0:00:26 > 0:00:30The Stroud Valleys - a bustle of high, steep hills
0:00:30 > 0:00:34pretty villages and glorious Gloucestershire countryside.
0:00:36 > 0:00:4050 years ago, the author Laurie Lee described these valleys
0:00:40 > 0:00:42as "greener and more decently lush
0:00:42 > 0:00:45"than is decent to the general herbaceous smugness
0:00:45 > 0:00:46"of the English countryside."
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Later on, I'll be getting my own inspiration from this place,
0:00:50 > 0:00:51but don't hold your breath
0:00:51 > 0:00:54because my choice of words aren't quite as flamboyant as his.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01Ellie knows this landscape better than most.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05For me, the Stroud valleys have everything -
0:01:05 > 0:01:10steep hills, beautiful countryside and a long established bohemia.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12It's also the place that I grew up.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15I'll be joining a group of artists as they combine
0:01:15 > 0:01:19their love for the great outdoors with their passion for art
0:01:19 > 0:01:21on one of my favourite walks.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27John's lifting the lid on labelling.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30There are various welfare symbols on food labels,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33but do we really understand what they mean?
0:01:33 > 0:01:37Should shopping with welfare in mind be made easier?
0:01:37 > 0:01:39I'll be investigating.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43And as spring approaches, Adam's got his work cut out down on the farm.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46For any sheep farmer, lambing is a big event in the farming calendar
0:01:46 > 0:01:50and we start lambing our first flock in a couple of weeks' time.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55Today is when we'll find out if these girls will produce the goods.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11The five Golden Valleys.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Golden because of the wealth that was created
0:02:14 > 0:02:16from the legacy of the wool trade.
0:02:16 > 0:02:17The valleys take in
0:02:17 > 0:02:21some of Gloucestershire's most delightful countryside.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25I'm starting my journey in a village
0:02:25 > 0:02:29often referred to as the queen of the Cotswolds - Painswick.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Amongst her mellow stone buildings,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35she's perhaps most famous for her churchyard,
0:02:35 > 0:02:40which has been described as the grandest churchyard in England.
0:02:40 > 0:02:41Built in the 15th century,
0:02:41 > 0:02:45St Mary's Church is at the heart of village life here.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Its spire, added in 1632,
0:02:48 > 0:02:52keeps a watchful eye over the surrounding landscape.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Look at these beautiful, old steps.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57Just think of the people that have been here
0:02:57 > 0:03:00and worn them down over time.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03The views from up here are just incredible.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07This is the point where the five valleys converge on Stroud,
0:03:07 > 0:03:10but I'm not just here to take in the scenery,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13because St Mary's Church punches well above its weight
0:03:13 > 0:03:16when it comes to something that is now just below my feet.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19BELLS RING
0:03:19 > 0:03:23These bells are run by the Ancient Society of Painswick Youths -
0:03:23 > 0:03:27the oldest and noisiest society in the village.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Formed in 1686, they're still going strong.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32Deborah Foreman, the tower captain,
0:03:32 > 0:03:36fronts the team of Painswick regular ringers.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38From a bell ringer's perspective, Deborah,
0:03:38 > 0:03:40why is this so special, this church?
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- Because of the number of bells that are here.- How many are up there?
0:03:44 > 0:03:46- 14 bells altogether.- 14?
0:03:46 > 0:03:50We've got more bells than Gloucester Cathedral, they've only got 12,
0:03:50 > 0:03:54and more than Westminster Abbey because they've only got ten.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57There's not many churches in Britain that have 14 bells.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- So, why so many? - Because of the prosperity
0:04:00 > 0:04:02and competition as well with Stroud and Bristol.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05They used to have lots of competition between bell ringers.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- There's a massive trapdoor here. - You're standing nicely in the middle.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Is that to get them out?
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- Yeah, get them out and in. - There's some big bells up here.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- That one is enormous. - That's the tenor.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22That's about 2,600 in weight, a ton and a bit with all the stuff on.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24When you add up all the different bells,
0:04:24 > 0:04:27there must be this incredible weight up here?
0:04:27 > 0:04:29Yeah, I wouldn't like to think about it falling down.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33But that's exactly what did happen in 1883,
0:04:33 > 0:04:35when the spire was struck by lightning
0:04:35 > 0:04:37and the entire wooden bell frame collapsed.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42It was replaced by the giant Meccano steel frame that you see today.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45But the original timbers weren't wasted. They were used to build
0:04:45 > 0:04:47the lych gate on the west entrance.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51Well, what a welcoming sound that is. It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- A full house today then. - Yeah, full house.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- I'll move you around here to your tutor.- Morning, everyone.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Won't try and put you off, I know you're in the zone.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03Alan's going to teach you. He's ringing the tenor at the moment
0:05:03 > 0:05:05of the bells that we're ringing.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08I was going to shake your hand but you've got a bell in it.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- A bit busy at the moment!- Come round and take your coat off.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13OK, yes, of course.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- I'm raring to go, Alan. - That's it, thumbs in line,
0:05:16 > 0:05:20hands down, stand behind the rope.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- Here we go.- Shall I just go up with it?- Yes.- Then down with it?
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- Is that too hard? - No, that's perfect.
0:05:29 > 0:05:35This is called rounds, from the highest note to the lowest note.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37You're ringing the lowest one.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42I can't work out which bell is mine, not on the sound.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- Bong.- Bong - that's the one.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Now.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48- Bong.- That's you.
0:05:48 > 0:05:49Well done.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Everyone in the surrounding villages will be like,
0:05:54 > 0:05:59"That's not the usual bong at the end."
0:05:59 > 0:06:01- It's the Baker bong.- Yes.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05One. Let stroke. I'm going to stand it at hand stroke, I hope.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- BELLS STOP RINGING - And there we are.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14Well, initiation over, time for the bad boy of bells -
0:06:14 > 0:06:15the big tenor.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- Is it possible?- Course it is.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19We'll do it together like we did the last one.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23- Right. You've got to jump on the box.- Right.
0:06:23 > 0:06:24And take the rope.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27Is this going to take me off the ground?
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- If you hang onto it, yeah. - Will it?!- Yes.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- Have you all had a go at this? - ALL: Yes.- Why am I nervous?
0:06:34 > 0:06:36And...
0:06:36 > 0:06:38start pulling.
0:06:39 > 0:06:40BELL CHIMES
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- Oh yes! There it is. - Away you go, Matt.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47Pull it hard. Get your whole body weight on it.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52Straight down, that's it, and let a little bit out as it pulls you up.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Wahey!
0:06:58 > 0:07:01That's it. Put your brake on. That's it. Lovely.
0:07:03 > 0:07:04Well done.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- That was super. - APPLAUSE
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Right, well, I'll think I'll leave them to it
0:07:12 > 0:07:15as I'm off to visit another spectacle of St Mary's.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20Yew trees. Legend has it that St Mary's has 99 of them,
0:07:20 > 0:07:25but every time the 100th is planted, the Devil pulls it out.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Whatever the number, churchyards across the country
0:07:27 > 0:07:30kept yew trees as a way of keeping out livestock.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34They were also seen as a symbol of life.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36Some of these trees are 300 years old.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39They came as little cuttings from a nearby estate,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42but maintaining them is expensive
0:07:42 > 0:07:44and so as soon as they encroach on the pathways,
0:07:44 > 0:07:46they have to be pruned.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50But the excess isn't wasted because yew contains a chemical
0:07:50 > 0:07:53used in the treatment of breast cancer,
0:07:53 > 0:07:56so all the cuttings from this churchyard are taken away
0:07:56 > 0:07:59and processed into making the drug.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04The 99 yew trees of St Mary's churchyard are a drop in the ocean
0:08:04 > 0:08:08compared to the abundance of flowers at my next stop off.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10On the edge of the village,
0:08:11 > 0:08:14the Rococo Garden is currently awash with snowdrops.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19This six acre flamboyant garden was created in the early 18th century,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22but fell derelict in the 1950s.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26Now restored, it's a rare example of garden design history.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Today, it's a public garden. There's loads of people around
0:08:31 > 0:08:35enjoying the vistas, but has it always been open to the locals?
0:08:35 > 0:08:39No, I mean, it's interesting that when we go back into the history,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41they used to have this wonderful tradition
0:08:41 > 0:08:43where on one Sunday in springtime
0:08:43 > 0:08:47they would let the villagers come up and pick a posy of snowdrops.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50In many ways that was the reason why
0:08:50 > 0:08:53we started reopening the garden in the early 1980s,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56so it's nice to revive that tradition.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Luckily, they didn't pick them all.
0:09:00 > 0:09:05These days, this place is awash with over 8 million snowdrops.
0:09:05 > 0:09:10I would never condone going out and picking snowdrops willy-nilly
0:09:10 > 0:09:13but as I'm only here for one day, Paul has given me permission,
0:09:13 > 0:09:15like the villagers of yesteryear,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18to pick a posy for somebody special.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Later, I will be heading out into the hills of the Golden Valleys,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27but my feet won't be taking the strain...
0:09:27 > 0:09:31these electrically-powered pedals will be. But before we set off,
0:09:31 > 0:09:33John has been looking at the complications we all face
0:09:33 > 0:09:35when it comes to food labelling.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Especially when we want to know how our food is produced.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Right, here we go!
0:09:41 > 0:09:45Oh, it's kicked in! That's absolutely unbelievable!
0:09:53 > 0:09:56For many of us, how our food is produced has become
0:09:56 > 0:09:59just as important as quality or even price.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03In a survey carried out recently for Countryfile, 90% said
0:10:03 > 0:10:08the welfare of animals was a key issue when they were buying food.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11With so many more people wanting to shop ethically these days,
0:10:11 > 0:10:16what we need when we are buying food is some kind of reassurance
0:10:16 > 0:10:20on the label that the food has been produced to the standard we expect.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23The trouble is, it can get very confusing.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26But there are some labels that come with specific standards
0:10:26 > 0:10:28for animal welfare.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30Three of the main ones are Red Tractor,
0:10:30 > 0:10:34Freedom Food and the Soil Association's organic mark.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39But do people know what they mean?
0:10:39 > 0:10:45- What about the Red Tractor symbol? - That rings a bell somewhere.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- It's like Fair Trade.- Not really, no.- I'm being thick, in't I?
0:10:50 > 0:10:56And if you saw a Soil Association symbol, what would that tell you?
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- Not sure about that one. - What about Freedom Foods? RSPCA.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06Oh, they're controlled. They're looked after properly.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08I thought they were the same thing.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12I'm not sure what the difference is between them all.
0:11:12 > 0:11:17Clearly, there is confusion and that can give other, unofficial labels,
0:11:17 > 0:11:19a chance to muscle in on this ethical market.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24- What about this one? - Oh, who's that on there?!
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Never seen him before!
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Do you think that means welfare standards have been high?
0:11:30 > 0:11:35- I should think so, yes. I think so. - 'In fact, it means nothing.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40'What is it that sets the three main farm assured labels apart
0:11:40 > 0:11:43'when it comes to animal welfare? Let's start with the Red Tractor.'
0:11:43 > 0:11:47The Red Tractor scheme was set up 12 years ago by UK farmers,
0:11:47 > 0:11:51producers and retailers, all working together to make sure,
0:11:51 > 0:11:55they say, that the food we buy meets a high standard.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58I'm meeting David Clark of the Red Tractor scheme
0:11:59 > 0:12:02on one of their approved farms in Wiltshire.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06When shoppers see Red Tractor on the label, what should that tell them?
0:12:06 > 0:12:11Well, it's a shortcut to good quality food made to proper
0:12:11 > 0:12:14production standard that consumers expect.
0:12:14 > 0:12:20In what way are these cattle raised above the standards expected by law?
0:12:20 > 0:12:22The first thing to say is that it's important
0:12:22 > 0:12:24we make sure the law is complied with.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27In the UK we are in a position where we can say
0:12:27 > 0:12:30we have been doing that for two decades now.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Not least because of the work of the farm assurance schemes.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37On top of that we have standards over and above the legislation.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39What extra do you provide?
0:12:39 > 0:12:43We ask farmers a lot of small things across the scope of husbandry,
0:12:43 > 0:12:48but things like the way veterinary medicines are used and recorded,
0:12:48 > 0:12:50animal health planning,
0:12:50 > 0:12:54pro-active planning of animal health and welfare.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58How does the Red Tractor scheme compare with our other two labels
0:12:58 > 0:13:01when it comes to the welfare of cattle?
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Certainly there are big differences in the length of time
0:13:04 > 0:13:06they can be transported.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09For Red Tractor, it's the same as the legal requirement,
0:13:09 > 0:13:11anything up to 28 hours.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15But for both Freedom Foods and the Soil Association,
0:13:15 > 0:13:18it's a maximum of eight hours, much less.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22There are differences over putting cattle out to pasture.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26Neither the Red Tractor nor Freedom Food labels
0:13:26 > 0:13:28have requirements for this.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32But the Soil Association does insist cattle get out into the fields
0:13:32 > 0:13:34and eat some grass.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38The Red Tractor label isn't just about animal welfare,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41it stands for better safety and environmental protection
0:13:41 > 0:13:43and products stamped with the logo
0:13:43 > 0:13:46are likely to cost less than the others.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50But the scheme has faced criticism for having lower welfare standards
0:13:50 > 0:13:51than, say, Freedom Food.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57Freedom Food is the RSPCA's farm assurance and food labelling scheme
0:13:57 > 0:14:01and it aims to deliver standards of animal welfare
0:14:01 > 0:14:05that are above and beyond those that are legally required.
0:14:05 > 0:14:10Julia is head of farm animals at the RSPCA.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13How much more do they offer in terms of animal welfare?
0:14:13 > 0:14:17The Freedom Food scheme requires all its members to apply
0:14:17 > 0:14:20the RSPCA's welfare standards for farm animals.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24How different is that from what is required by law?
0:14:24 > 0:14:26We have a number of points of difference
0:14:26 > 0:14:29and these are areas that scientific research
0:14:29 > 0:14:33and practical experience tells us are important for animal welfare.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- Give me an example. - Well, we try to be evidence-based.
0:14:37 > 0:14:38In pigs, for example,
0:14:38 > 0:14:42we require more space than the law and Red Tractor ask for
0:14:42 > 0:14:45and, importantly, lots of enrichment in the animals' environment.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47Whether indoors or outdoors,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50pigs are naturally very intelligent and inquisitive animals.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54To give them a boring environment is not good for their welfare.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57We insist on materials given to them
0:14:57 > 0:15:01so they can root and explore their environment
0:15:01 > 0:15:04and, also importantly, bedding and a comfortable lying area.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08These are points of difference important for animal welfare.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10At this farm in Devon,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13the pigs are reared to the standards laid down by the RSPCA.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16How does that set them apart from the others?
0:15:16 > 0:15:20Let's take the case of controversial farrowing crates,
0:15:20 > 0:15:23metal pens used for sows around the time of birth.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27Freedom Food farms allow them but are phasing them out by next year.
0:15:27 > 0:15:32The crates are still allowed under the Red Tractor scheme.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35But under the organic label, they're banned.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38When it comes to straw bedding,
0:15:38 > 0:15:41the Red Tractor mark doesn't require it as standard.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45But Freedom Food and the Soil Association's organic rules
0:15:45 > 0:15:46insist on it.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53Unlike the other two labels, RSPCA's Freedom Food was set up solely
0:15:53 > 0:15:56to guarantee standards of animal welfare.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59But does that make it better?
0:15:59 > 0:16:02In a few minutes' time, I'll be comparing it and the Red Tractor
0:16:02 > 0:16:04to the third of our three labels,
0:16:04 > 0:16:06the Soil Association's organic brand.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Stroud is at the centre of five valleys.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19Being a local girl,
0:16:19 > 0:16:22I've spent a lot of time taking in the views around here.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26One of my favourite stomping grounds is Rodborough Common.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30It's a beautiful, if not stark, place.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38Walking is very much part of rural life around here, so too is art.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41In this part of the Cotswolds in the Stroud valleys,
0:16:41 > 0:16:43there's a thriving community of artists.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46One group loves their art as much as their walking
0:16:46 > 0:16:51so they've combined their two passions into art walks.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57As well as using conventional methods, this group also take
0:16:57 > 0:17:02an experimental approach when it comes to capturing the landscape.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05It should be an interesting day.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08What we're looking at is to try to avoid looking at the drawing
0:17:08 > 0:17:11but to look with great intensity at the landscape
0:17:11 > 0:17:14and let your hand follow where your eye's moving.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18But if you don't look down, if you take your pencil off the paper,
0:17:18 > 0:17:19it'll end up in a random place.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22It might well do.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25I can already feel this is not a good piece of work because...
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Don't make judgements about it!
0:17:29 > 0:17:33Is the intention to become better artists or a better observer?
0:17:33 > 0:17:38The act of doing it is enough. It's not meant to be a finished piece.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40It might well be something else later on
0:17:40 > 0:17:46but at the moment, it's, er, the exercise is in doing it.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49It feels like a party game...
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Like passing balloons between the knees.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56'Hang on, I thought you weren't supposed to be looking down!'
0:17:56 > 0:18:01- Did you not enjoy party games?- Can I look down yet?- Go on.- Oh, my word!
0:18:03 > 0:18:07Looking good. That's really nice.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11What do you think?
0:18:11 > 0:18:17- OK, so, what's next? - We are slow walking. This way.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28(I'm not sure what we're doing here.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31(Or even why I'm whispering!
0:18:31 > 0:18:32(Richard?)
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- Do I need to whisper?- No. - What are we doing?
0:18:36 > 0:18:40We're experiencing the moment, recording it,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43and just being really aware
0:18:43 > 0:18:46of this moment where we are.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50Artists are thought of as visual people
0:18:50 > 0:18:55but I'm actually, at the moment, drawing the sound of that skylark.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- Really?- It's a way of helping you concentrate.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01You try and take in not only what you're seeing
0:19:01 > 0:19:04but as many of your senses as you can.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- Exactly.- Do you get funny looks, doing this?
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- We get funny looks all the time! - What is that?
0:19:11 > 0:19:15It's a Heath Robinson DIY...
0:19:15 > 0:19:17a couple of paint trays and rollers
0:19:17 > 0:19:21but I can move the paper backwards and forwards
0:19:21 > 0:19:27and kind of record movement and also time because, you know,
0:19:27 > 0:19:32they're long drawings which are a record of a specific walk.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45For these artists, it's not necessarily what you produce
0:19:45 > 0:19:47but how you do it.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51Part of the fun is to let the countryside steer and inspire you.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56I thought I knew this landscape pretty well,
0:19:56 > 0:20:00I spent my young years growing up here.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03But the more I've looked at it for the purposes of art,
0:20:03 > 0:20:06the more I realise I haven't seen it all.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08That's what Hockney said a few weeks ago.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12Observe, observe, observe and you see much more.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14You all right there, Tom?
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- Hiya!- This looks very old-fashioned. What's this?
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Yes, it's a combination of things.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22It's an old camera out of a studio
0:20:22 > 0:20:25but today I'm doing some pinhole photography,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28so if you look on the front, there's no lens.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32It's just a bit of tinfoil with a needle making a pinhole.
0:20:32 > 0:20:33It changes the quality of the image
0:20:33 > 0:20:36so these grasses I am taking a picture of
0:20:36 > 0:20:41will be blowing in the wind against the static background.
0:20:41 > 0:20:42Just experimenting, really.
0:20:42 > 0:20:48A fairly complicated piece of kit but everyone's got a phone with a camera.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52Indeed, and your task is to take four images now
0:20:52 > 0:20:55and we'll put them together in an experimental way
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- for you to see at the end.- OK.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01I just want you to take one photograph pointing south this way,
0:21:01 > 0:21:06and then another photograph pointing east,
0:21:06 > 0:21:09and one pointing west and one north.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12It's a piece of equipment for you to use.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- That's got the crew in it. - That will be fine.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- That's real, isn't it? - The tripod over there.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23- Let's have one of you in there. - Great.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- We put those photos together, is that how it works?- Yeah.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30This could be an interesting result. I am looking forward to seeing this.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- Very good.- Wonderful.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35These art walks provide true inspiration,
0:21:35 > 0:21:40whether you're a novice like me, or a professional artist like Lucy.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44She likes to keep her work at arm's length.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Why is it so long, your implement there?
0:21:51 > 0:21:56Because you've got less control. It's about mark-making.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59With this, there's no way you can get fiddly with your drawing
0:21:59 > 0:22:03because you've got no control, the stick's wobbly.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05You're not going to be precious
0:22:05 > 0:22:08but you can stand back, see what you are drawing.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10It's as if it's been printed out large for you.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13You can see the scale, I suppose.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Lucy, as a professional, why do you come on these walks?
0:22:16 > 0:22:20It's a chance to share the drawing experience with other people
0:22:20 > 0:22:23and to discuss what work we're doing together.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26It's the inspiration of being in nature
0:22:26 > 0:22:30and it can feed back into whatever you're working on at the time.
0:22:30 > 0:22:31- Do you want a go?- Give us a go.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35I promise I won't add to it and only detract.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Gosh, it's very fiddly.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40A few houses in there.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44Another house. This is really difficult!
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Oh, Lucy, I'm doing this no good at all.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Maybe I will pass that back to you!
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Thanks very much. Cheers.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56Their methods might be a tad unconventional
0:22:56 > 0:22:59but the results speak for themselves.
0:22:59 > 0:23:00And I have to say,
0:23:00 > 0:23:04I'm rather chuffed with the way my montage of photos has turned out,
0:23:04 > 0:23:07all taken with my humble mobile phone.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11Earlier, we heard how food labels
0:23:11 > 0:23:15can help you find out about standards of animal welfare.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Is it time we had a simpler system for explaining how your food
0:23:18 > 0:23:20is produced? Here's John.
0:23:26 > 0:23:31Our supermarket shelves are awash with food labels selling us
0:23:31 > 0:23:34a slice of the good life.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36But how much do they really tell us?
0:23:36 > 0:23:39Certainly the demand for ethically-produced food is growing.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43In our Countryfile survey, 90% of those questioned
0:23:43 > 0:23:47said animal welfare was an important factor when out shopping.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52In a survey for the EU, 89% said they thought there should be clearer
0:23:52 > 0:23:55labelling on food when it comes to welfare standards.
0:23:55 > 0:24:00Earlier, I looked at the welfare guaranteed by the Red Tractor
0:24:00 > 0:24:05and Freedom Food labels. But what about the organic mark?
0:24:05 > 0:24:09The best known standards for organic food have been drawn up
0:24:09 > 0:24:12by the Soil Association which started back in the 1960s.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16But what does buying one of their label products tell us
0:24:16 > 0:24:18when it comes to animal welfare?
0:24:18 > 0:24:23Helen Browning is the association's chief executive.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26When the word organic is seen on a food label,
0:24:26 > 0:24:28what precisely does that mean?
0:24:28 > 0:24:32It means it's met tough standards that are aspiring to be
0:24:32 > 0:24:35the best they possibly can be in terms of animal welfare,
0:24:35 > 0:24:38environmental care, the healthiness of the product.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41All of those things are encapsulated in the organic standards.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45With chickens, how different are your standards from everyone else's?
0:24:45 > 0:24:48We're trying to make sure they've got the opportunity
0:24:48 > 0:24:50to have a really great life,
0:24:50 > 0:24:55plenty of room, that they are not stressed, they do not feather pick.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57For meat birds, they are grown more slowly,
0:24:57 > 0:25:01they have a 2.5 times longer life so you get better meat quality
0:25:01 > 0:25:04and better health in the birds.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- But that does put the price up. - It does put the price up,
0:25:07 > 0:25:09but a lot of people care about animal welfare
0:25:09 > 0:25:11and are prepared to eat meat less often
0:25:11 > 0:25:13but to know when they are eating it,
0:25:13 > 0:25:16they're eating something that has had a genuinely good life.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20We've already seen how the organic label compares with
0:25:20 > 0:25:24Red Tractor and Freedom Food over the welfare of cattle and pigs.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27What are the facts about chickens?
0:25:27 > 0:25:30Well, when it comes to the space they're given,
0:25:30 > 0:25:32there are obvious differences.
0:25:32 > 0:25:37Red Tractor specifies a maximum of 19 chickens per square metre.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40For Freedom Food, it's 15.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44And under the Soil Association's system, it's a maximum of 11.
0:25:47 > 0:25:52There are differences too which affect the birds' quality of life.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56Freedom Food farms have to give chickens natural light,
0:25:56 > 0:25:59straw bales and objects to peck on.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02The same is true for the organic label
0:26:02 > 0:26:05plus birds must have access to pasture
0:26:05 > 0:26:07for the last two thirds of their life.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10But the Red Tractor doesn't require the farmer
0:26:10 > 0:26:12to offer any of these things.
0:26:12 > 0:26:17In the end, each of these labelling schemes has its pros and cons.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Some may have higher welfare standards but as consumers,
0:26:20 > 0:26:24we have to balance that against other issues such as price.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28Even so, for some, these labels still aren't good enough.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Compassion In World Farming thinks there's scope
0:26:31 > 0:26:34for a simpler system of labelling backed up by the law.
0:26:34 > 0:26:35In my shopping bag,
0:26:35 > 0:26:39I've got lots of food with all kinds of reassuring labels
0:26:39 > 0:26:43which, to be honest, a lot of people find confusing.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46When it comes to animal welfare, the labels often are confusing.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50What should people be looking for if they're concerned about welfare?
0:26:50 > 0:26:54For the better animal welfare choice, for better standards,
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- go for Freedom Food or organic. - What about Red Tractor?
0:26:57 > 0:27:01Red Tractor will give you an assurance that the meat or milk
0:27:01 > 0:27:05has been produced to minimum government guidelines
0:27:05 > 0:27:07and recommendations, generally speaking.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09When I show people my sausages,
0:27:09 > 0:27:12which has the Farm Fresh thing on,
0:27:12 > 0:27:13which doesn't mean anything,
0:27:13 > 0:27:17they thought it meant the animals were well looked after.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21It doesn't mean that and that's why we need better labelling laws,
0:27:21 > 0:27:24we need to tell people how their food is produced.
0:27:24 > 0:27:30We need European legislation so we can understand from the label
0:27:30 > 0:27:33whether the produce has come from a factory farm or has been kept
0:27:33 > 0:27:35in better welfare conditions.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38But getting all the countries of the EU
0:27:38 > 0:27:42to agree on a common standard for welfare, that will be impossible?
0:27:42 > 0:27:44We already have legal requirements
0:27:44 > 0:27:48to label eggs according to how they are produced,
0:27:48 > 0:27:51whether they're from caged hens or free range,
0:27:51 > 0:27:56so surely we should be rolling that out to meat and dairy products.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59We need a groundswell of public opinion, consumer opinion,
0:27:59 > 0:28:04to demand clarity in the marketplace, better transparency,
0:28:04 > 0:28:08better information about how their food is produced.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11It's true there's been a huge increase in the sales of eggs
0:28:11 > 0:28:15from uncaged hens since mandatory labels were introduced.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17But finding a system that works
0:28:17 > 0:28:20for more complicated, high welfare systems
0:28:20 > 0:28:22could be quite a bit tougher.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26In the meantime, there are labels out there that can help us.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29We just need to know what they all mean.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34Later on tonight's Countryfile,
0:28:34 > 0:28:38Ellie is on a shopping trip where four legs are better than two.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40- That will keep him in straw! - Goodbye!
0:28:40 > 0:28:44Adam is keeping an eye on the new arrivals down on the farm.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48It's a sweet little calf. Like a great big teddy bear!
0:28:48 > 0:28:51And are we in for some springlike weather in the week ahead?
0:28:51 > 0:28:54Find out with the Countryfile five-day forecast.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03While Ellie has been getting all artistic
0:29:03 > 0:29:06on a walk through the Stroud valleys,
0:29:06 > 0:29:08further north, also in the Cotswolds,
0:29:08 > 0:29:10Jules Hudson and his new puppy Yollo
0:29:10 > 0:29:12are in search of some performing artists
0:29:12 > 0:29:15with their feet firmly set in farming.
0:29:17 > 0:29:18Look at this.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20"Hard-working groom wanted,
0:29:20 > 0:29:22"must have experience of working with horses,
0:29:22 > 0:29:27"willing to muck in and out and be available to start immediately.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30"And a natural entertainer would be an advantage."
0:29:30 > 0:29:33Intriguing, isn't it?
0:29:34 > 0:29:37This might look like your average farm,
0:29:37 > 0:29:41but it's home to one of our greatest rural shows.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Husband and wife Totty and Nell Gifford
0:29:43 > 0:29:45combine two of their greatest passions.
0:29:45 > 0:29:50The muck and mud of the farm and a love of all things theatrical.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53Stable number one, this is us.
0:29:53 > 0:29:58It's not your average stable. Quite colourful. Come on!
0:29:58 > 0:29:59There we are.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06Ah! Look at these!
0:30:07 > 0:30:09A sort of juggling baton.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12You don't see many of those in a stable either.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16Now, Totty, from what I've seen so far,
0:30:16 > 0:30:19this doesn't strike me as any ordinary farm.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21What's the story? What's happening?
0:30:21 > 0:30:25Well, these are part-farm horses, part-circus horses.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28So they're working horses but they're also performing?
0:30:28 > 0:30:30- Yes. - Where did the circus idea come from?
0:30:30 > 0:30:33Well, it was Nell, my wife's love.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37She got a job working in Germany with Yasmine Smart.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41That's some pedigree! The Smarts, their name goes before them.
0:30:41 > 0:30:42And I'm a farmer's son.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44So I saw this advert and thought,
0:30:44 > 0:30:46"Yeah, horses, mucking out, that's all fine for me."
0:30:46 > 0:30:48Yollo here, being a pup, of course,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50doesn't know much about anything yet.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52He's certainly never seen a goose before.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55- Who's the goose?- That's Brian, Brian the goose.- Does he perform as well?
0:30:55 > 0:30:59Yes, he does, he goes behind the Shires with me,
0:30:59 > 0:31:01I long-rein the Shires round the ring
0:31:01 > 0:31:04and Brian is in between me and, basically, the cart.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07- It's a fascinating bit of diversification, isn't it?- Yes.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10Circus and farming are very closely connected.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13You had pigs in circuses, cows in circuses,
0:31:13 > 0:31:16and we're trying to achieve a circus that brings entertainment,
0:31:16 > 0:31:18affordable entertainment, to the rural areas of England.
0:31:19 > 0:31:20How do you fit it all in?
0:31:20 > 0:31:23Juggle.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- JULES LAUGHS - You would say that, being a circus performer!
0:31:26 > 0:31:29With the season reawakening,
0:31:29 > 0:31:31it's time to dust off the cobwebs of winter
0:31:31 > 0:31:35as the show gears up for another 20 weeks on the road.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39So it's lights, camera, action for the first rehearsal of the day.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43Luckily, though, I'm not the only newcomer here.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46This is Willow, a six-months-old barn owl.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48Six months? Hey, Yollo, same as you.
0:31:49 > 0:31:50He's shaking his head!
0:31:50 > 0:31:52JULES LAUGHS
0:31:52 > 0:31:55- What is he going to be expected to do?- At the moment,
0:31:55 > 0:31:58it's all still in training but hopefully,
0:31:58 > 0:32:00with our tightrope walker at some point in the act,
0:32:00 > 0:32:02then the owl's going to appear
0:32:02 > 0:32:04and fly in silently and land on the tightrope walker.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07- On the tightrope walker? - Just for the "oof" - impact.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09'This fanciful, fantastical farm wouldn't be complete
0:32:09 > 0:32:12'without the farmer's wife.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16'It was always Nell's dream to create this wonderful spectacle.'
0:32:16 > 0:32:19Well, I joined a circus when I was 18
0:32:19 > 0:32:22and I just fell in love with the whole way of life
0:32:22 > 0:32:25and the animals and the travelling
0:32:25 > 0:32:28and I just kind of decided then and there, when I was 18,
0:32:28 > 0:32:33that I wanted to have my own circus and be a circus director one day.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37- What was your vision?- I think it was for a village green circus
0:32:37 > 0:32:42with a white tent, with ponies and dancers and magicians
0:32:42 > 0:32:43and musicians, a kind of circus
0:32:43 > 0:32:47- from a children's storybook about a circus.- Enchanted?
0:32:47 > 0:32:50Yeah, like a kind of enchanted circus,
0:32:50 > 0:32:53- a kind of miniature jewel of a circus.- How do you persuade people
0:32:53 > 0:32:57to come to a circus? In the past, there's been a lot of bad press
0:32:57 > 0:32:59with animal treatment and so forth.
0:32:59 > 0:33:04Yeah, the thing is, we only have horses and they're our horses
0:33:04 > 0:33:08and those horses are looked after to a professional standard.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11Their welfare is absolutely everything to us.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13They are having fun and the boys are having fun with them
0:33:13 > 0:33:15and it is a way of life
0:33:15 > 0:33:19and I think people can see that, there is nothing cynical about it.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21People have a really unsophisticated,
0:33:21 > 0:33:25lovely reaction of excitement when the circus comes into their village.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28'Amidst the animals, the magic is brought to life
0:33:28 > 0:33:31'with a wardrobe of bespoke costumes.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33'So what's the theme for this year?'
0:33:33 > 0:33:372012 is going to be called The Saturday Book.
0:33:37 > 0:33:42Basically, it is going to be a variety show with lots of surprises,
0:33:42 > 0:33:45a very Victorian sort of feel and a lot of comedy.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49'Well, if it's a bit of clowning around you're after, I'm your man,
0:33:49 > 0:33:52'and I've been given the chance to take part in rehearsals.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56'Showing me the ropes is Rebecca Townsend.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59'She's seven-times UK vaulting champion.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01'But before I have a crack at this,
0:34:01 > 0:34:03'I've got a lesson on the Feisty Bernard -
0:34:03 > 0:34:06'the barrel.'
0:34:06 > 0:34:07BOTH: One, two, three!
0:34:07 > 0:34:09- HE GROANS - Beautiful!
0:34:09 > 0:34:11THEY LAUGH
0:34:11 > 0:34:16'And in no time, I'm looking like a true professional - well, almost!'
0:34:16 > 0:34:18Gorgeous! Looking pretty.
0:34:18 > 0:34:19'Now for the real thing.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23'These stunning Ardennes horses are traditionally used for logging.
0:34:23 > 0:34:28'Strong as elephants, they've been specifically chosen for the show,
0:34:28 > 0:34:30'as have the outfits.'
0:34:30 > 0:34:33We use this to get the horses used to the sparkle.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- Would you... Would you like to wear it?- It's a tutu.
0:34:36 > 0:34:37I think you should wear it!
0:34:37 > 0:34:40D'you know what? I think, one step at a time.
0:34:40 > 0:34:41HE LAUGHS
0:34:43 > 0:34:45'And it's even more nerve-racking to know
0:34:45 > 0:34:47'that Nell's watching over my every move.'
0:34:47 > 0:34:50Just hook your legs over the handles, that might help,
0:34:50 > 0:34:52- like I showed you. - Good boy.- That's it, perfect.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56The more in tune you are with the horse, the better it's going to be.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00That's kind of the fascination of it and the art of it, really,
0:35:00 > 0:35:02so that the horse and the rider become one.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05Great. Rest your head between your knees and drop your hands down.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08It's quite good for your lower back.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12It's a nice little yoga session. Sit up and lift your legs down.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15OK, so swinging up to knees,
0:35:15 > 0:35:18and softly landing on the front of your feet. Brilliant. Really good.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21- Move forwards.- It's almost as if you're pushing forward.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25- Exactly.- As if you're riding normally.- Exactly. Gorgeous.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27How about that?
0:35:28 > 0:35:31- This audition's going very well. - There you go.
0:35:31 > 0:35:32A new member for the troupe!
0:35:32 > 0:35:36I think he needs a tutu but, you know, practice makes perfect.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- Lots of weight on your shin. - My left shin?
0:35:39 > 0:35:42Yes, and take your right leg out the back.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45Gorgeous! Straighten it. Come on, you can do better than that! Lovely!
0:35:45 > 0:35:49Really difficult. There's much more movement than you'd have thought.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51Even if you're used to riding,
0:35:51 > 0:35:54it's a real surprise, how difficult it is to balance.
0:35:54 > 0:35:59- And that's out there. Wah!- Get that man a tutu! Brilliant!
0:35:59 > 0:36:01And sit.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03The cast and crew have another month of rehearsals
0:36:03 > 0:36:06before the show goes on the road,
0:36:06 > 0:36:09but whether or not I'll make it - well, the jury's still out.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13We've had a fantastic day and despite what everybody says about
0:36:13 > 0:36:16working with children and animals, I might change my mind on that!
0:36:16 > 0:36:18JULES CHUCKLES
0:36:22 > 0:36:28Winter's drawing to a close, and as Adam turns his attention to lambing,
0:36:28 > 0:36:30it's out with the old and in with the new.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37Many of my ewes are pregnant,
0:36:37 > 0:36:41and I'm about to discover how many lambs they're carrying.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43But just as I'm preparing for these new arrivals,
0:36:43 > 0:36:45another chapter is ending.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49I'm taking the remainder of my lambs born last spring to market,
0:36:49 > 0:36:53lambs which I've kept for much longer than usual.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00The idea of keeping these lambs later is that the price will be higher.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03Most British lamb is sold during the summer and autumn,
0:37:03 > 0:37:04and at this time of year,
0:37:04 > 0:37:07there's not much lamb about, so the prices should be high.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09Well, that's the plan, anyway.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12They've been feeding through the winter on turnips
0:37:12 > 0:37:14which I've grown specially,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17and today I find out if the experiment's worked.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21Well, if we've got our maths right, that's 186 lambs off to market.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24It's quite exciting. DOG BARKS
0:37:30 > 0:37:32Cirencester Livestock Market.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36Hundreds of animals are for sale, in all shapes and sizes.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39Coming here gives me a real buzz.
0:37:39 > 0:37:40It looks like organised chaos,
0:37:40 > 0:37:43but the livestock stewards really know what they're doing.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47There go the sheep that way, and now the cattle the other way.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51It's not organised chaos - it's chaos!
0:37:55 > 0:37:59Go on, then. Somebody go. Lead the way.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02HE WHISTLES
0:38:04 > 0:38:07What the market stewards and auctioneers are doing now
0:38:07 > 0:38:09is sorting the lambs into types,
0:38:09 > 0:38:12so there's some with woolly heads and some with clean heads,
0:38:12 > 0:38:16and so, they look even in a pen, they'll sell better.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18So he's just sorting them out for me there now.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23Many of my lambs will go straight to slaughter.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27Some will be bought by other farmers to fatten up first.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30I'm hoping to get between 65 and 80 quid for each one,
0:38:30 > 0:38:33and as the auction gets underway, prices are looking healthy.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39That was £93.80 per lamb.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43Look at these. Good lambs here. 60 kilos. Start me off...
0:38:45 > 0:38:48The auctioneer is telling the dealers how many lambs are in the pen,
0:38:48 > 0:38:51and how heavy they are - live weight -
0:38:51 > 0:38:54and then the dealers have got to be like walking calculators
0:38:54 > 0:38:58because they've got to work out how much they'll pay for these lambs
0:38:58 > 0:39:01and what they'll get for them once they've been slaughtered,
0:39:01 > 0:39:04so the skin has to come off, the bones come out, the guts come out,
0:39:04 > 0:39:07leaving the meat. They've got to work out the value of that meat
0:39:07 > 0:39:09and whether they can make a profit.
0:39:09 > 0:39:10It's a really tricky job.
0:39:10 > 0:39:15- I'm selling at...- But what will the buyers make of mine?
0:39:15 > 0:39:20This is my first pen of lambs, and there's quite a lot of interest.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23- ..Three, four, five...- Price is rocketing up. It's quite good.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25I'm hoping for 75 quid.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29- At 76, they go at 76.- Well, they've gone for 76 quid.
0:39:29 > 0:39:30Down to the next pen of 40.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33AUCTION CONTINUES
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Trade's even better than I'd hoped for.
0:39:39 > 0:39:4072 quid a lamb for this big pen.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44And the rest of my pens don't disappoint, either.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48Thank you very much. Thanks, Chris. Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50All those lambs sold very well. My best pen made 83 quid.
0:39:50 > 0:39:55The next one's a 77. They went down to £70 for some of the rare breeds,
0:39:55 > 0:39:58the Norfolk Horns, but I'm pleased. It's gone very well.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01All in all, a great day's work.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Overall, if you include all my lambs I've sold today,
0:40:06 > 0:40:09I'll be taking home a cheque for about 13 grand.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13The gamble for us was, did we sell them in November for 55 quid
0:40:13 > 0:40:17or do we wait until now and sell them, and that gamble has paid off,
0:40:17 > 0:40:21and if you take off all the costs, we'll be 1,500 quid better off.
0:40:21 > 0:40:22It's worthwhile.
0:40:24 > 0:40:25Back on the farm,
0:40:25 > 0:40:29another season of lambing will begin in just a few weeks,
0:40:29 > 0:40:33but they won't be the only infants on the farm this spring.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37With this warm sun on my face,
0:40:37 > 0:40:40it really feels like spring is just around the corner.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44The days are getting longer, the snowdrops have come out in flower
0:40:44 > 0:40:48and, very excitingly, we've had our first few calves.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50This little Highland is just a few days old.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53It's going up to Eric here, my new bull,
0:40:53 > 0:40:56the one with his ring in his nose.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59The bull has just given him a tap, saying, "Out the way, boy."
0:40:59 > 0:41:01That little calf isn't Eric's.
0:41:01 > 0:41:02It's by my previous bull.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04She's a wonderful mother.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07She's following it around and keeping it close to her.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10The Highlands are fantastic at mothering their calves.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12You have to be careful when they're newly born
0:41:12 > 0:41:15that they don't see you off or charge you,
0:41:15 > 0:41:18but now she's settled with it and it's a few days old, she's fine.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20It's a sweet little calf.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22Like a great big teddy bear.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24Eric has calves that are due soon too,
0:41:24 > 0:41:27so my Highland herd is doing well,
0:41:27 > 0:41:29but the big work over the coming weeks is lambing
0:41:29 > 0:41:31and, on a misty Cotswold morning,
0:41:31 > 0:41:33I'm about to find out if we're in for a good year.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36Away. Sit!
0:41:36 > 0:41:37There's one major thing
0:41:37 > 0:41:40that can mean the success or failure of a sheep flock,
0:41:40 > 0:41:44and that is the amount of lambs that you can raise successfully,
0:41:44 > 0:41:47and on a lowland farm like this, you want all your ewes to rear twins.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50We don't wait for them to be born to find out.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54Instead, we scan the ewes so we know how many lambs they're carrying.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57For years, my scanner was Richard Chantler.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59In the 1980s, he was one of the first
0:41:59 > 0:42:03and went on to ply his trade all over the world.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07But when he died last year, his son Wally decided to take over,
0:42:07 > 0:42:09and this is his first visit to my farm.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13- Hi, Wally. How's it going? - Very well, thank you.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16- How long have you been sheep-scanning?- Three years.
0:42:16 > 0:42:17It's my third season.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20What were you doing before you started scanning?
0:42:20 > 0:42:23- I was a French polisher. - Incredible.- I know!
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- And you've taken on your dad's mantle.- That's right, yeah.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30- Best I can.- And what sort of round was he doing, then?
0:42:30 > 0:42:34- It was about 80,000. 80,000 sheep, about 10,000 cows.- Crikey.
0:42:34 > 0:42:39I've got over 50,000 sheep and a few thousand cows, I suppose.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41But, yeah, I've got the majority of it.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43How did you pick up all the work?
0:42:43 > 0:42:46I went through his address book and your number was in there,
0:42:46 > 0:42:49so...I phoned you up!
0:42:49 > 0:42:54- And are you as good as he is? - I-I'm as accurate, but I'm slower.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57Good for you. How confident are you?
0:42:57 > 0:42:59Are you going to be worried at lambing time
0:42:59 > 0:43:01when we'll be ringing you up, moaning?
0:43:01 > 0:43:03I'm going to be really worried! Sleepless nights.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07Lots of sleepless nights. I might just leave the country!
0:43:07 > 0:43:10Right, I mustn't stop you. I know time is money on this job.
0:43:10 > 0:43:15- Thanks very much.- He's getting paid so much a ewe. Is it 30p a ewe(?)
0:43:15 > 0:43:18Oh, no! I'm putting it up for you guys.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22- 50 pence.- Is it?- But it's been that since 1985.- It has. Yeah.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25And diesel prices, you know, I think I...
0:43:25 > 0:43:28I know, that's very competitive. As long as you get them right!
0:43:28 > 0:43:30Spot on, spot on.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33The art is to be as quick and accurate as possible,
0:43:33 > 0:43:37and it all helps me to plan for the season ahead.
0:43:37 > 0:43:41These are the last couple of hundred ewes on the farm to scan.
0:43:41 > 0:43:45The lambs grow very fast in the last six to eight weeks of gestation.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48In fact, 75% of the foetal growth is in that last six to eight weeks,
0:43:48 > 0:43:51so if a ewe is carrying twins or triplets,
0:43:51 > 0:43:55she needs a lot more grub than a ewe that's carrying one.
0:43:55 > 0:43:57So, we scan them all, sort them into groups
0:43:57 > 0:43:59and then feed them the right amount of food,
0:43:59 > 0:44:03and also, at this time of year, you'll find out which ones are empty,
0:44:03 > 0:44:07known as barreners, and they go off to market.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11I've never quite understood what you're looking at on the screen.
0:44:11 > 0:44:15- It's just a whole shade of blobs, as far as I'm concerned.- OK! Well...
0:44:15 > 0:44:18To be honest, that's how I felt when I first started.
0:44:18 > 0:44:20But it is quite easy.
0:44:20 > 0:44:22The denser the material, the whiter it is,
0:44:22 > 0:44:24so bone is going to show up really white.
0:44:24 > 0:44:26- Now, there's bone there.- Oh, yeah.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30And you can see... if I move my hand round,
0:44:30 > 0:44:33- and there's a body there. See the legs?- Yes, sort of.
0:44:33 > 0:44:35And a skull on the end, there.
0:44:35 > 0:44:39If I move my hand back, we've got a first one. So first one, second one.
0:44:39 > 0:44:44- Twins.- Exactly. - It's still just gobbledegook to me.
0:44:44 > 0:44:46Which is why we employ people like you, Wally.
0:44:47 > 0:44:50All in all, Wally's scanned about 600 of my sheep,
0:44:50 > 0:44:53and as the final one leaves the crush,
0:44:53 > 0:44:56it's time to discover how well we've done.
0:44:56 > 0:44:58183%.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01So, overall, our commercial flock is about 180% lambing,
0:45:01 > 0:45:05so if a ewe has one lamb, it's 100%. If they all have two, that's 200%.
0:45:05 > 0:45:09I understand from Wally that, nationally, the national flock,
0:45:09 > 0:45:12is low on its lambing percentage this year, it's well down,
0:45:12 > 0:45:14and so we've done well.
0:45:14 > 0:45:16ADAM WHISTLES
0:45:16 > 0:45:19Next week, I'll be moving the first of my ewes into the lambing sheds,
0:45:19 > 0:45:22and it'll be all hands on deck as the arable farming season
0:45:22 > 0:45:24kicks into action.
0:45:34 > 0:45:38Just a stone's throw south of Adam's farm are the Five Valleys of Stroud.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43Earlier, I was in Painswick, ringing the bells at St Mary's Church.
0:45:43 > 0:45:46Wey-hey!
0:45:46 > 0:45:50At the Rococo Garden, I met Paul. As well as being garden director,
0:45:50 > 0:45:52he's also keen to encourage people
0:45:52 > 0:45:55to explore the surrounding hills on wheels,
0:45:55 > 0:45:59and he hopes these electrically assisted bikes might be the answer.
0:45:59 > 0:46:01OK, so Paul and I are going to see
0:46:01 > 0:46:04how well these bikes fit into the valley around here,
0:46:04 > 0:46:08so we've got the Stroud Valley Cycle Club here. Nice to see you all.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10We're taking part in time trials.
0:46:10 > 0:46:12We've got Peter and Pat at the back - give us a honk.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14HORN HONKS
0:46:14 > 0:46:18There they are, on the tandem. Are we all under starter's orders?
0:46:18 > 0:46:22Time trial begins in three, two, one, go!
0:46:22 > 0:46:26We're going to have to speed up... There we are.
0:46:26 > 0:46:30The camera vehicle has to speed up because we're going at such a lick.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33I'll tell you what, Paul, they don't mess about, do they, these.
0:46:34 > 0:46:37How did you go from gardening to cycling?
0:46:37 > 0:46:40I've always loved cycling
0:46:40 > 0:46:45and I just felt that it's impossible to get round the hills
0:46:45 > 0:46:47if you're not used to cycling, so I thought,
0:46:47 > 0:46:51"How on earth can we get people on a bike, cycling round here?"
0:46:51 > 0:46:56- Yeah.- So, electric bikes was the obvious answer.
0:46:56 > 0:46:59How far can you go on a full battery?
0:46:59 > 0:47:03- I reckon you can get 30 miles here, with all the hills.- 30 miles?!- Yeah.
0:47:03 > 0:47:07Paul's plan is to persuade businesses in the local area
0:47:07 > 0:47:09to install charge-up points,
0:47:09 > 0:47:13so if you fancy pedalling further afield, you won't run out of juice.
0:47:14 > 0:47:18- Come on, guys! Whenever you're ready(!)- Where are they?
0:47:20 > 0:47:23If you're not fit enough to tackle this terrain, fear not.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26These bikes take most of the strain,
0:47:26 > 0:47:29allowing you to sit back and take in the view.
0:47:29 > 0:47:32- It does take your breath on some of the bigger hills.- Oh, yes.
0:47:32 > 0:47:37But the joy is, you're getting the exercise without it killing you.
0:47:37 > 0:47:38Yeah.
0:47:38 > 0:47:41We've got up that hill in no time.
0:47:41 > 0:47:45Look at this, we're just cruising along.
0:47:45 > 0:47:47And there we are.
0:47:47 > 0:47:48We've arrived.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50Well done!
0:47:50 > 0:47:51'One by one,
0:47:51 > 0:47:55'the Stroud Valley Cycle Club came rolling in shortly afterwards...
0:47:56 > 0:48:00'..albeit slightly more out of breath than we were.'
0:48:00 > 0:48:02Very good.
0:48:02 > 0:48:05- Are we the first tandem? - You are the first tandem(!)
0:48:05 > 0:48:09That was a good time trial, everybody. Good time trial.
0:48:09 > 0:48:12Now, in a moment, Ellie will in the largest of the valleys,
0:48:12 > 0:48:16Chalford, where some of the locals are taking a step back in time,
0:48:16 > 0:48:19but before that, the Countryfile forecast.
0:50:49 > 0:50:56.
0:51:08 > 0:51:10'The Golden Valleys of Stroud.
0:51:10 > 0:51:13'Earlier, I was creating art
0:51:13 > 0:51:16'on one of my favourite walks through the valleys,
0:51:16 > 0:51:19'while Matt took on this challenging terrain
0:51:19 > 0:51:22'with the help of an electric bike,
0:51:22 > 0:51:24'but it's a different mode of transport
0:51:24 > 0:51:28'that's tackling the steep hills in this picturesque village.'
0:51:28 > 0:51:31These days, it's easier and more convenient than ever
0:51:31 > 0:51:34to do the weekly shop - just a few clicks of the mouse
0:51:34 > 0:51:38or a walk from the car to the supermarket and back again
0:51:38 > 0:51:40is pretty much all the effort required.
0:51:40 > 0:51:44But for some people in this Cotswold village of Chalford,
0:51:44 > 0:51:46once they've got their groceries,
0:51:46 > 0:51:50they still face a long and gruelling climb up a steep hill to their homes,
0:51:50 > 0:51:54which was why some of them have come together and got...
0:51:54 > 0:51:57Chester.
0:51:58 > 0:52:01So, how did this scheme get started, then?
0:52:01 > 0:52:03Chalford's got a long history of donkeys,
0:52:03 > 0:52:05and the local businesses
0:52:05 > 0:52:08always used donkeys to deliver things.
0:52:08 > 0:52:12Four years ago, I decided to get a donkey and use it as a lawnmower,
0:52:12 > 0:52:16- and the scheme just developed from there, really.- Fantastic.
0:52:16 > 0:52:19So, off we go, then. Where did he come from?
0:52:19 > 0:52:22- He came from Adam's farm, actually. - Oh, did he?- Yeah.
0:52:22 > 0:52:24How was he when you got him?
0:52:24 > 0:52:29He was nine months old, he was a bit jumpy and didn't like to be led,
0:52:29 > 0:52:32but he's come on a lot since then, and now he's brilliant.
0:52:37 > 0:52:41- Come on out and get your groceries. - Thank you!
0:52:41 > 0:52:44Now, why would you use donkey delivery?
0:52:44 > 0:52:46It's so brilliant, isn't it?
0:52:46 > 0:52:49Coming here, delivering for me on a Saturday morning - lie in,
0:52:49 > 0:52:51papers brought,
0:52:51 > 0:52:53croissants if we want them. Anything we forget,
0:52:53 > 0:52:57we can just ring the shop and say, "Tell Anna to put it on the donkey."
0:52:57 > 0:52:59- Wow!- Yeah. - It's much better than getting
0:52:59 > 0:53:03- the stress of the supermarket on a Saturday morning.- Absolutely. Yeah.
0:53:03 > 0:53:05And the dogs don't mind?
0:53:05 > 0:53:10Oh, no, they love it. The donkey's part of Chalford life now.
0:53:10 > 0:53:12- Thank you.- Thanks a lot.- Bye-bye.
0:53:12 > 0:53:19Every Saturday, Chester is harnessed up to do the weekly delivery round.
0:53:19 > 0:53:21With Anna, he covers an exhausting three to four miles,
0:53:21 > 0:53:26up and down the village's steep hills and narrow pathways.
0:53:26 > 0:53:29- Oh, it's tiring. - Come on.- I'm tired!- Come on.
0:53:29 > 0:53:31'For some customers, like Rita,
0:53:31 > 0:53:35'Chester provides a valuable service, often acknowledged with a treat.'
0:53:35 > 0:53:37There you go, Chester. You lucky thing.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40It's wonderful to see Anna come up with the donkey
0:53:40 > 0:53:45- on Saturday mornings with my croissants and cigarettes.- Lovely.
0:53:45 > 0:53:47- Essential kit!- Yes.
0:53:47 > 0:53:55- For Chester's upkeep.- Hay. - That'll keep him in straw.- Bye!
0:53:57 > 0:54:02- Look at this, walking along the street.- Blimey!- Hey, hey, hey!
0:54:02 > 0:54:05- When was the last time I saw you? - It was a long time ago.
0:54:05 > 0:54:07It's my history teacher, lives in Chalford, here.
0:54:07 > 0:54:09I live at the top of the hill.
0:54:09 > 0:54:12- Just out for a walk.- Do you use the donkey service, Mr Godwin?
0:54:12 > 0:54:15- I must admit I don't. - Could we persuade you otherwise?
0:54:15 > 0:54:19You could persuade me, yes. I'm quite happy to support the donkey.
0:54:19 > 0:54:23- And the village shop.- And the village shop.- It's good to see you.
0:54:23 > 0:54:26- It's so nice to see you.- It's been a long time.
0:54:26 > 0:54:28- About 16 years.- Nice to see you.
0:54:28 > 0:54:31- Nice to see you. - See you again soon. See you!
0:54:31 > 0:54:36Talking of history, Anna and Chester have revived an age-old tradition
0:54:36 > 0:54:41of using donkeys to haul goods all over the area.
0:54:41 > 0:54:43'Bakers in Chelford had their own donkeys,
0:54:43 > 0:54:46'used to deliver bread until the mid-1940s
0:54:46 > 0:54:48'when motorised vehicles took over.
0:54:48 > 0:54:51'Right. One last delivery.' Hiya!
0:54:51 > 0:54:54- It's unique. It's something completely different.- Yeah.
0:54:54 > 0:54:57And it's preserving a tradition, really.
0:54:57 > 0:54:59Of how it used to be.
0:54:59 > 0:55:03'And it's back to the stables.'
0:55:03 > 0:55:04Come on!
0:55:04 > 0:55:05Up, up! Come on!
0:55:05 > 0:55:10- Come on, then. Here's your friend. - Hello, Teddy, have you missed us?
0:55:10 > 0:55:14- Are they happier when they're together?- Oh, yeah. Much better.
0:55:14 > 0:55:19And then underneath is the important bit. This is a pack harness.
0:55:19 > 0:55:23And this... It keeps the weight off the spine.
0:55:23 > 0:55:26So it's got a raised bit here, and that's really important -
0:55:26 > 0:55:29obviously you don't want to damage the donkey
0:55:29 > 0:55:31by carrying heavy weights on the spine.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33It's actually really hard to get a pack harness,
0:55:33 > 0:55:36and, um, I've looked all over the place.
0:55:36 > 0:55:39- So that's where Emily comes in!- Yeah! Hi, Emily.
0:55:39 > 0:55:42- Hello.- So what are you doing here, Emily? Let's have a look at this.
0:55:42 > 0:55:46At the moment I'm taking just a profile of the front of Teddy,
0:55:46 > 0:55:48so that, er, we've got a shape to work to.
0:55:48 > 0:55:51Because donkeys get wider as they go further back.
0:55:51 > 0:55:53So we'll get a shape here, and then we'll work to
0:55:53 > 0:55:56the back of the pack saddle, so that'll be about here.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58So take another shape,
0:55:58 > 0:56:01and we'll draw those on a large piece of paper.
0:56:01 > 0:56:03Let's have a look at that. Look at that!
0:56:03 > 0:56:06So you sort of simply draw round it, put it on there...?
0:56:06 > 0:56:10Yeah. So this is his front shape, and this is his back shape.
0:56:10 > 0:56:14So this one's a lot wider. This is sort of the system I'm thinking of.
0:56:14 > 0:56:19- Nice design.- So we've got two arches onto a wooden rail on each side.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21- Yeah.- And then backed with felt,
0:56:21 > 0:56:25so that there's protection on the donkey's sides
0:56:25 > 0:56:27for when you're carrying the panniers. Yeah.
0:56:27 > 0:56:30An interesting project, isn't it, for a saddler?
0:56:30 > 0:56:33- Very interesting!- Very good. - Like a challenge.- Good!
0:56:35 > 0:56:39Chester, you've had such a busy day! Hasn't he been good?
0:56:39 > 0:56:41He's been brilliant. Let's go back to the field.
0:56:41 > 0:56:43Come on. That's it!
0:56:45 > 0:56:48- There you are!- How are you doing? - Not bad, give us a hand!
0:56:48 > 0:56:51- Hello!- This is Chester! - Chester, you're a lovely lad.
0:56:51 > 0:56:54- Do you want me to get the gate? - Yes, please.- There we go.
0:56:54 > 0:56:58- Good boy! How about that for a view? - Is it time for him to be let loose?
0:56:58 > 0:57:01- Enjoy his freedom?- It is. You're free! You leave that rein alone.
0:57:01 > 0:57:03He's on everything!
0:57:03 > 0:57:05- I'm going to hide these from him - snowdrops.- Aww! For me?
0:57:05 > 0:57:08I was told I could pick them for somebody very special.
0:57:08 > 0:57:12- You shouldn't have.- Anyway. That's all we've got time for this week!
0:57:12 > 0:57:14Next week we're going to be in North Kent.
0:57:14 > 0:57:17Julia is back and she'll be finding out why Kent is so special.
0:57:17 > 0:57:19For snails and from donkeys to goats -
0:57:19 > 0:57:22I'll be finding out why it's boom time for them.
0:57:22 > 0:57:26And I'll be on the Pilgrims' Trail to Canterbury. See you then! Bye-bye.
0:57:47 > 0:57:50Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd