being unveiled.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00So, it's, yeah, nerve-wracking and exciting and, yeah,
0:24:00 > 0:24:01everything all at once.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05And Richard's statue is going to be revealed to the public later today
0:24:05 > 0:24:07in Lynmouth.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09And I've been given the honour of unveiling it.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16But now, just a short hop south of here on the slopes of Dartmoor
0:24:16 > 0:24:19is Buckfastleigh, the centre of Devon's wool trade.
0:24:19 > 0:24:24The monks of the abbey here have kept sheep for the past 800 years
0:24:24 > 0:24:29and today the same age-old process is used to turn muddy sheepskin
0:24:29 > 0:24:32into the softest fleeces, as Anita finds out.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37In medieval times, there were 700 weavers in Buckfastleigh.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40It was the one-stop shop for all things wool and sheepskin in Devon,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43and guess what? It still is.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47In the town is Britain's last remaining large sheepskin tannery.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50It handles fleeces from local flocks,
0:24:50 > 0:24:52like these grey-faced Dartmoors.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Come on. That's it.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57They are fantastic looking.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02This historic rare breed flock is owned by Paula
0:25:02 > 0:25:04and her son, Lewis Steer.
0:25:04 > 0:25:05They're in full fleece at the moment.
0:25:05 > 0:25:06Right.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08They're due for a haircut, then?
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Yes, the next three or four weeks we'll probably get the shears out
0:25:11 > 0:25:12and we'll shear them all.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15The Dartmoors don't just provide wool.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18The meat we get back is a nice, succulent, slow-grown meat.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20We have the meat back and then we also have the by-product.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23- The sheepskin. - Which is the sheepskin.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26As well as the grey faced Dartmoors, Paula and Lewis
0:25:26 > 0:25:30keep other rare breeds for their spectacular fleeces, too.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32This is the white-faced Dartmoor, and then here
0:25:32 > 0:25:34we have the Devon and Cornwall long wool.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36It's so tactile and so soft.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38There's obviously a marked difference.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40Very tight little curls.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42- Yes.- This is a lot shaggier and longer.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44More like a clotted cream curl, I'd say.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46That would make a great wig.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48THEY LAUGH
0:25:48 > 0:25:52It takes time and skill to turn a muddy, knotted sheepskin
0:25:52 > 0:25:55into a lovely, soft fleece.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01This is the Devonia sheepskin tannery, run by Geoff Woods.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04So tell me what the process is.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07I mean, actually, this one of the cleaner sheepskins we'll get.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10But, yeah, We will put it through a series of processes.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12It will clean it up.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15We'll obviously convert the raw skin into leather.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17We'll tan it and, hopefully, it'll end up
0:26:17 > 0:26:20as a very attractive sheepskin rug at the end of the day.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22Very nice. One that I'll be leaving with?
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Unfortunately not. It'll take at least three to four weeks
0:26:24 > 0:26:27- to go through the process. - Why does it take so long, Jeff?
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Obviously, a fleece or a sheepskin has two parts to it.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34It has the wool, and it has the skin itself.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37So we have to treat the two different parts separately
0:26:37 > 0:26:41and that's why it's a very complicated and quite long process.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56So the sheepskin will go in here and the warm water and a liquid soap
0:26:56 > 0:26:59will hopefully get all the dirt and salt out of the sheepskins.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Oh, it is warm, isn't it?
0:27:01 > 0:27:04It's a nice, big lovely bath for the sheepskin to go in.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08You know what? It could do with a wash because it absolutely reeks.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10- Yes, it does.- In she goes.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Once the wool's washed,
0:27:17 > 0:27:20the skin of the fleece needs treating just like any other hide.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23This is looking at the leather.
0:27:23 > 0:27:28- We're turning it from its raw state, so the raw sheepskin...- Yes.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31- ..and we're turning it into leather. - Let's see how that happens.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33What do you put into the river water?
0:27:33 > 0:27:36We add some salt. That's the first stage of the process.
0:27:36 > 0:27:37It's sort of a pickling process.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39Yeah, pretty much. Just like a pickled egg.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45The skins take five days to cure in this chemical and salt bath.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Cleverly, it doesn't damage the wool.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51It really does feel as though we've stepped back in time.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54There's something really satisfying about doing something that feels
0:27:54 > 0:27:56really ancient. There's nothing modern.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57There is nothing newfangled.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59This is how it's been done for 200 years.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06Last stop on the ground floor is this massive drier,
0:28:06 > 0:28:08handling dozens of fleeces at a time.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10Right.
0:28:10 > 0:28:11And in it goes.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16The top floors of the factory are where the washed,
0:28:16 > 0:28:19tanned and dried sheepskins receive their final TLC.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24This machine is called an ironing machine, but it acts like a comb.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36It's a hair straightener.
0:28:36 > 0:28:41That's what it's doing. That is so soft and lovely.
0:28:41 > 0:28:42Look at the difference.
0:28:42 > 0:28:43That's incredible.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46So here, it's matted and a bit knotted,
0:28:46 > 0:28:48and that is soft and smooth.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56How wonderful to experience this age-old process still being done
0:28:56 > 0:28:57in a way it's always been done,
0:28:57 > 0:29:00and I suppose this is where I should give you a thoughtful conclusion
0:29:00 > 0:29:04about sheepskins. Well, actually all I want to do is...
0:29:04 > 0:29:06SHE GIGGLES
0:29:06 > 0:29:07It's so soft and lovely!
0:29:09 > 0:29:12Well, it's good to see such an old tradition still thriving
0:29:12 > 0:29:14and know that nothing goes to waste.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20Now, for many of us there's a special place
0:29:20 > 0:29:22that we'd love to call home,
0:29:22 > 0:29:26but for millions of Brits, the idea of that affordable,
0:29:26 > 0:29:28dream home is likely to remain out of reach.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31But in Pembrokeshire there's a unique project
0:29:31 > 0:29:35which could have a solution. Jules now investigates.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39Back in the 1950s,
0:29:39 > 0:29:43the Government set out to build 300,000 new homes a year
0:29:43 > 0:29:45to meet post-war demand.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47Six decades on,
0:29:47 > 0:29:50though there are 15 million more of us living in the UK,
0:29:50 > 0:29:54we're building less than half that number of houses each year.
0:29:54 > 0:29:59That's left 1.4 million people stuck on housing waiting lists
0:29:59 > 0:30:02and millions more with no hope of owning their own home.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07But a small team here in Wales have been pioneering a project that they
0:30:07 > 0:30:11hope will help change the way we think about housing forever.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17Last summer Countryfile visited the Ty Solar Housing project
0:30:17 > 0:30:20in the village of Glanrhyd in Pembrokeshire.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23At that point the developers were mid-way through a project
0:30:23 > 0:30:25to build six solar houses.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31Nine months on and the homes are almost finished
0:30:31 > 0:30:33and the first tenants are moving in.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37I want to see for myself what makes this project so unique.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39DOORBELL RINGS LOUDLY
0:30:39 > 0:30:40Oh, well, the doorbell works!
0:30:41 > 0:30:44The development is the brainchild of Glen Peters.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49So, Glen what gave you the idea? Because it's not a small one, is it?
0:30:49 > 0:30:54Well, I read this energy report about energy poverty, actually,
0:30:54 > 0:30:57in housing and discovered that 40% of people in social housing
0:30:57 > 0:31:01were having to make a choice between food on the table and energy,
0:31:01 > 0:31:03and I thought, this is crazy.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05So how did you go about coming up with the solution?
0:31:05 > 0:31:08Well, we were producing tonnes of energy on our solar farm
0:31:08 > 0:31:11and we thought, well, surely it shouldn't be difficult
0:31:11 > 0:31:15to produce lots of energy, and two guys came to talk to me,
0:31:15 > 0:31:20an architect and a carpenter, and we got together, almost like a creative
0:31:20 > 0:31:22hot house, and said let's create a prototype.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29The houses are largely heated by something called passive solar.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32It means that the big south-facing windows trap the heat of the sun,
0:31:32 > 0:31:34a bit like a greenhouse.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38Most of the rest of the energy comes from solar panels on the roof and
0:31:38 > 0:31:42properties are insulated with 11 inch-thick walls.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45They're made in a factory just a few minutes away.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52This is a cross-section of one of the walls.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54I tell you what, it's really solid, isn't it?
0:31:54 > 0:31:58It is all locally sourced, within 25 miles of here.
0:31:58 > 0:32:03So here we have larch. That's come from the Gwaun Valley.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07This larch was being burned in power station to make energy
0:32:07 > 0:32:09- for inefficient houses.- Yes.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13Now we're use that larch to make highly efficient houses.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15And this is your insulation. What is that made of?
0:32:15 > 0:32:19It's probably the newspapers that you've been reading all of 2016.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21This is recycled newsprint.
0:32:21 > 0:32:22We looked at sheep's wool.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25We looked at glass insulation, and this is the best thing
0:32:25 > 0:32:27we could actually come up with. What actually happens,
0:32:27 > 0:32:30you've got this solid mass of paper there, which actually provides
0:32:30 > 0:32:32something called thermal mass,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35so as the house warms up, it actually retains heat.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37This has been actually treated with caustic soda
0:32:37 > 0:32:39so it's completely fire-retardant.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41We're trying to show that there is an alternative way
0:32:41 > 0:32:43rather than bricks and mortar.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47These efficient homes use just 12% of the energy
0:32:47 > 0:32:51of a conventional house, and most of it is generated within the property.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54So to get a picture of day-to-day life in an ecohouse
0:32:54 > 0:32:57I'm meeting one of the new residents, Tessa Hope.
0:33:00 > 0:33:05The idea of living more or less bill-free has got to be attractive,
0:33:05 > 0:33:07- surely?- Yeah, it's great.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09We haven't had a bill, as yet.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12There aren't any times that we can't turn on the appliances
0:33:12 > 0:33:14apart from the night and for me, personally,
0:33:14 > 0:33:16I really like the fact that we've got the solar panels
0:33:16 > 0:33:18and we're connected to the elements.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22We know if there's a run of cloudy days then we can tell,
0:33:22 > 0:33:25because the temperature in our water dips, so we're very happy
0:33:25 > 0:33:28when it's sunny and we can have hot showers all week!
0:33:28 > 0:33:30But it doesn't stop you having hot showers,
0:33:30 > 0:33:33you just have to pay with them with a little bit of a top-up?
0:33:33 > 0:33:36Yes, and that bit extra doesn't seem to be very much.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39Last month we turned on the hot water twice
0:33:39 > 0:33:42and I have been assured by the builder that that costs us
0:33:42 > 0:33:43a grand total of 45 pence.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46- 45p?- Yes. So, not breaking the bank.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48You're not breaking the bank!
0:33:48 > 0:33:51And if you weren't renting, would you buy this?
0:33:51 > 0:33:52Potentially.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54I mean, I'd like to see what it's going to be like
0:33:54 > 0:33:57when it turns into a bit more a community, so we'll see.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02There is no getting away from the fact that we have a real crisis
0:34:02 > 0:34:06when it comes to genuinely affordable rural housing.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09Can wooden homes powered by solar panels cure it?
0:34:09 > 0:34:11Well, probably not.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13But it would be nice to think that they are, at least,
0:34:13 > 0:34:14part of the solution.
0:34:20 > 0:34:2380% of people in the UK live in urban areas,
0:34:23 > 0:34:28so it's no surprise that, for many, there is a long-held dream
0:34:28 > 0:34:31to escape to the country and live off the land.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33On their small holding in Wiltshire,
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Paul and his family have done just that.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39But one year on, is it living up to the fantasy?
0:34:46 > 0:34:51It was spring time last year that we embarked on our self-sufficiency
0:34:51 > 0:34:54adventure. But I can't believe how far we've come
0:34:54 > 0:34:56in such a short space of time.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59The big question is, has it all been worth it?
0:35:01 > 0:35:04One of the best things about working on the land is how much we have been
0:35:04 > 0:35:06able to do together as a family.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10Look at those beauties, Meredith.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12Well, look, that's another strawberry plant.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17That's our first quail egg, Dilley.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21In 20 years' time, you can look back and say we planted those out with
0:35:21 > 0:35:25daddy. Our honey, when we do get some, should taste like this.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27Go on, then, let's try it.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30- Drink it.- Drink it!
0:35:30 > 0:35:32It's been hard graft at times
0:35:32 > 0:35:35and we've certainly learnt by our mistakes.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40Our biggest mistake was building the quail pen too low, and too small.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47So I built a new one and it's made life a lot easier.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50It's much quicker to muck out and we don't end up with backache
0:35:50 > 0:35:54from having to stoop every time we collect the eggs.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58The birds are much happier, too, and happier birds should mean more eggs!
0:36:00 > 0:36:03As you can see, the eggs are really small and they tend to camouflage
0:36:03 > 0:36:06themselves with the sawdust floor, so you've got to be careful
0:36:06 > 0:36:09what you're treading on, but we've now realised
0:36:09 > 0:36:12we don't produce enough eggs, so if we double up the amount of birds
0:36:12 > 0:36:14we've got because we have a spare room here,
0:36:14 > 0:36:17another aviary, look, all free, ready for some residents.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21If we get some more quails in there and double up our production,
0:36:21 > 0:36:24then we can supply a farm shop as well as the local deli in Devizes.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28Then we become more self-sufficient and these guys
0:36:28 > 0:36:30definitely pay for themselves.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36One of the things that attracted us to this area is this beautiful
0:36:36 > 0:36:41woodland with its mature trees and, with the help of the Woodland Trust,
0:36:41 > 0:36:42I've learnt how to care for them,
0:36:42 > 0:36:45but also how to nurture brand-new seeds and saplings.
0:36:48 > 0:36:53So we've planted out 100 trees here, extending the existing woodland,
0:36:53 > 0:36:55echoing what's going on out there with beech trees,
0:36:55 > 0:36:59oak trees and adding a splash of colour, the odd cherry blossom.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02It's important for the next generation.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04My son helped me plant all of these and, of course,
0:37:04 > 0:37:08it's just brilliant for the planet and while we were at it,
0:37:08 > 0:37:12we planted up 1,000 hedgerow trees making stock fencing
0:37:12 > 0:37:15for a wildlife corridor so while life can actually access
0:37:15 > 0:37:18the woodland and get all the way down
0:37:18 > 0:37:19to the willow trees on the canal.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24There's one creature I'm hoping has already taken up residence
0:37:24 > 0:37:26in my woods.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28Last autumn, under expert guidance,
0:37:28 > 0:37:33I turned my hand to making a home for some of our feathered friends.
0:37:33 > 0:37:34Look at that!
0:37:36 > 0:37:39Perfect. That's great. So you've got a nice, clear hole for the owls
0:37:39 > 0:37:41to get in and a nice little ledge as well,
0:37:41 > 0:37:42so when the owlets are learning to fly
0:37:42 > 0:37:45they can come out and have a look and practise flying.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50This is the first time that I've come to inspect it.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52I'm not feeling that optimistic
0:37:52 > 0:37:54because we were told it might take two years
0:37:54 > 0:37:58before we get our first owl resident, but you have to check.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00So, it could be exciting, you never know.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02Fingers crossed.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10The moment of truth!
0:38:10 > 0:38:11There's a nest.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16There is a nest in there.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19I can't believe it. We have an owl in residence.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21I don't know what sort of owl,
0:38:21 > 0:38:24but it's full of twigs and feathers and bits of moss.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27How exciting. Right, let's leave it alone.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34For me, one of the best moments of last year
0:38:34 > 0:38:37has to be the arrival of our Wiltshire longhorn sheep
0:38:37 > 0:38:40from local breeder, Adrian Andrews.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44In they go. Oh, look at this, Dil.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48- That wasn't too bad, was it?- No.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50I have been feeling rather nervous for the last few weeks
0:38:50 > 0:38:52and now they're here, I feel totally relaxed.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55Well, they look very, very settled.
0:38:55 > 0:38:56That's brilliant, isn't it?
0:38:56 > 0:39:00I absolutely loved watching them settle in and since then
0:39:00 > 0:39:03they have been the perfect means of keeping the grass down.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07So much so, we decided to have more and last autumn,
0:39:07 > 0:39:11we enlisted the services of one of Adrian's rams, with great success.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15You've probably noticed they're missing.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17This is the field they normally graze in.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19Well, they are in safe hands.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21They're back with Adrian, who is looking after them
0:39:21 > 0:39:27during the lambing season, and I cannot wait to get them back!
0:39:27 > 0:39:29I mean, look how long the grass is!
0:39:31 > 0:39:34Last August our colony of bees got so big
0:39:34 > 0:39:39the queen bee took off, taking thousands of worker bees with her.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42But she did leave eggs in some queen cells
0:39:42 > 0:39:45so with the help of Liz, our bee mentor,
0:39:45 > 0:39:49we've managed to select a new queen and rebuild the colony.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51- Hi, Liz.- Paul. Hi, Charlotte.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53- Hi again, are you all right?- Yes.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Thanks for helping us out on our weekly inspection.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57Yes, let's go and see what ladies are up to.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59Today Liz is back.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01She's here to inspect the hive for crowding
0:40:01 > 0:40:04and give it an overall spring health check.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07We're going to take the roof off very, very gently.
0:40:07 > 0:40:08Let's have a look what's happening.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12Last week, you just had the wax foundation in,
0:40:12 > 0:40:16the bees hadn't done anything to it and if we just have a little look,
0:40:16 > 0:40:18can you see the nectar in there?
0:40:18 > 0:40:19- Yes.- Wow.- Yes, I can.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21So that's the honey, but it's not ready to have yet
0:40:21 > 0:40:24because it has not been capped over with wax.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26But Liz has spotted a problem.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28What's that that you can see there?
0:40:28 > 0:40:31Oh gosh, we've got a little bit of Varroa, which is a mite.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34The Varroa is quite an unpleasant thing.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36That's the first time I have ever seen that.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40The Varroa mite is a tiny parasite that sucks blood from the adults and
0:40:40 > 0:40:43the developing brood, bringing disease.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46It has been responsible for the collapse of honeybee colonies
0:40:46 > 0:40:47across the UK.
0:40:47 > 0:40:52We are going to be thinking about how we can treat the Varroa
0:40:52 > 0:40:55and get the Varroa out of your hive.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57I can see eggs on that frame.
0:40:57 > 0:40:58- Would you...?- Yeah, there.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00Have you got them? Fantastic.
0:41:00 > 0:41:01They are so tiny, aren't they?
0:41:01 > 0:41:04So if we see eggs we know that the queen has been on there
0:41:04 > 0:41:06in the last few days.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08They're not the happiest ladies today.
0:41:08 > 0:41:09I'm getting a bit uncomfortable.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18Well, that got a bit much for me.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22I know you're going back in a moment to inspect further, but so far,
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- so good?- Yes, the colony is building up really well.
0:41:25 > 0:41:26There is honey on the hive.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30You said we could get honey later on this spring, which is incredible.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32- We didn't think that, did we? - That's so good.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35- We'll be extracting.- I wonder what it's going to taste like?
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Hopefully a florally scent because of the lime trees, maybe.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40It should be the best honey you've ever tasted
0:41:40 > 0:41:43because it will be your own, and your first.
0:41:43 > 0:41:44It's worthwhile.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56I'm really proud of what we've achieved this year as a family.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59We've taken on a lot and we've thoroughly enjoyed it.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03We've learnt new things as well, but we've also made mistakes,
0:42:03 > 0:42:08but I think we're now well on the way to being more self-sufficient.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Well, we have had a lovely week here in North Devon
0:42:19 > 0:42:21and now for the big moment
0:42:21 > 0:42:24when we unveil the statue of the walker.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26Richard, come on in.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29Right, you will be shaking that hand in a moment!
0:42:29 > 0:42:34So, I'll ask the mayor, if you don't mind, to pull the strings.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36I'll pull this one, shall I?
0:42:36 > 0:42:40And hopefully, all being well, the walker will now be unveiled.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:42:47 > 0:42:48What do we think of it?
0:42:48 > 0:42:49CHEERING
0:42:49 > 0:42:50It's fantastic, isn't it?
0:42:52 > 0:42:53And after you, mayor.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02And that brings us to the end of our Countryfile Spring Diaries,
0:43:02 > 0:43:05but please join us again in three months' time
0:43:05 > 0:43:08when we celebrate summer. Until then, goodbye.