0:00:25 > 0:00:26Loch Lomond.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30The largest expanse of freshwater in the whole of mainland Britain.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34A special place where the Highlands meet the Lowlands.
0:00:34 > 0:00:39Much of the beauty of this Scottish Loch comes from its many islands.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42It's the islands of the Loch that I'll be exploring.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44Each have their own individual character
0:00:44 > 0:00:46with some great names. There's the Island Of Oak.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49The Island Of Monks. Even the Island Of Goats.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53And I am going to be experiencing a few different types
0:00:53 > 0:00:56of horsepower today, but this is the first.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03While Matt's making a dramatic entrance,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06I'll be sticking to the shore on the east side of the Loch.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09With its glorious crystal waters and lush woodland,
0:01:09 > 0:01:12this might look like a winter idyll,
0:01:12 > 0:01:16but the cold weather also brings the chill of the criminal world.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18I'll be out and about with the police
0:01:18 > 0:01:20as they gather their evidence.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23While we're surrounded by water, John's discovering
0:01:23 > 0:01:25why we shouldn't take it for granted.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28With a climate like ours, it's hard to believe
0:01:28 > 0:01:32that we might ever run out of something like this.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36But with our ever-growing population, I will be investigating claims
0:01:36 > 0:01:39that in the future there may not be enough water to go round.
0:01:39 > 0:01:46And Adam is watching one of nature's most impressive hunters in action.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- Ferocious, the way she goes in! - Exactly.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater lake in the UK,
0:02:04 > 0:02:06covering around 27 square miles.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10Just half an hour's drive north of Glasgow,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14and you're by its beautiful shores.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17Today, I will be discovering the islands within it.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24And what better way to explore this place than in one of these?
0:02:27 > 0:02:31Wow! The nose comes up slightly as the power kicks in.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35'This seaplane flies regularly from Glasgow to Loch Lomond
0:02:35 > 0:02:37'and with water for a runway,
0:02:37 > 0:02:39'we can take off and land wherever we like.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41'David West is my pilot.'
0:02:44 > 0:02:47David, you've flown jumbos all over the world,
0:02:47 > 0:02:52how does zipping around here in a seaplane on Loch Lomond compare?
0:02:52 > 0:02:55I've got to tell you, I love this.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57THEY LAUGH
0:02:57 > 0:03:00I am not saying any more than that. I absolutely adore this.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03It's that mix of seamanship, and airmanship.
0:03:03 > 0:03:04And look at the landscape.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07It's just amazing, it really is.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11It is the oddest feeling as we're coming in to land.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14We're heading into water.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16- And we are on.- Thank you so much.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19It was a pleasure to have your company.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22The Loch is dotted with many small islands,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25some of which are no bigger than a rock.
0:03:25 > 0:03:26Only two are inhabited.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Having got the lie of the land,
0:03:28 > 0:03:32I've dropped in on the smaller of the two, Inchtavannach.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35I'm meeting some four-legged island residents and their owners,
0:03:35 > 0:03:40the appropriately named Roy Rogers and his partner Susan Gill.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Apparently, their horses like nothing better
0:03:43 > 0:03:45than a swim in the Loch.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48First, I need to get to know the animals better.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- Roy, how are you doing, all right?- Hello.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53- Is there room for a small one in there.- Yes, absolutely.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57- I'm sure she'll let you join us. - Hello, my darling.- This is Rosa.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01I have to say, Roy, you have the most incredible existence.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04Of all of the farms and the crofts that I have visited,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07this one has to be one of the most exciting.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09- How big is the island? - It's about 200 acres.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12About one mile long by a quarter of a mile wide.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- Is anyone else on it then? - No, just us.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- Just you and the horses. - Just how we like it.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20For me, to give you an idea,
0:04:20 > 0:04:23my parents always said I would be a recluse when I was a kid.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25I was brought up for a while in the Highlands.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28Horses came along quite late in life.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30I was 48 before I started with horses.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Is that where the swimming comes from?
0:04:32 > 0:04:35You have this water between you and the mainland,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37you have to get from one to the other.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39It sort of came in that way.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42I had certainly seen these types of people who work with horses
0:04:42 > 0:04:45doing that sort of thing and they do it naturally.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50It was primarily because we wanted to get to the other side.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53Aren't you beautiful. She's saying, "Can I go for a swim?"
0:04:53 > 0:04:57Well, it's not your turn today. No, it will be this horse
0:04:57 > 0:05:00getting her regular swimming exercise in a very fresh Loch.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06Is that you being acclimatised, Susan, or the horse?
0:05:06 > 0:05:08MATT LAUGHS
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- Is it nippy?- Just a bit(!)
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- Seems like a very long way away, Roy.- No.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16It only takes about four minutes or so.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19The horse is a powerful swimmer so it won't take long.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22We have literally swum hundreds of them there.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- In the winter though?- Yes. - In the winter as well!
0:05:24 > 0:05:27We've done it with the snow coming down and all sorts.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29Susan's not so keen these days.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33If Susan's got to get in the water, I'm not surprised.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35Oh, this is the moment. Here we go.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37It's getting deeper.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44And she's...swimming now, is she?
0:05:44 > 0:05:47There she is. What a good girl.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51So the technique here is just to keep her straight
0:05:51 > 0:05:53with the lead rope?
0:05:53 > 0:05:56The main thing is, when we first start swimming them
0:05:56 > 0:05:59they try and use the boat as a little safety zone.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03We usually have to push them out, away from the boat
0:06:03 > 0:06:07and it's getting the distance from the boat that's the important thing.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- It is a wonderful form of exercise. - It's absolutely brilliant.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15If you've got a lame horse, you can keep them fit by swimming.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19She sounds like she's taking quite a lot of air there.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21That's the way they breathe. Because they close...
0:06:21 > 0:06:25They swallow. You know yourself when you swallow, you do that.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Then they're breathing through their nose
0:06:28 > 0:06:30rather than through their mouths.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35Almost there. It's an incredible rate that she is swimming at.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37She swims very fast.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41Some of the other horses swim a lot slower than her.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43She's one of the fastest.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46You can see she is very buoyant, her bum sticks up.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Some of the horses, they sink quite low down.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- Yeah, yeah. I think she's got her feet down now, has she?- Yes.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58The Loch's quite high just now, normally there's little bits.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Many of the islands are so close together
0:07:03 > 0:07:07that swimming between them probably is the easiest form of travel,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09but I'll definitely be opting for a boat
0:07:09 > 0:07:12to explore this wonderful loch later in the programme.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17Tap water is something that most of us take for granted,
0:07:17 > 0:07:20but how much longer can this precious resource
0:07:20 > 0:07:23meet the needs of our growing population.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25John has been to investigate.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35The plains of East Anglia enjoy some of the best sunshine
0:07:35 > 0:07:37and most fertile soils in Britain.
0:07:37 > 0:07:43It's prime agricultural land but it's also dry and getting drier.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46It might seem strange to be complaining
0:07:46 > 0:07:49about a lack of rain in this country,
0:07:49 > 0:07:51but surprisingly there are parts of the UK
0:07:51 > 0:07:55that are actually drier than some areas of the Middle East.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57It has rained so little this year
0:07:57 > 0:08:00that here in Essex, as in other large parts of Eastern,
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Southern and central Britain,
0:08:02 > 0:08:05there are droughts that could well last until the spring.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09Essex and Suffolk Water has to make sure
0:08:09 > 0:08:13its customers' taps run whatever the weather.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16That's why major changes are afoot at its reservoir at Abberton.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19It can already store 26 billion litres of water,
0:08:19 > 0:08:21but these days that's not enough.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- What is happening here then? - We're raising this reservoir.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28We're raising it by about three metres
0:08:28 > 0:08:32and that allows us to hold another 60 per cent more water.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35So this dam is going to be much bigger, is it?
0:08:35 > 0:08:37It's going to be another three metres higher,
0:08:37 > 0:08:40it's all made of clay, it's not a concrete damn
0:08:40 > 0:08:44and that will hold back another 16 thousand million litres of water.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- That sounds like a pretty big job. - That is a big job.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52In fact, apart from the London Olympics
0:08:52 > 0:08:55in terms of ground covered, right now this is the biggest
0:08:55 > 0:08:59construction site anywhere in Britain.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01The whole project is costing £150 million,
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- it must be pretty vital. - It's essential to us.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07What we do here is we store the excess rain
0:09:07 > 0:09:10in the winter for the drier summers.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13When we get very dry summers and dry winters,
0:09:13 > 0:09:15we don't have enough water for the population.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18That population is continuing to grow.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23Demand for fresh water is continually rising,
0:09:23 > 0:09:27driven by an expanding population and modern lifestyles.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32Today, 13 billion litres are used every single day.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37But as our climate changes,
0:09:37 > 0:09:40the rainfall which provides nearly all this water
0:09:40 > 0:09:45is expected to become less frequent, and more unpredictable.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48'Some campaigners claim urgent action is needed.'
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Well, just how bad is the situation?
0:09:51 > 0:09:55I think we're in the middle of a slow crisis. So year on year,
0:09:55 > 0:09:58we're using more, resources become tighter, climate change,
0:09:58 > 0:10:02population growth, it means there's more pressure on water resources.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05If we carry on like this, we're in real trouble.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11'So where is all the water going? Well, the biggest users are homes,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14'which guzzle up half the total supply.'
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- Hi.- Hello.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19'Peter Acteson-Rook and his family are fairly conscious about water.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23'But as Jacob points out, even their house uses plenty of it.'
0:10:23 > 0:10:27This tap on full flow is about ten litres a minute,
0:10:27 > 0:10:31which means this washing-up bowl is full in a minute.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35The dishwasher here sometimes can be more efficient than using the bowl.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37That's about 18 litres per wash.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41Add a few other things around the house, and it starts to mount up.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52So, 43 buckets, Jacob. What do they represent?
0:10:52 > 0:10:57Well, if these were all full of water, that's 500 litres of water.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59That's as much as a family of four - two adults, two kids,
0:10:59 > 0:11:02the average family - uses in a single day.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- Just one day? - One day, all this water.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07People will be absolutely staggered by this.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11It's about a third more than we used a generation ago
0:11:11 > 0:11:12and it's slowly rising.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Every single year, more and more water's being used.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17We're clearly a thirsty bunch,
0:11:17 > 0:11:21which isn't a problem as long as there's enough of it to go round.
0:11:21 > 0:11:22But is there?
0:11:22 > 0:11:27The source of virtually all our water is rain, collected from rivers
0:11:27 > 0:11:31and boreholes and aquifers, their natural underground reservoirs,
0:11:31 > 0:11:34in a process known as abstraction.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37But take too much of it, and nature begins to suffer.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41'And that's what the WWF claims is happening
0:11:41 > 0:11:43'at the River Mimram in Hertfordshire.'
0:11:43 > 0:11:45Now this river is certainly shallow, isn't it?
0:11:45 > 0:11:49Yes, it is. That's the problem.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53I mean, even not withstanding the fact we've had a dry summer,
0:11:53 > 0:11:54it should be much higher.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58So how high should the water be then?
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Well, it should be above our wellies,
0:12:01 > 0:12:05if the water company wasn't taking 15 million litres of water
0:12:05 > 0:12:08every day from this catchment to supply the local town.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12What impact is that having on the wildlife in the river?
0:12:12 > 0:12:15Water is the lifeblood of the river.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Too little and it affects everything
0:12:18 > 0:12:20from the smallest bug to the biggest fish.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23In a chalk stream like this, you should have
0:12:23 > 0:12:27really gin-clear, fast-flowing water,
0:12:27 > 0:12:30which is really important in order for the water weeds to thrive.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33They're home to all of the little bugs and freshwater shrimp.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37If you don't have those, you don't have the fish, birds and mammals.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41But the problem is that we all need water, don't we?
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Yes, but I think a lot of people just don't realise that the water
0:12:44 > 0:12:47they're using at home is coming from rivers like this one.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52The environment agency says it's trying to reduce
0:12:52 > 0:12:54the amount of water taken from rivers
0:12:54 > 0:12:57and is reviewing all abstraction licences.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01It admits that around a quarter of rivers are currently at risk
0:13:01 > 0:13:04of over-abstraction during dry periods.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08In many places, taking even more rainwater out of the environment
0:13:08 > 0:13:10simply isn't an option.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12But with an ever-increasing demand for water,
0:13:12 > 0:13:15what can be done to avert a serious crisis?
0:13:15 > 0:13:18That's what I'll be asking later in the programme.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27'This week, Matt and I are exploring the vast Loch Lomond
0:13:27 > 0:13:31'and The Trossachs National Park near Glasgow.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33'This world-famous beauty spot
0:13:33 > 0:13:36'attracts some five million visitors a year.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39'But with those visitors come something a little more sinister.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43'You might find some images in this report distressing.'
0:13:43 > 0:13:46I've come to the eastern side of the loch
0:13:46 > 0:13:48and it's much like the rest of it.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52Beautiful, crystal waters and lush woodland.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Not exactly the place you'd expect to find
0:13:55 > 0:13:57a thriving criminal underworld.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59MUSIC: "Sound Of Da Police" by KRS One
0:14:03 > 0:14:05'And it's up to these guys to deal with it.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08'They're park rangers with a difference.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12'They've been trained up as special constables with full police powers.'
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- I'm joining them on the beat. Hi, Matt. How you doing?- Hi, Ellie.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- Yeah, good. Thank you. - Good to see you.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22It does seem strange to see a man in uniform
0:14:22 > 0:14:25in this beautiful environment. Is it really that bad here?
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Yeah. Some incidents we've had have been pretty serious.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32If we weren't working with the police, we wouldn't have the back-up.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34What kind of crime do you get here?
0:14:34 > 0:14:38Anything from assault, vandalism, there has been attempted murder.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43- What?!- In the National Park, over the weekends, yeah.- Wow!
0:14:43 > 0:14:45It's all drink and drug-related incidents.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- I guess drink fuels a lot of these problems?- Yes.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51I've got a few photos here with me.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55People have just been for the weekend and have just left everything,
0:14:55 > 0:14:59God! They've left the lot. Like they've abandoned ship.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01They wake up, it's wet, there's midges and they just...
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- Head home?- Yeah.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- There's damage to trees, vandalism and spray-painting.- Wow.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10This is quite a serious arson attack on a visitor's car.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- They burnt out a car?!- Yeah.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15Why is it on the east side that things are bad?
0:15:15 > 0:15:18It's just easy, really easy access for people.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20If there's hundreds of people camping,
0:15:20 > 0:15:24everyone's tripping over each other's tents and people can get aggressive.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Scottish law allows wild camping
0:15:31 > 0:15:35just about anywhere if you respect your surroundings.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38But things have got so bad on the east side of the loch,
0:15:38 > 0:15:40that new by-laws have had to be introduced.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43No wild camping and no public drinking.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47At this time of year though, it's just a shade too cold for camping.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51But that doesn't mean the police get a quiet live.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54'Whilst most of us are gearing up for Christmas by stocking up
0:15:54 > 0:15:57'from our local supermarket, a select few head out here
0:15:57 > 0:16:00'in search of an illegal contribution
0:16:00 > 0:16:01'to their Christmas dinner.'
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Go ahead.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06'Paul Barr is a police officer seconded full-time
0:16:06 > 0:16:09'to the National Park to deal with wildlife crime.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12'At this time of year, his big problem is deer poaching.'
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- Hi, Paul.- Hello there.- Gosh, this is a grisly scene.- It is, yes.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19This is a scene that we've recreated basically to train
0:16:19 > 0:16:22some of the National Park rangers into the aftermath
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- of a deer poaching.- I guess the point is not to be squeamish,
0:16:26 > 0:16:29because deer is a managed population and culls do go on legitimately.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- Absolutely, yeah. - How is this different?
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Because a professional deer stalker
0:16:33 > 0:16:35wouldn't butcher the animal at the roadside.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38They would remove the insides,
0:16:38 > 0:16:43but they wouldn't leave deer heads or legs lying about.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45So how are the poachers operating then?
0:16:45 > 0:16:48Well, they operate under cover of darkness.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52Deer come close to roads and poachers take opportunities
0:16:52 > 0:16:55at shooting deer, sometimes from a vehicle.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58We've had instances in Scotland where people have used crossbows
0:16:58 > 0:17:03to shoot at deer, air weapons. It causes immense suffering for the animal.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06Why is it quite bad at this time of year in the run-up to Christmas?
0:17:06 > 0:17:09People buy venison at Christmas and New Year as a special treat.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11But there's also some indications,
0:17:11 > 0:17:14with the financial climate, people are going back to poaching.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16Everyone's feeling the pinch a bit.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20Let's say you came across a scene like this on the side of the road.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22Is there anything you can do at this scene?
0:17:22 > 0:17:23We would take DNA samples.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27If we were to find a suspect back at their home address,
0:17:27 > 0:17:29and recovered a knife or a saw,
0:17:29 > 0:17:33we could try and match up the DNA of the deer to that.
0:17:36 > 0:17:37In an area as vast as this,
0:17:37 > 0:17:42it's impossible for Paul's team to cover all the ground.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45'So intelligence from locals and gamekeepers is crucial
0:17:45 > 0:17:47'in tracking down crime scenes.'
0:17:47 > 0:17:51But nothing beats preventing crime in the first place.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55And for that, the National Park have got another trick up their sleeve.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Get in there while they're still young.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02'I'm joining St George's School for Girls for a geography lesson.'
0:18:02 > 0:18:06We find that people just leave their stuff.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10And if they see it lying around, they're more inclined to leave it.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14So if you keep yours nice and tidy, it encourages other campers.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19'National Park ranger Adam Samson is taking the class.'
0:18:19 > 0:18:21So what are you teaching the girls today?
0:18:21 > 0:18:24It's your National Park, it's your countryside.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27Come and enjoy it, but respect it.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30The activity shows the issues we've been dealing with.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Is it not obvious to say, "Pick up after yourself when you go camping?"
0:18:33 > 0:18:36You'd think so, that when you go anywhere, don't drop litter,
0:18:36 > 0:18:38don't leave the place in a mess.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41But over the years, that's not the case.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43You see the look on some of the kid's faces.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46They go, "But have they just left this?" And you go, "Yes!"
0:18:46 > 0:18:48"Why?" And you go "I don't know!"
0:18:48 > 0:18:50So yeah, you'd think it was obvious,
0:18:50 > 0:18:52but we've had to go down this line because of that.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58We realise the problem that's actually gone around,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01with people coming and having alcohol
0:19:01 > 0:19:04and doing damage to the environment.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06It's surprising how things can be.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09There's some really respectful campers,
0:19:09 > 0:19:13and some people just have no regard for their surroundings at all.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16So would you say the by-laws are working?
0:19:16 > 0:19:20It's early days, obviously. They came in June this year.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23But go up the east side of Loch Lomond and it's not covered
0:19:23 > 0:19:28in tents, rubbish, fires, just the detritus of the night before.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31It's families having picnics, canoeing, paddling,
0:19:31 > 0:19:33just out enjoying themselves as they should.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36The problem's not totally gone away,
0:19:36 > 0:19:38but it is day and night as to what it was like last year
0:19:38 > 0:19:40and in previous years.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48If you live and work by such a vast body of water as Loch Lomond,
0:19:48 > 0:19:52the idea of running out of drinking water seemed unimaginable.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55But early in the programme we heard about how one day
0:19:55 > 0:19:58Britain might face a serious shortage of fresh water.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01So what's being done to avert a crisis? Here's John.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07The amount of water we use is growing,
0:20:07 > 0:20:10and we're running out of places to find it.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12Many of our rivers are already depleted
0:20:12 > 0:20:15putting wildlife under threat.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19Some experts are warning of an impending crisis.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21If we're not careful, demand for fresh water
0:20:21 > 0:20:24is going to outstrip available supply,
0:20:24 > 0:20:26so what are the water companies doing
0:20:26 > 0:20:29to try to stop our taps from running dry?
0:20:29 > 0:20:32At Abberton Reservoir in Essex, I'm getting some idea.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36It is normally filled by water pumped out of the nearby River Stour,
0:20:36 > 0:20:41but that can't be relied on so there's got to be a plan B.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45And what happens, should the River Stour dry up?
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Essex is actually the driest county in the United Kingdom.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- And we get less rainfall than Jerusalem.- Never!- We do.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53So it's quite likely it dries up.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57We also have to bring water in from Kings Lynn in Norfolk
0:20:57 > 0:21:00and the water comes 90 miles from rivers and pipes
0:21:00 > 0:21:01into this reservoir.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04That's the only way of filling this, then?
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Yes, there's just no more water in Essex
0:21:06 > 0:21:08so we're having to go to the extremes of Norfolk
0:21:08 > 0:21:10to find the next available water.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13Unlike gas and electricity there's no such thing
0:21:13 > 0:21:15as a National Grid for water.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19Instead water companies will have to increasingly work together
0:21:19 > 0:21:22pumping supplies from where it's wet to where it's dry.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25But should they be tidying up
0:21:25 > 0:21:29their own backyards before borrowing from someone else's?
0:21:29 > 0:21:32About half of all the water that's used in this country
0:21:32 > 0:21:35is in people's homes, but here's a shocking statistic -
0:21:35 > 0:21:39of what is left, the biggest chunk doesn't involve as you might think
0:21:39 > 0:21:41agricultural or industry,
0:21:41 > 0:21:44it's water that's wasted.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48A quarter of all water collected by utility companies
0:21:48 > 0:21:50simply leaks from their networks.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54Essex and Suffolk Water has got its leakage down to 14% and this is how.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56Put the listening stick down.
0:21:56 > 0:21:57A listening stick?
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- That is correct, yes, or an aquaphone.- Oh, right.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02- And can you hear anything? - In this case I can hear a noise.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- Can I have a listen?- You can.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Just a gurgling, water sound?
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Sort of water running noise, you'll be able to hear.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Oh yes, I can hear that. Yes. It's quite faint.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13With some rather more high-tech gear
0:22:13 > 0:22:17Billy pinpoints the leak's exact position so it can be fixed.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20At another leak a few blocks away a repair team
0:22:20 > 0:22:23is already doing just that, but is all this enough?
0:22:25 > 0:22:2914% of your company's water supplies are lost in leakage,
0:22:29 > 0:22:31that's an awful lot of wasted water, isn't it?
0:22:31 > 0:22:33It sounds like it but that's one of
0:22:33 > 0:22:35the best leakage rates in the country.
0:22:35 > 0:22:36And all water networks leak
0:22:36 > 0:22:39through a combination of corrosion of pipes and fittings,
0:22:39 > 0:22:41through ground movement.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Whilst the water is lost from the network
0:22:43 > 0:22:45it isn't lost from the environment.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Most finds its way back into aquifers, rivers and streams
0:22:47 > 0:22:49and continues through the water cycle.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54wBut I imagine most customers would think 0% was acceptable, not 14%.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58I'm sure many would but at the moment it's just not achievable.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00But it's not only the utility companies
0:23:00 > 0:23:02who could cut down more on waste.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Pressure's mounting on homeowners too.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07That's why the Acteson-Rook family have been given
0:23:07 > 0:23:10a water meter by their supplier, Anglian Water.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13And has it made much difference to how much water you use?
0:23:13 > 0:23:16It has. We are very conscious now on what it is
0:23:16 > 0:23:18and what we do with our water,
0:23:18 > 0:23:21brushing your teeth, and turning the taps off in between.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24The sort of appliances you buy,
0:23:24 > 0:23:25water in the garden,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27that kind of thing, really.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31On average homes with a meter use 10% less water.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35Most households are entitled to get one installed free of charge,
0:23:35 > 0:23:38and in some instances they're compulsory.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43What we have been discovering is that water companies
0:23:43 > 0:23:45are hoping to meet future demand by,
0:23:45 > 0:23:48on the one hand persuading us to use less of it,
0:23:48 > 0:23:51and on the other, by moving more of it around the country.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53But what if that doesn't work?
0:23:53 > 0:23:57When water's scarce, farmers are among the first hit.
0:23:57 > 0:24:02Although nationally agriculture only uses around 1% of our supply,
0:24:02 > 0:24:04arable regions like East Anglia rely on much more.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Farmers here are already wondering
0:24:06 > 0:24:09how they're going to irrigate their crops next spring.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13Our water comes from the River Deben which is half a mile away from here.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17At this time of the year when we are filling reservoirs or trying to
0:24:17 > 0:24:21we have to phone the Environment Agency every morning to see
0:24:21 > 0:24:23if the flows are good enough in the river to pump,
0:24:23 > 0:24:27and obviously at the moment it's been so dry that we can't pump.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30We usually have the reservoir nearly full at this stage.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Very important we get it filled by the end of March
0:24:32 > 0:24:34before we need it next year.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36- Quite worrying, then. - Very worrying. Yes.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41So what happens to a crop like potatoes if there isn't enough water?
0:24:41 > 0:24:43It's not just the yield we lose, it's the quality,
0:24:43 > 0:24:46which is essential to all vegetable crops we grow.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50With potatoes, for instance, we end up with scabby potatoes,
0:24:50 > 0:24:53we can end up with odd-shaped tubers
0:24:53 > 0:24:56which obviously our customer doesn't want.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58Everybody likes to see perfect potatoes.
0:24:58 > 0:24:59Well, of course they do.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02And that's what we strive to achieve.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04But we can only do it with water.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09And when drought does persist other water restrictions follow.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Now, with millions of families
0:25:11 > 0:25:14facing up to the possibility of a hosepipe ban we are being urged...
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Are dry rivers, wilting crops and hosepipe bans something
0:25:17 > 0:25:19we'll be seeing more of?
0:25:19 > 0:25:21What are your predictions, then?
0:25:21 > 0:25:24I think there are two scenarios for the future.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27One is a negative one where we continue using more water,
0:25:27 > 0:25:29there is more pressure on the natural environment,
0:25:29 > 0:25:33prices continue to rise, we have to build more infrastructure,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36things get worse and worse, and we end up in a water crisis.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38The more positive one is we see water companies,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40and they are already starting to do this,
0:25:40 > 0:25:44working with homeowners to make their homes more efficient,
0:25:44 > 0:25:46that the pressure on the environment drops,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49the amount we all use and the amount we waste reduces,
0:25:49 > 0:25:53and slowly we move to a more sustainable future for water.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57And which of those two scenarios is the most likely, then?
0:25:57 > 0:25:59Well, ourselves and a lot of other people
0:25:59 > 0:26:02are working towards the second and I really hope that's the one.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05But basically it's in people's own hands.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Water is something we simply can't do without.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11It might seem unthinkable
0:26:11 > 0:26:13that in the British Isles we could ever run dry,
0:26:13 > 0:26:16but if that possibility is to be avoided,
0:26:16 > 0:26:19then it is time we stop taking it for granted.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Later on tonight's show...
0:26:25 > 0:26:26Adam picks up his dog Dolly,
0:26:26 > 0:26:28from the boyfriend's house.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Where have you been, on your holidays?
0:26:30 > 0:26:34Ellie challenges me to an off-road race with a difference.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36Do you want me to wait for you, Matt?
0:26:36 > 0:26:37And of course
0:26:37 > 0:26:40there's the Countryfile weather forecast for the weekend.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52Today I'm exploring Loch Lomond,
0:26:52 > 0:26:54and the ideal way to explore it is by boat.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58There are 23 main islands on the loch,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01many have Inch before their name,
0:27:01 > 0:27:03which is the term for small Scottish island.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05Some also have a second name
0:27:05 > 0:27:08that either describes it physically, or reflect its history.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12My first port of call is just here,
0:27:12 > 0:27:14it is known as Inchtavannach, or Monk's Island.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17A house now stands where the monastery used to be,
0:27:17 > 0:27:20but back in the day the monks would climb that big hill there
0:27:20 > 0:27:23and ring a bell as a call to prayer.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26Nearby is Inchmoan, or Peat Island.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28It got its name because the villagers
0:27:28 > 0:27:31from nearby Luss used to harvest the peat
0:27:31 > 0:27:34as a source of fuel for village fires.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37We are just drifting past Inchconnachan
0:27:37 > 0:27:38or Colquhoun's Island as it is known,
0:27:38 > 0:27:41and it is thought it gets its name from the Colquhoun's clan,
0:27:41 > 0:27:45a Scots family that owned a lot of land in this part of the world.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49It's said you can experience six seasons in one day here.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52What a wonderful day for a boat ride.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56This is the weather to explore Loch Lomond, I'm sure you'll agree.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01Taking me around is local lad and skipper, Mark Aikman.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04We're heading to the appropriately-named Narrows,
0:28:04 > 0:28:07it's said to be the most beautiful spot on the loch.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11Mark, what is going on with this place,
0:28:11 > 0:28:13it is extraordinary, the weather?
0:28:13 > 0:28:14Just another day on Loch Lomond.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16It's just incredible, isn't it?
0:28:16 > 0:28:20We go from the contrast of out in the open loch,
0:28:20 > 0:28:24to into the scenic beauty of The Narrows here.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27The magic of Loch Lomond. Look at the hills there.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30Snow on top!
0:28:30 > 0:28:34At its deepest the loch is 220 metres,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37but we are now heading for the shallowest bit,
0:28:37 > 0:28:39known as The Geggles.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41We are in very, very shallow water.
0:28:41 > 0:28:46We have got about two metres beneath us, currently.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49And at this time of the year it's a lot higher than it is
0:28:49 > 0:28:53during the summer season when the loch sits a lot lower.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55- I've got a crook somewhere. - Yes, very good.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58I'll get out and give it a little tap and see how far...
0:28:58 > 0:29:01- That's us just above a metre now. - Is it really?
0:29:01 > 0:29:04- OK, this is the point for the crook. - Oh, right, shall we go then?
0:29:06 > 0:29:08There it is. Wow!
0:29:08 > 0:29:11So you can actually walk across here, then,
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Mark, when it's low water?
0:29:13 > 0:29:15You can indeed. During the summer
0:29:15 > 0:29:17when the loch sits at a much lower level
0:29:17 > 0:29:19you can walk between the two islands.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- So we are obviously not going that way.- Absolutely not.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25Winter's probably not the best time to take to the water,
0:29:25 > 0:29:28but coupled with what the elements have thrown at us,
0:29:28 > 0:29:31it's been a memorable experience.
0:29:34 > 0:29:39You may remember that Adam was asked to be a judge at this year's BBC Food and Farming Awards.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42His category was, unsurprisingly, Farmer Of The Year,
0:29:42 > 0:29:45which recognises exceptional farming practice.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47On the shortlist for the gong,
0:29:47 > 0:29:50Adrian Dalby farms the largest spread of organic land in the UK.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Adrian, these red clover flowers look absolutely stunning.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57This is your fertiliser?
0:29:57 > 0:30:01This is our fertiliser and this is a key part of what we are doing.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04Paul and Celia Sousek,
0:30:04 > 0:30:08nominated for environmental awareness on their small-scale farm.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12'OK. So Paul, this must be a flaw in your plan.'
0:30:12 > 0:30:14You are using diesel here.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18Well, actually, we use biodiesel. We make the biodiesel ourselves.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20A little bit of methanol and mainly vegetable oil,
0:30:20 > 0:30:23which we get from fish and chip shops and restaurants and so on.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25And for our final nominee, Andrew Hughes,
0:30:25 > 0:30:28it's all about putting farming back at the heart of the community.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31'We put this pond in last year, this time last year.'
0:30:31 > 0:30:36We had a lot of dew ponds on the farm, years ago, and they were lost because of pipe water
0:30:36 > 0:30:40coming in, and so we thought we would put something back.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42Then for the big moment.
0:30:44 > 0:30:51So the winner of this year's BBC Radio 4 Farming Today Farmer of the Year is...
0:30:51 > 0:30:52Andrew Hughes.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56A triumph for a man who has put the community
0:30:56 > 0:31:00and the environment at the heart of his farm in Hampshire.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04Andrew, congratulations once again. Fantastic.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06What does this mean to you?
0:31:06 > 0:31:08I am just over the moon by it.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11It is great for all the people that I work with on the estate
0:31:11 > 0:31:13and everything. It is brilliant.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20Now, back in the Cotswolds,
0:31:20 > 0:31:25our very own farming champion is bracing himself for a busy winter.
0:31:25 > 0:31:31Adam has just received the results of his latest TB test and, for a change, it is not all bad news.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40A couple of months ago,
0:31:40 > 0:31:43I had some devastating news that all cattle farmers dread.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46On a routine TB test, we found out that our herd
0:31:46 > 0:31:49has been struck down with the disease again.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52And that for me makes me upset and angry and frustrated.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55We lost three White Park cows that had to be slaughtered,
0:31:55 > 0:32:00and one of our Highland heifers was inconclusive, which means that she did not have it
0:32:00 > 0:32:03bad enough to be slaughtered but she has to be isolated and tested again.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06Now we have just had the herd go through their next test,
0:32:06 > 0:32:09and that Highland heifer, who is a lovely, black,
0:32:09 > 0:32:11beautiful animal, has got the disease and has got to go.
0:32:11 > 0:32:16She is waiting in a box at the farm before she goes to slaughter.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18The Highlands are such a tough, resilient breed.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20We don't get TB in them very often.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23I was delighted that Eric here, my bull, was safe,
0:32:23 > 0:32:26but sad that the heifer has got to go.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30But amongst all this frustration, there is a little bit of good news.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39When it came to the TB test,
0:32:39 > 0:32:44two animals I was very worried about where these lovely little White Park calves.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47On the last test, their mothers were taken and had to be slaughtered
0:32:47 > 0:32:51because they had TB and I was worried about these ones, that they
0:32:51 > 0:32:54might have caught it from their mothers and might be hatching it for the next test,
0:32:54 > 0:32:56and they passed, which is fantastic.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58I have been bottle-feeding them and so have become quite attached
0:32:58 > 0:33:02to them and now that they are clear of TB, I can let them
0:33:02 > 0:33:04suckle straight from the Gloucester cow.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07This is their adopted little sister.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13This Gloucester cow producers plenty of milk,
0:33:13 > 0:33:17so I'm sure she doesn't mind a couple of extra mouths to feed.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25Right, then, babies, fill your bellies.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27She will eat away, having her tea,
0:33:27 > 0:33:29while the three calves help themselves.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32She has got four teats and she is producing
0:33:32 > 0:33:35so much that there is enough to go round. We feed them twice a day.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37Out of all the animals on the farm,
0:33:37 > 0:33:41I was really worried about these two White Park calves.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45I thought they were goners. But to see them passing their first test like this
0:33:45 > 0:33:49and now suckling on the cow, it gives me a bit of hope.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52She has finished her tea and with three calves, that doesn't take long.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56With the calves fed, the rest of my cattle have to be housed for the winter.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59Every year when the weather turns,
0:33:59 > 0:34:01my cattle retire to the comfort of the barns
0:34:01 > 0:34:06One of my good friends, who is a dairy farmer, has popped over to give me a hand.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09He has had the dreaded TB test too.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13It is good for us farmers to stick together at times like this.
0:34:14 > 0:34:19- So your herd has got TB? - It has. 16 reactors. Disaster.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22And what about the cows that went, where they valuable milkers?
0:34:22 > 0:34:27Very valuable milkers. I had seven heifers, hadn't had a calf yet.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30Due to calve before Christmas. And they have all gone.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34- One was within seven days of calving when she was shot.- Tragedy.- Tragedy.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38For me, I took on all these rare breeds over from my father,
0:34:38 > 0:34:40and we are just trying to keep them going.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44Recently, I went to buy an Irish bull, just down near Evesham,
0:34:44 > 0:34:47and he reacted to TB for the pre-movement test,
0:34:47 > 0:34:50so I couldn't get him. It just makes the whole thing frustrating.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53It makes you wonder whether it is worth being a cattle farmer.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56Nobody wants to see sick wildlife or cattle, do they?
0:34:56 > 0:34:58It is a disease of the countryside.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00It isn't wildlife versus cattle, you know?
0:35:00 > 0:35:02Everyone has got to come together.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06- Great, job done, thank you very much.- No problem.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09I am actually more use than your dog. Time you got a new one!
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- You are right there! Goodbye.- Goodbye.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15This is their winter quarters.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17It is going to be a long winter for these girls.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20They come back out into the fields in the spring, weather permitting,
0:35:20 > 0:35:22around March or April.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25They have got another TB test in a couple of months to look forward to.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28But before that, they are sitting here quite happily,
0:35:28 > 0:35:30snug in their new shed
0:35:35 > 0:35:39With that job done, I have a bit of a journey ahead of me.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43Our family pet dog Dolly, who is adored by the children and lives in the house,
0:35:43 > 0:35:48spoiled rotten, is away visiting a dog at the moment
0:35:48 > 0:35:51in the hope that she will get pregnant, so in three months time we should
0:35:51 > 0:35:55have the pitter patter of tiny paws on the kitchen floor.
0:35:55 > 0:35:56Fingers crossed, anyway.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01Dolly is a Hungarian wirehaired vizsla, which is a breed of gun dog.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05I bought her four years ago from Clint and Anita, who live in West Sussex.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08She has been back for a ten-day visit to get in pup.
0:36:11 > 0:36:15- Clint.- Good morning.- Anita, how are you?- Lovely to see you.
0:36:15 > 0:36:20- How has she got on?- Not very well, unfortunately.- Oh, no.- Mega nervous.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23I am not sure if it is the time of year or what,
0:36:23 > 0:36:25but she is extremely nervous.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29- So no puppies this time?- Not this time, I'm afraid.- What a shame.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33- Can I see her? I am excited to meet up with her again.- Get ready.
0:36:33 > 0:36:38- Come on, then. Who is this? - Hello! Hello! How are you?
0:36:39 > 0:36:45- And this is her boyfriend?- This is the boyfriend. This is what the breed should look like.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48This is the coat she should have. But unfortunately hasn't.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52Well, I know when I got her from you, a Hungarian wirehaired vizsla,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55and I'm still waiting for the wire to come in the post.
0:36:55 > 0:37:00When we sold her to you, we were certain she was going to get a coat, but hasn't developed it.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03They do develop a coat up to four years after,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06but she obviously is not going to develop a coat.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08We love her the way she is. She is just a sweet little dog.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- Why are you so attached to them? - Well, I use them as...
0:37:11 > 0:37:15They're gundogs, initially, they are a hunt, point, retrieve breed,
0:37:15 > 0:37:17which means they hunt the game up themselves
0:37:17 > 0:37:18and then point it staunchly,
0:37:18 > 0:37:21then if you shoot it, they'll retrieve it for you.
0:37:21 > 0:37:22They are a multipurpose dog.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27'Clint doesn't just hunt game using his dogs,
0:37:27 > 0:37:30'he also uses golden eagles, which I am keen to see at work.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32'But before I see them in action,
0:37:32 > 0:37:36'I want to find out if Dolly has retained any of the breed's hunting instinct.'
0:37:39 > 0:37:42- Is this a good place to train a dog?- It is.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45There is lots of cover, lots of places where wildlife can hide,
0:37:45 > 0:37:47you'll find a reasonable amount of pheasants
0:37:47 > 0:37:52and rabbits, and of course there will be a reasonable scent for the dog to pick up on.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56It would be ideal for Dolly in here, because there are pheasants around,
0:37:56 > 0:38:00lots of corners, crevices and cracks for wildlife and game to hide in.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02- She is slowing down a bit now. - Yes. That is called the road.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04That is called roading in.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06That is the first stage of the pointing process.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10First they road in, then after that follows the point. And that is the staunch point.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14And it looks like she may well come up and point any minute.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17Look at her now. That's it. It's the way she is lifting up her foot.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21- That's right.- Good girl.- That is a solid point.- Steady, steady.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23- There's something in there. - I think so.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27- Steady, steady. And then, what do you do now?- The next stage is the flush.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31With a young dog, you wouldn't allow the dog to flush, you would flush it yourself.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34But with an experienced dog, you can ask the dog to flush.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36That finishes the three stages.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40- Chasing, flushing out what ever is there.- Flush anything out to make it run or fly.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- And then it's the job for the eagles.- Then it's the job for the eagle.
0:38:43 > 0:38:47Then the eagles then fly after them, chase them, depending what it is.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49I have not got an eagle at the moment, so I'll call her off.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52Good girl, Dolly, there's a good girl, there's a good girl.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54Good girl. Was there something in there?
0:38:54 > 0:38:56- Let's go and see your eagles, shall we?- OK.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00'So now it's time to unleash the eagle.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03'This is just a practice exercise, so no dogs are involved,
0:39:03 > 0:39:06'but it's a great excuse to see Clint's eagle in training.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09'Although, it's not the best of conditions in all this fog.'
0:39:09 > 0:39:11What's the plan now?
0:39:11 > 0:39:15The plan is for the buggy to drag the lure and when the lure passes us
0:39:15 > 0:39:19by about 50 or 60 yards we'll release her and she'll chase it as fast as she can.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22Roy'll gun the buggy and see if she catches it.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25And how often are you doing this sort of training?
0:39:25 > 0:39:29Ideally, seven days a week and the fitter you can get the birds,
0:39:29 > 0:39:31the better it is for them.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34Looking forward to seeing her fly, let's do it.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36OK, Roy when you're ready.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58That was incredibly impressive. The speed of the bird.
0:40:00 > 0:40:01Now she's stepped up.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07- Excellent. Hood goes on.- Hood goes on and that's it, she's calm.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11And when you're using your vizslas how does the eagle know
0:40:11 > 0:40:14the difference between the quarry and the dog?
0:40:14 > 0:40:16This is something you have to train them to do.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19They come to realise that the dog is their working ally
0:40:19 > 0:40:22because the dog comes on point, they recognise the point
0:40:22 > 0:40:26and if something has flushed in front of it then they'll chase it.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30Yeah, amazing. Thank you so much and thank you for having Dolly.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34- Maybe we'll try again next year. - Definitely.- All the best.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38'Next week, I'm at the winter fair at the Royal Welsh Showground
0:40:38 > 0:40:42'helping a young lad keen to take up shepherding buy some rare breeds.'
0:40:44 > 0:40:48You might think that no plant or animal could have possibly survived
0:40:48 > 0:40:52the extreme conditions of the Ice Age but in a corner of Wales,
0:40:52 > 0:40:57if you look hard enough, there are living relics of that barren time.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08Snowdonia - this rugged landscape might look inhospitable
0:41:08 > 0:41:12but it's home to living relics of plant and animal species
0:41:12 > 0:41:14left behind by the last ice age.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22And I'm here to discover a few of these rarities
0:41:22 > 0:41:25and see how they're coping in the world today
0:41:25 > 0:41:29starting with my favourite subject - botany with Dr Tim Rich.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33Well, here we're at Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve,
0:41:33 > 0:41:36one of the botanical gems of the British Isles
0:41:36 > 0:41:39in a fantastic place for Arctic Alpines.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41We're a long way from the Arctic or the Alps,
0:41:41 > 0:41:43so what are they doing here?
0:41:43 > 0:41:4620,000 years ago this place was covered in ice,
0:41:46 > 0:41:50and as the ice then thawed you found throughout Northern Europe
0:41:50 > 0:41:53a lot of these species that really like it cold were very quick
0:41:53 > 0:41:56to colonise and get here but then as the climate continued to warm,
0:41:56 > 0:41:59other species came in and it's pushed these Arctic Alpines
0:41:59 > 0:42:03up on to the tops of the mountains which is where they are today.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06What happens if the climate warms again due to climate change?
0:42:06 > 0:42:08There's nowhere for them to go.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11So, we already know the climate has warmed by two degrees
0:42:11 > 0:42:14during the last interglacial, say 5,000 years ago,
0:42:14 > 0:42:17so they're probably OK for another two degrees
0:42:17 > 0:42:20but once it gets beyond that point then we really begin to see changes
0:42:20 > 0:42:22and I suspect many of these things will go.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25There's a lot of evidence around that, all over the world,
0:42:25 > 0:42:29of Alpine plants growing higher up mountains, looking for the colder temperature
0:42:29 > 0:42:33- and eventually the mountain's not tall enough for them. - They've got nowhere to go.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36And the Snowdon lily that occurs here is a prime example.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39It's got no way of getting off this mountain to anywhere else,
0:42:39 > 0:42:43so once that's gone, it's gone from Britain forever.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48The Snowdon lily flowers in May so I won't be lucky enough to see it today
0:42:48 > 0:42:50but it really is a dainty little flower
0:42:50 > 0:42:54considering it lives in such extreme conditions.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58But it's not just the plants here that are left over from the Ice Age,
0:42:58 > 0:43:01I'm here to find another relic from the past.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05Just two years ago, a unique and very rare fish was also in jeopardy.
0:43:05 > 0:43:10Described by some as a landlocked salmon, the Arctic char is found
0:43:10 > 0:43:14in very few places and one of them is just a stone's throw from here.
0:43:14 > 0:43:19Unbelievably, their ancestors were originally a saltwater species
0:43:19 > 0:43:22but they became trapped in these lakes as the glaciers retreated.
0:43:22 > 0:43:26Eventually, they adapted to their freshwater environment
0:43:26 > 0:43:30but two years ago their future looked very bleak.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38So, just how rare have these fish become?
0:43:38 > 0:43:41I've come to meet Alan Winston from the Environment Agency.
0:43:41 > 0:43:47Well, we think there are about 1,000 adult fish left in the lake
0:43:47 > 0:43:50and in reality there should be ten-times that number in the lake.
0:43:50 > 0:43:53- Gosh, so a 90% drop? - That's right, yeah.
0:43:53 > 0:43:57So, we're quite concerned about that because they are a unique strain
0:43:57 > 0:44:01of Arctic char that have evolved to the conditions of that lake
0:44:01 > 0:44:04over the last 10,000 years or so.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07I was about to ask, how rare are Arctic char?
0:44:07 > 0:44:10Well, they're found in about half a dozen lakes in North Wales
0:44:10 > 0:44:13they're also found in the Lake District in a few lakes
0:44:13 > 0:44:15and also in Scotland.
0:44:15 > 0:44:21But the important thing is that each population in each lake is genetically different.
0:44:21 > 0:44:25In order to secure this important genetic diversity,
0:44:25 > 0:44:29the Environment Agency has begun a breeding programme
0:44:29 > 0:44:31to help secure their future
0:44:31 > 0:44:35in these highly sensitive and isolated pockets of Snowdonia.
0:44:36 > 0:44:39So, Keith, these are the next generation?
0:44:39 > 0:44:42Yes, the parents of these fish came from a lake in Snowdonia
0:44:42 > 0:44:45last December and these are about ten months old and although
0:44:45 > 0:44:49they're the same age, there is a size range developing in the tank.
0:44:49 > 0:44:52Yeah, there are huge ones almost like sardines
0:44:52 > 0:44:54and tiny little ones like sprats.
0:44:54 > 0:44:56So, if we don't separate the sizes out
0:44:56 > 0:45:00you can get aggression from the larger ones attacking small ones.
0:45:00 > 0:45:04How do you separate them out, dipping in and going through them by hand?
0:45:04 > 0:45:07No, what we use is a machine which is over here.
0:45:10 > 0:45:14We put them into this machine and this machine grades them
0:45:14 > 0:45:16into three sizes.
0:45:16 > 0:45:18- Small, medium and large. - How does that work?
0:45:18 > 0:45:21The rollers, they go down these rollers
0:45:21 > 0:45:25and these rollers are graduated so they get wider,
0:45:25 > 0:45:28the small ones go through first, the larger ones afterwards.
0:45:28 > 0:45:30That's genius, all kinds.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33When you look at this it doesn't look like it's going to do a lot of good,
0:45:33 > 0:45:38it almost looks like a horrible James Bond villain death, like they're going to be crushed.
0:45:38 > 0:45:42It's quite a routine job for us, it doesn't do the fish any harm.
0:45:42 > 0:45:45And in true James Bond style, what happens
0:45:45 > 0:45:48if they try to escape the rotating steel wheels?
0:45:48 > 0:45:54So, this paint brush it's for just kind of gently brushing them down.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57There we are, he's out and he's down.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00'And it doesn't end there for these larger fish.
0:46:00 > 0:46:01'Now separated,
0:46:01 > 0:46:04'they're dropped into an anaesthetic bath to prepare them
0:46:04 > 0:46:08'for the their fins to be clipped, which I'm not altogether looking forward to.'
0:46:08 > 0:46:11- You can see they're suddenly not moving around so much.- That's right.
0:46:11 > 0:46:13And which fin goes off?
0:46:13 > 0:46:16It's the little fin on the back of the fish called the adipose fin.
0:46:16 > 0:46:17And why are you doing that?
0:46:17 > 0:46:21Because we can monitor the stocks when they're back in the wild.
0:46:21 > 0:46:24We can see which has hatched from this hatchery.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27- Is it kind of lick clipping off a toenail, something like that?- Yeah.
0:46:27 > 0:46:29It makes me feel a lot better about doing it.
0:46:29 > 0:46:31I'm going to get in there. What do I need to do?
0:46:31 > 0:46:34Get hold of the fish fairly gently now it's asleep.
0:46:34 > 0:46:38- This little one here?- Yeah. Takes a bit of practise.- Oh, that's not bad.
0:46:38 > 0:46:39It's fairly soft.
0:46:39 > 0:46:46- It's like gelatine, the fin, it's not hard or kind of, bristly.- Yeah.
0:46:47 > 0:46:51Now this might look a little bit uncomfortable
0:46:51 > 0:46:54but it's all part of vital conservation work to preserve
0:46:54 > 0:46:58the future of this incredibly rare local variety and the brilliant news
0:46:58 > 0:47:01is these little guys will be swimming around in the wild
0:47:01 > 0:47:02in just a few weeks.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12With Christmas Day just a couple of weeks away
0:47:12 > 0:47:15you might still be looking for the perfect stocking filler.
0:47:15 > 0:47:18How about the Countryfile calendar for 2012
0:47:18 > 0:47:21sold in aid of Children In Need? Here's how you can get hold of one.
0:47:24 > 0:47:30The calendar costs £9 and a minimum of £4 from each sale will go to Children In Need.
0:47:30 > 0:47:34You can order it right now on our website:
0:47:38 > 0:47:40Or you can call the order line on:
0:47:46 > 0:47:51You can also order by post. Send your name, address and cheque to:
0:47:58 > 0:48:02And please make your cheques payable to BBC Countryfile Calendar.
0:48:03 > 0:48:06In a moment I'm going to be getting to grips with one of these.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09Apparently they're very good for off-roading around the loch
0:48:09 > 0:48:12but before that there's just time to find out
0:48:12 > 0:48:15what the weather has in store with the Countryfile forecast for the week ahead.
0:50:50 > 0:50:57.
0:51:08 > 0:51:13This week, Matt and I are exploring the windswept shores of Loch Lomond.
0:51:13 > 0:51:16Not many people brave these waters at this time of year.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19Biting cold and rain keep the hordes of tourists away,
0:51:19 > 0:51:23leaving it unusually peaceful.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26But even colder weather like this doesn't deter the locals.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28They have found an eco-friendly way
0:51:28 > 0:51:32of breathing life into the loch on a winter's day.
0:51:37 > 0:51:41These electric scooters are a more familiar sight around cities,
0:51:41 > 0:51:44but here in Scotland, they have found a new use for them -
0:51:44 > 0:51:46off-roading. Right, my turn.
0:51:46 > 0:51:50Apparently, it is one of the best ways to see the loch.
0:51:50 > 0:51:54- All right there, Ben?- Hello. - So get me started on one of these.
0:51:54 > 0:51:58Right, first things first. You need one of these to protect your head.
0:51:58 > 0:52:01You're going to stand with your feet on each of these contact points.
0:52:01 > 0:52:04So if you start to lean forward slightly
0:52:04 > 0:52:08and move your weight beyond where the wheels are touching the ground,
0:52:08 > 0:52:09it will start to roll forward.
0:52:09 > 0:52:12- Oh, my God!- Now, it has got no brakes.- Oh.
0:52:12 > 0:52:14So if you kept going, you might get wet. So...
0:52:14 > 0:52:18- If you just centre your weight again...- There you go.- OK.
0:52:18 > 0:52:20Will you take me see the sights?
0:52:20 > 0:52:24- Yeah, we will go for a ride along the beach.- Let's do it.
0:52:30 > 0:52:33Ben leads loch safaris on these and I need the practice as later,
0:52:33 > 0:52:36I will be racing Matt on one.
0:52:36 > 0:52:39It's funny, cos they're associated with the skateboarding crowd,
0:52:39 > 0:52:43- which isn't what you would expect from these things?- Generally,
0:52:43 > 0:52:45it is the people who snowboard, skateboard,
0:52:45 > 0:52:48BMX, skiers, they are the ones that want to try the new stuff.
0:52:48 > 0:52:51The good thing is that they are not noisy,
0:52:51 > 0:52:54they are not churning out fumes, they are not petrol-based.
0:52:54 > 0:52:57No petrol, they don't churn up the ground so much
0:52:57 > 0:52:59cos you can't really wheel-spin them.
0:52:59 > 0:53:03If you manage to do a wheelspin, you are doing something wrong.
0:53:03 > 0:53:07- How fast do they go?- You can go about 12.5 miles per hour.
0:53:07 > 0:53:10- Whoo! Dizzy speeds.- Yeah.- Let's just say, hypothetically speaking,
0:53:10 > 0:53:13I wanted to beat somebody at a race.
0:53:13 > 0:53:17Matt Baker. What would be your tips for me to win?
0:53:17 > 0:53:20We could sort something out that means that you will win.
0:53:20 > 0:53:23- Dirty tactics?- Yeah. - That's more like it.
0:53:23 > 0:53:24'Don't tell Matt,
0:53:24 > 0:53:30'but the speed of the scooters can be restricted to a measly 6mph.'
0:53:34 > 0:53:39Now, Ben has promised me a spectacular view of Loch Lomond.
0:53:39 > 0:53:43Oddly, though, he seems to be taking me to the nearest tee.
0:53:43 > 0:53:45But this is no ordinary golf course.
0:53:45 > 0:53:47It is part of the National Park and we have been given
0:53:47 > 0:53:50special permission to explore it in this way.
0:53:50 > 0:53:53- Ho-ho! Look at that view! - Incredible, isn't it?
0:53:53 > 0:53:54That is awesome.
0:53:54 > 0:53:59Even on a rainy day. Almost makes me want to convert to golf.
0:53:59 > 0:54:00- Nearly.- Not really.
0:54:00 > 0:54:02Wow. Love that.
0:54:02 > 0:54:06The site of this golf course is so special,
0:54:06 > 0:54:08it has its own countryside Ranger, James Elliott.
0:54:08 > 0:54:12- Hi, James. How are you doing? - Hi, Ellie. How are you?- I am good.
0:54:12 > 0:54:17Apologies for the random arrival. What are you doing here?
0:54:17 > 0:54:19I am planting some oak trees here
0:54:19 > 0:54:23along with some other native broadleaves.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25Just to replace these Sitka spruces that have been felled.
0:54:25 > 0:54:28What is wrong with the spruce? Why have they come down?
0:54:28 > 0:54:31Spruce are actually non-native to Britain.
0:54:31 > 0:54:34They provide pretty poor habitat for wildlife.
0:54:34 > 0:54:38Oakwood on the other hand has the most biodiverse habitat in Britain.
0:54:38 > 0:54:42You have quite an unusual job - you are a ranger at a golf course.
0:54:42 > 0:54:44That is quite specific, isn't it?
0:54:44 > 0:54:45It might seem unusual,
0:54:45 > 0:54:48but this golf course takes up a fairly large chunk of land,
0:54:48 > 0:54:51only a proportion of that is used for the game of golf.
0:54:51 > 0:54:56The rest of it, we have woodlands, wetlands, native grasslands...
0:54:56 > 0:54:59And the landscape here is amazing.
0:54:59 > 0:55:01Where we are at the moment
0:55:01 > 0:55:04is right on the boundary between the Highlands and the Lowlands.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07- Right here?- Right here, yes.
0:55:07 > 0:55:11So going back 450 million years ago, these were two different continents.
0:55:11 > 0:55:14They came together and if you look at the islands,
0:55:14 > 0:55:16going right across the loch,
0:55:16 > 0:55:19that is the crumple zone of where these two continents met.
0:55:19 > 0:55:21- Amazing, isn't it? - Yeah, it is fantastic.
0:55:21 > 0:55:24It's all very well admiring it from up here,
0:55:24 > 0:55:27but it's time to get myself back to shore for the big race.
0:55:27 > 0:55:30Look at this - Highlands...
0:55:30 > 0:55:31Lowlands.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33Hurray! Highlands...
0:55:33 > 0:55:36Lowlands.
0:55:36 > 0:55:38And Ben is going to be our umpire.
0:55:39 > 0:55:43- You are going to love this!- Where is the other half of your quad?
0:55:43 > 0:55:47Oh no, this is completely different. Do you want a quick lesson?
0:55:47 > 0:55:51I do. I have had horses, boats and planes today, so why not?
0:55:51 > 0:55:56- Why not two more wheels? So stand on, first.- How do you go forwards?
0:55:56 > 0:55:59Lean your whole body forward. So we are going to go for a little race.
0:55:59 > 0:56:04- If you're up for it?- Yes!- Yes? - First around the loch?
0:56:04 > 0:56:07No, first to the end of the big, big puddle.
0:56:07 > 0:56:10- That is an easy marker. Ben is going to start us off.- Oh, hello, Ben.
0:56:10 > 0:56:14- How are you doing? Can I get you both level?- Oh, yes.
0:56:14 > 0:56:17- So it is an even playing field. OK? Ready?- Ready.- Go!
0:56:17 > 0:56:20- Oh, it's a leaner! Slowing down, slowing down!- Yes!
0:56:20 > 0:56:24- Slowing down.- Look at this. Oh!
0:56:24 > 0:56:27- Do you want me to wait for you, Matt?- How do you make it go faster?
0:56:27 > 0:56:32I am hanging over the bars and it is... I'm leaning forwards and it...
0:56:32 > 0:56:35It's a first on Countryfile - I am beating Matt at something.
0:56:35 > 0:56:38- Oh...!- Here comes the puddle.
0:56:39 > 0:56:43Ooh la la la la la! I win. Woo-hoo!
0:56:45 > 0:56:47Oh, here he comes. Slowly.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50SHE WHISTLES
0:56:50 > 0:56:53Proper leaning forwards - this is rubbish.
0:56:55 > 0:56:57How are you going that fast?
0:56:57 > 0:57:01- You know what, Matt?- What?- I've got to tell you something.- Go on.
0:57:01 > 0:57:06- Have you got a little trick?- I have had the limiter taken off mine.
0:57:06 > 0:57:09- You are kidding me!- It is dirty play, it is dirty play.
0:57:09 > 0:57:11- What a surprise(!) - SHE CHUCKLES
0:57:11 > 0:57:15If you want to try something just as bonkers as this,
0:57:15 > 0:57:17the BBC has got together with a range of partners
0:57:17 > 0:57:19who offer activities all across the UK.
0:57:19 > 0:57:22Just go onto our website and click on "things to do".
0:57:22 > 0:57:25But that is it from the shores of Loch Lomond.
0:57:25 > 0:57:28Next week, we will be in Warwickshire getting Christmassy
0:57:28 > 0:57:31as we try and recreate some of the country village community spirit
0:57:31 > 0:57:34of Christmases gone by. Hope you can join us then.
0:57:34 > 0:57:37Right, can we swap now? Can I have the one without the limiter?
0:57:37 > 0:57:38It's only fair.
0:57:57 > 0:58:00Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:58:00 > 0:58:03E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk.