10/02/2014 Inside Out West

Hello from Holland where we're looking for a Dutch solution to the

floods on the Somerset levels. 400 years ago, engineers from

Holland established the drainage system we have on the levels today.

Is it time to ask for their help again? Is it worth sacrificing

someone here in order to save the rest? This may not have been planned

but effectively, this has become the sacrificial land that they are

talking about in the Netherlands. Also tonight, the Gloucester man

running coast`to`coast across Canada. I am so close but yet so far

and I am just not fast enough. And 50 years of swans at the

Woodlands Centre. This is Inside Out West.

It has been the wettest start to a year on record. January had more

than twice the usual rainfall and more is expected. On the Somerset

Levels, 65 square kilometres of farmland, homes and businesses are

flooded. Interrupting lives and causing misery. Four weeks ago, we

filmed James, a livestock farmer near Moorland, struggling on despite

most of his land being under water. My land is over there so most of the

farm is flooded. There is no compensation, no insurance forehead.

Now, for from receding, the water has continued to rise. Across the

levels, communities are in chaos, evacuating their homes as like here

becomes impossible. So what can be done to stop all of this happening

again? You have obviously read about it. What do you make of it now

seeing that? When you see it, you fully appreciated as you do not on

the television. Nigel is an expert on flood defences. I've invited him

get his view on what the options are. We have had record`breaking

rainfall in the past couple of months. The land is very flat so it

just spreads out and at the same time, the river has taken all of the

water from the rainfall upstream and you cannot pump it into the river

fast enough. What do you make of the crop solutions being suggested here?

The win one dredging. There are a lot of things. Dredging has been

talked about a lot at the moment and it will increase the capacity of the

channels but you have to do it every year. In recent weeks, dredging has

become such a hot topic and even the Prime Minister has waded in.

Whatever is required, whether it is dredging work on the rivers, this

government will help those families and get this issue sorted. Other

solutions, such as upgrading the pumps and building a tidal barrage

have also been suggested. But would any of that have stopped this flood?

I do not think you could have stopped this was happening. You

could have mitigated it to an extent but we have had so much rainfall,

this sort of thing is going to happen when you have that sort of

rainfall. Heart of the problem on the levels is that bunch of the land

is lower than the rivers are things through it. So what is the answer?

To find out, I have come to Holland, which has a very similar landscape.

Here, they have spent the last 000 years learning how to hold back the

water using huge river walls or dikes. In fact, it was Dutch

engineers helped train the Somerset Levels 350 years ago and we have

been using the same system ever since.

My first stop is a university where is leading flood expert is testing

the latest measures for emergency flood protection. Things that could

really help on the levels right now. So what is going to happen here next

question Mark what will happen is that the big basin, they will open

the gates, water will start to flow in and it will put the hydraulic

loads on those measures. Hopefully it. The floods and keep the insides

dry. Maybe we should put herself the other side of the barrier? That is a

good idea. It is relieved holding. Even if clever technology can help

in the short`term, I want to find out whether the old Dutch system of

pumps and drains in the levels is really the way forward. It has had

two years of extremely serious floods. He needs help to stop these

systems can fail and you also need to manage and maintain the systems

well and also adapt them to change. Changing rainfall patterns. You are

never finished. In 1995, unusually heavy rains overrun the Dutch flood

defences, forcing the evacuation of 250,000 people, with millions more

homes under hit the maxed out. What followed was a rethink of their hope

the loss of pay for flood protection. `` whole philosophy I

have come to an area worthy date is about to be lowered, increasing the

flood risk. What you are talking about scenes completely, well,

bonkers. To start with, we still have our defence system of takes an

dredging. We will stay on doing that. At the same time, we find

solutions, new solutions, for flood relief by finding a way to live with

nature and to live together with the river. What is happening in Vaulks

moving the dyke hundreds of metres back from the river. It is part of a

?1.8 billion project called Room For The River, taking place at 34

locations across Holland. Now, when the river reaches critical levels,

it has a new flood plain to spill onto. This has meant evicting 2 0

homeowners and farmers, something that was not immediately popular.

This was one of the farmers told that the dyke protecting his farm

was being removed. He did not take it well. What did you think when you

first heard that the Government was turning your land into a flood

plain? TRANSLATION: 12 years ago, we were shown a map in which our land

was flooded with water. That was shocking for the people working and

living here, because we thought we had to move. Then we decided as

farmers together that we could oppose this plan, find a way to work

together with the Government. He and the other farmers persuaded

the Government to let them stay on their land and build new farm

buildings on six metre high mountains. Now, even if the land is

flooded, as predicted every 25 years, their house and farm

buildings remain Rebecca. `` drive. Your land will eventually flood How

do you feel about it doesn't worry you? TRANSLATION:

Let the water long? `` come? He is convinced. But back on the

levels, I want to find out if this awesome thing like it is the answer.

I have just been to Holland and had a look at some of the things they're

doing there. Do you think any of those ideas could work here? I think

they could be applied but would have to be adapted to the local context

and in discussion with local people. So it is not an instant fix? It is

certainly worth considering. Is it worth sacrificing some land to save

the rest? Speak at this may not have been planned but it has become it.

We would still have areas that would flood but not to this large extent.

That could work. Back with James, despite his

determination, the flood water has one. He has now evacuated his farm,

taking his livestock with him. I am catching up with him at an auction

centre were nearly 100 of his cattle are being full. However last few

weeks been for you? It has been an absolute roller`coaster. The water

came up, we had to get the catholic. It is a huge stress. What you think

of some of the ideas that they are working on in Holland? Can you see

anything like that on the levels? Potentially, as long as there were

not too many properties on the banks it could work. Even a new town. It

is a blank canvas. What about having your farm, all of the farm

buildings, all of it, on a 20 foot mound?

It is not only me. It is everybody. Do you bulldoze them, raise the bank

and put them back? What if you could stay dry? It would be lovely. I wish

I was on an island. Since our trip to Holland, we understand that the

Prime Minister has been on the Dutch government asking for their help.

But with more areas under threat across the country, whatever they

decide will come too late this time for James and the rest of the

communities here on the levels. Next tonight, the latest adventure

of a truly remarkable charity fundraiser. Jamie MacDonald has

already cycled from Bangkok to his home town of Gloucester and he holds

the world injuries record for static cycling. `` world endurance record.

Last March, he set off on his most ambitious challenge yet, a 5000 mile

run unaided across Canada. The Atlantic Ocean at the

easternmost point of Canada and the starting point for Jamie

MacDonald's extraordinary cross`country run. He is aiming to

become the first Briton to run unsupported across the second

biggest country in the world. 5 00 miles! Across Canada! I heard Liz

months of extremes. Highs. And lows. I have gone East instead of West!

This is the story of his epic journey.

Training, I have done a few one or two mile runs but I haven't really

thought it through. Jamie left his comfortable home in Gloucester last

March. I am going to be camping on the side of the road. I kind of like

just sleeping anywhere and everywhere. To begin months of

roadside running and camping in the freezing Canadian winter. I am going

to be... On the TransCanada Highway for the next 400 miles! However

right from day one, it is of years that camping by the side of the road

just is not an option on the snowy ground. So I just knocked on that

door there and they are letting me stay. In the garden! Jamie Steele

discovers why Canadians have such a friendly reputation. Over the

following 11 months, he is put up for the night... He is fed like a

king. I have myself a Sunday roast dinner. They have even put out

sandwiches for me or my bed to take with me on the road. He is even

given a practical body to replace the heavy backpack. `` buggy. Most

of the time, he is running by his that macro running on his own. I

have seen that sign before! I'm running the wrong way! How have I

done that? ! That little mistake's added ten miles to the journey. I

have to get running, that will make me feel better. A young man from

England is running across Canada to raise money for children's

hospitals. As word spreads of his exploits, donations begin to roll

in. Thank you very much. Isn't it amazing? I came out of that

restaurant with over $100 for sick kids. The reason for taking on this

Canadian adventure goes way back to Jamie's childhood, when he spent

months in hospital. I have a condition called syringomyelia,

which is extremely rare. I used to have epilepsy and immune deficiency.

I had a whole year off school. Now he is raising money for children's

hospitals in England and Canada We will give this on behalf of the

staff and management here for your course. That is amazing. Thank you

so much for your doing. As news of his adventure spreads, Jamie gets a

taste of fame. Front page! People start to join him on the run. We

have a group! Whoo! In June, he heads into the French`speaking

province of Quebec. Bonjour, monsieur! J'habite a Gloucester

A new city and time for a FLASH new look.

Inspired by his new superhero outfit, he makes a 300 mile detour

to make an emotional visit to one of hospitals he is raising money for.

I'm close to crying. Hold it together!

He continues running past the Great Lakes, with their spectacular

scenery and wildlife. That bear looks like it is walking

away. That is good. Beyond is the endless expanse of the

prairies. After nine months on the road, the

going is getting even tougher. I can't do it no more. I'm so close

and yet so far. I'm going to miss Christmas. There's no way I can

spend it with my family. I'm just not fast enough. But giving up is

not an option. Jamie beats his demons but then face is perhaps the

greatest challenge of the whole journey, crossing the Rockies in the

depths of winter. They are just something else. Absolutely

breathtaking. The ever`friendly Canadians make sure he is not alone

in the mountains, especially at Christmas. Three, two, one!

Unhappily, while celebrating the New Year in Banff, he is beaten up and

robbed. But nothing detracts him from his continuing journey, not

even advice from Park Rangers about the constant danger of avalanches.

He's given a beacon, just in case. There is also a danger around every

blind corner from the huge lorries crossing the mountains. Every day

brings him another marathon closer to his destination. That is my first

Vancouver sign! I want to cry! Between him and the ocean lies a

final pitiless climb. I think this is it. This is the summit. Who is

the daddy? Who... Is... The daddy?! I will tell you who the daddy is!

I'm the daddy! I am the daddy! I just got salt in my mouth! Ugh! I'm

the daddy. I'm the daddy. From then on, it is downhill all the way to

Vancouver. And a hero's welcome after 332 days on the road.

It has finally happened. I have dreamt about it for 11 months. Every

single day, I have woken up. Every single day. I did not think I could

do it. I just kept going somehow. Who is your daddy? There have been

so many moments on this journey would hazard quite worked out. ``

that haven't quite worked out. I don't did you can do a journey like

this for it to work out. Now, at the end, I would not change any of those

experiences for the world, good or bad.

It is thought to be among the world's first conservation projects.

50 years ago, Sir Peter Scott began his ground`breaking study of

Bewick's swans at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire. In our final film

tonight, Miranda Krestovnikoff, herself the president of the RSPB,

heads to Slimbridge to look back at what this project has achieved.

Sir Peter Scott was a colossal figure in conservation. He was

responsible for establishing the network of wildfowl and wetlands

trusts throughout the UK. The son of the great Scott of the Antarctic,

Peter was also an accomplished wildlife artist and has many other

talents. A keen bird enthusiast Scott decided to settle his family

here at Slimbridge after visiting the stunning Severn Estuary and this

is where one of the world's greatest conservation legacies began. Here at

the wildfowl and wetlands trusts at Slimbridge, they are celebrating a

very special anniversary. In 19 4, Sir Peter Scott began his landmark

study of the Bewick's swans that overwinter here at Lambridge. I have

been coming here as a visitor for many years. Today, I'm hoping to

find out a bit with more about Scott, his study and the swans

themselves. The Bewick's swan that arrived here

every winter are treating from the freezing conditions in the

antarctic. It was the arrival of these beautiful swans at swing ``

Sochi that inspired Peter Scott to begin his study. 50 years on, it is

Julia who is here every morning to check on the swans. Your job is

coming down here every morning, as the sun goes up, and monitoring what

is on the water here. What are you looking for? I'm looking at the bill

pattern. The pattern of black and yellow on the because the swans It

is distinctive for every individual Bewick's swan, like a thumbprint.

All of the swans that come here every winter, we monitor every

single one. Unfortunately, part of what this monitoring has revealed is

that the Bewick's swans is in decline globally. We have seen a

decline from 29,000 birds in the mid`1990s to less than 20,000 now,

currently. So it is a worry for us. Do you know why there is a decline

or is that part of the ongoing research? Whether it is related to

poor breeding success over the past few years or over increased more ``

increased mortality, for whatever reason. We have 50 years of data

behind us so we can use that to help us. It is a concern that the

Bewick's swans numbers are dropping but as they are being monitored

they are in good hands. It reflects just a part of the legacy of

conservation. He was one of the founder members of the worldwide

fund for nature. You may be forgiven for thinking that the focus here is

purely on birds. Sir Peter Scott's conservation effort had a huge

impact globally and this back from the brink mammal enclosure reflects

that. These charming otters are part of my favourite bit of the exhibit

here. I am about to meet a man who has had equally charming character

to show me. It is all gone! I have been involved here for many

years and I am lucky enough to have been included in the harvest mice

breeding project. Today, I am bringing in some new additions to

their manager. Two little babies for you. Harvest mouse populations have

declined under environmental pressures. As part of a national

conservation effort, Slimbridge are an a programme of breeding and

release with the hope of securing the future of these gorgeous

animals. You can have that one. One of my precious baby 's! That is so

exciting. She will be exploring that. The mice I have given you

today, what is the plan? We will pair them up, give them some

husbands, as they are both girls. In future, they will be available,

these or their offspring, to go back to the wild. As distractingly cute

as the harvest mice are, I'm here to find out more about the swans. I

have the rare opportunity of meeting with Peter Scott's daughter. She

spent much of her young life that Slimbridge and took part in the

study from an early age was that she went on to complete a Ph.D. In the

Swan's behaviour and is an accomplished artist herself. We re

in the study where he used to watch that swans were stopped these are

the record books with the initial Bewick's swans that you saw. You

have the date of the very first Swan, the wild swan that were seen

here. It is absolutely amazing. My father put the captive swans onto

this pond to lure the wild swans in. The day after he did this, this

first Swan came into the pond. That was on the 10th of February. On the

11th of February, Major and his signet came in. He noticed that the

pattern was different. You can see the difference. You can draw a line

from the forehead down to the tip of the beat. On this one, you cannot.

That was the beginning of him starting to identify all of the

individuals that came here. We have a little video of you and your

father watching the Bewick's swans from this window here. Let us have a

look at this. What are you drawing? One standing at the back there. It

is more to the right. There you are! And my brother. Shall we call it

Mottled? You can see how involved you all are in watching the swans

and that obviously influenced you for the rest of your life. It was

incredibly important to me. It is easy to see the profound influence

her father's passion for wildlife has had on her. I have always looked

to him as an inspirational figure in conservation. To end the day, I have

been given unbelievable access to his beloved Bewick's swans. And now

the highlight. I am lucky enough to be allowed to do the feed myself

this evening. I have had some training to minimise the disturbance

to the birds. Having spent the day learning about these birds, it is a

real privilege to finish the day seeing them close up. He we go. ``

here we go. What a way to say goodbye to the swans. The seven

history divides an important haven for thousands of birds such as the

Bewick's swans. Though the drop in numbers is concerning, hopefully the

data the study has provided will provide an answer to halting the

decline. That is all we have time for the

night. Don't forget you can keep in touch with what we are up to via

Twitter or you can send us an e`mail. From all of us here in

Holland, thank you but watching Good night.

Next week, we investigate new concerns about heart surgery at

Bristol's Children's Hospital. It is not likely had bad care, he had bad

care, yet no carrot all. Hello, I'm Ellie Crisell with your

90 second update. More flooding misery. Thousand of homes in

Berkshire and Surrey are now vulnerable as Thames river levels

reach record highs. 14 severe flood warnings are in place - meaning

lives are at risk. Full update at ten. Two men have been convicted of

helping triple killer Joanna Dennehy. Gary Stretch was found

guilty of one count of attempted murder. Leslie Leyton was convicted

of perverting the course of justice. An online drinking game has been

linked to another death. Police in Cardiff are investigating reports a

man collapsed after playing NekNominate. It's been blamed for

two deaths in Ireland. A ban on smoking in cars when children are

inside. That's what MPs have voted for in England tonight. Many health

experts support it, but critics say it's unenforceable. Scary moments

for Davina McCall. She collapsed after swimming Lake Windemere for

Sport Relief. She was carried from the water, but apparently made a

speedy