0:00:28 > 0:00:33The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, or the B & T, as it is known locally,
0:00:33 > 0:00:37runs for 14.5 miles through the lowlands of Somerset.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41The canal flows for just 14 glorious miles
0:00:41 > 0:00:44and I will be taking a walk along its towpath to find out what makes
0:00:44 > 0:00:47this place one of Somerset's best-kept secrets.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51No relaxing strolls for me.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54I am further north on the canal doing some real work.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57Winter is a time when this place receives much-needed maintenance
0:00:57 > 0:01:01and when ivy takes hold, it requires drastic action.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07While I am hanging around in Somerset, John is an Oxfordshire.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10In the second of my interviews with the Prime Minister, David Cameron,
0:01:10 > 0:01:14we will be talking about some of the biggest issues facing our farmers.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18Should the food that they produce be subsidised?
0:01:18 > 0:01:21And what is he doing to stop our European competitors
0:01:21 > 0:01:25getting away with lower, cheaper standards of animal welfare?
0:01:25 > 0:01:29Jules is finding out how wildlife is being brought back
0:01:29 > 0:01:31to an old, industrial area.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33That is a lovely sight, isn't it, Simon?
0:01:33 > 0:01:36It's one of the most exciting sights on the Somerset Levels.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39As the winter goes on, the flocks get bigger and bigger
0:01:39 > 0:01:42and bigger and more and more people come out to see them.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45And Adam discovers the secret of growing fresh,
0:01:45 > 0:01:49green animal food whatever the weather.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52As winter is setting in, the grass has stopped growing
0:01:52 > 0:01:54and most farmers have got their cattle on winter rations.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56But how about this?
0:01:56 > 0:02:00Lush, green shoots to feed your animals all year round.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02Looks like they love it, too.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, or the B & T, as it is affectionately
0:02:25 > 0:02:30known locally, runs for 14.5 miles through the lowlands of Somerset.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35I have to say that on a map it looks a little lost and lonely,
0:02:35 > 0:02:39just a landlocked stretch of water cut off from the canal network
0:02:39 > 0:02:43linking Bridgwater to here in Taunton but make no mistake about it,
0:02:43 > 0:02:46because this is one of Somerset's best-kept secrets.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50The mere mention of its name can rouse an unexpected
0:02:50 > 0:02:53outpouring of passion from the locals who fiercely guard it.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02I'm meeting local canal warden John Swain.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05He has promised to share some of its secret history.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08John, how well do you know this part of the canal?
0:03:08 > 0:03:10I know this Bridgwater and Taunton Canal
0:03:10 > 0:03:14because I've been involved with it since about 1964.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17- A really long time?- Yes, yes.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22I've boated it, I've walked it, I've cycled it. I've canoed it.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27We are heading north from Firepool Lock
0:03:27 > 0:03:29at the start of the canal in Taunton.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33I'm planning on walking halfway and meeting Matt in the middle later.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42The canal was opened in 1827,
0:03:42 > 0:03:46specifically to transport essential goods like coal and wood
0:03:46 > 0:03:49into the south-west and it was hand-dug by navvies.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54- Why is the canal here? - Up until the canal was built,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57all goods that had to get into Taunton had to use a tidal river,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00the River Parrett, and then into the River Tone.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04Very difficult journeys, trying to go up with the tide.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Although it is called the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11the water actually flows in the opposite direction,
0:04:11 > 0:04:14from Taunton to Bridgwater.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21The convenience of the canal enabled commercial shipping to thrive
0:04:21 > 0:04:23and even drove down the cost of coal,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26but then an even grander plan was born.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28What was this bigger plan, John?
0:04:28 > 0:04:31The bigger plan was to link the Bristol Channel
0:04:31 > 0:04:34and the English Channel together, so that the sailing boats,
0:04:34 > 0:04:38which were carrying the likes of coal from South Wales,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41didn't get shipwrecked when they went round Land's End.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44- It was longer and more dangerous, I suppose?- Very much so.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48So, by building the canal system, to link the two,
0:04:48 > 0:04:52using the river Exe and the River Axe, you could do it.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55Over there, you have got the remnants of an aqueduct.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59Work to build this elaborate watery shortcut began,
0:04:59 > 0:05:01but sadly it was never completed.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05So, what happened to the grand plan?
0:05:05 > 0:05:09The canal was bought by the railway company in 1866,
0:05:09 > 0:05:12for the grand sum of £64,000.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14Then, it was competition for them.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18They did not want the canal and it became a remainder canal.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22A remainder canal is one that you have no statutory duty
0:05:22 > 0:05:24to maintain it in any way, shape or form.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- It was just a drainage channel. - It is a bit of a sorry story.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- Was that the end of it, then? - Not really, no.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33In the Second World War,
0:05:33 > 0:05:38it suddenly became very important for the defence of our country.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42The defence chiefs believed there was a need to have a water defence
0:05:42 > 0:05:45for the south-west, which is why,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48when you come to pillboxes that we are just walking up to here,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51were put on major bridges, so that basically the Home Guard
0:05:51 > 0:05:56could control those and make sure that if Hitler landed,
0:05:56 > 0:05:57he didn't get across.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05British Waterways has overall responsibility for the canal,
0:06:05 > 0:06:07but they are joined by an army of volunteers
0:06:07 > 0:06:10and locals who help preserve the special place.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12John Corum and Steve Searle
0:06:12 > 0:06:16use motion sensor cameras to catch a glimpse of local wildlife.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- Hi, John, hi, Steve.- Hi, Ellie. - You all right?
0:06:19 > 0:06:23Why do you two know this stretch of the canal so well?
0:06:23 > 0:06:26We have been visiting this stretch of the canal for what,
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- over 40 years?- Yes, about that.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- You must have been children when you came?- Yes, we were.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- Fishing at 6, 7 and 8 years old. - Yes, now we just look at the wildlife.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37What made you want to start doing that?
0:06:37 > 0:06:40As we walk along, we see evidence of wildlife
0:06:40 > 0:06:44and it is very rare that you see it in daylight so we thought we would
0:06:44 > 0:06:47purchase some cameras, put them along the canal and see
0:06:47 > 0:06:52if we could find exactly what is about and when it's about.
0:06:52 > 0:06:53How often do you get down here?
0:06:53 > 0:07:00- Once every two weeks?- Yes, leave the camera there for a week at a time.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03We come back, see what shots we get, and sometimes we get
0:07:03 > 0:07:05200 or 300 shots over a fortnight.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Let's have a look at some of your footage, then.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12This is an interesting one. You can see the reflection.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17You'll see it is a roe deer He just jumps over the ring.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21Oh, my goodness, all in the shadow you saw that. That is amazing.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24You must have been chuffed with that one.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- Yes, really was. - This shot here is a heron.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32If you look carefully, there, he's just caught a fish.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34That's the moment you want.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- And now he's eating it.- Perfect.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42This next one, the buzzard comes and sits right centre shot.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44You couldn't have put a mark down better for it.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49- Just where you want it to go.- There he goes, just having a nice drink.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51He comes down quite regularly, that one.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- We get lots of shots of that one. And the heron.- Really?
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- That's brilliant. - There are some badgers.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- Again, right through frame. - Right in the centre again.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03You must get some bits of old twig
0:08:03 > 0:08:08and the spider across the lens that triggers it as well. Do you get...
0:08:08 > 0:08:12Yes, even mice. We had a lovely fieldmouse the other day.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15Well, that's all right. Better than a piece of litter.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18There is a particularly good one here, which is the water vole.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20That is the only shot we have got of the water vole
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- so he is obviously quite rare.- Gosh.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25He is quite an active one, as you can see.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Evidence of that here and that is the main thing,
0:08:28 > 0:08:32just to show that they are definitely here, we are just not seeing them.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35We have heard they are here but I've never seen one in the canal.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38But there is living evidence that they actually are here.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40Yes, that is lovely stuff.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44John and Steve's wildlife footage has inspired me
0:08:44 > 0:08:46to have a go at capturing some shots of my own.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Hopefully, I will be able to impress Matt
0:08:49 > 0:08:52with my pictures, later in the programme.
0:08:53 > 0:08:54On last Sunday's show,
0:08:54 > 0:08:58we spoke to David Cameron about his plans for the British environment.
0:08:58 > 0:08:59But what about the food we eat
0:08:59 > 0:09:02and the future of the people who produce it? Here's John.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12On Countryfile last week, the Prime Minister told me
0:09:12 > 0:09:15that despite economic difficulties, he believes
0:09:15 > 0:09:19he is still on target to be leading the greenest government ever.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23He admitted there is still some way to go with renewable energy,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26but when it came to planning, he dismissed claims that he
0:09:26 > 0:09:30would allow large-scale developments to ruin our landscape.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32I care deeply about our countryside.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34I would no more put that at risk than
0:09:34 > 0:09:36I would put at risk my own family.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39This week, I'll be getting his views on some of the big issues
0:09:39 > 0:09:42affecting food and farming.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46Why he thinks farmers should not be subsidised for growing food.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50I think we CAN push for real changes where we reduce these
0:09:50 > 0:09:53production subsidies that have done so much damage in Europe.
0:09:53 > 0:09:58His plans to force farmers elsewhere in Europe to comply with animal welfare law.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01With other European countries, what we ought to do is take them
0:10:01 > 0:10:05to court if they don't put in place the changes they've signed up to.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09And the controversial decision to cull badgers.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11Do you sweep it under the carpet and announce a review
0:10:11 > 0:10:15or do you say, OK, we need to get on and see if we can make this work.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18We've taken the difficult decision which is the right thing to do.
0:10:18 > 0:10:23First, though, let's see how he plans to manage Britain's farmland.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27More than 70% of our countryside is, in fact, agricultural land,
0:10:27 > 0:10:30and the people who farm it play a vital role,
0:10:30 > 0:10:34not only in feeding us but in keeping our landscape looking good.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37It is a big, expensive responsibility,
0:10:37 > 0:10:39but they do have help.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44Nearly £50 billion a year is spent on European farm subsidies,
0:10:44 > 0:10:47to help produce more food and improve things for wildlife.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51The government wants to safeguard the environment by increasing
0:10:51 > 0:10:55wildlife subsidies and phasing out those for production.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Trouble is, as we have heard before on Countryfile,
0:10:58 > 0:11:01many farmers rely on EU payments to keep afloat.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05The margins are so slim and there is et a distinction between success
0:11:05 > 0:11:08and failure, so acute at the moment, that I can assure you,
0:11:08 > 0:11:13most businesses do not wallow in luxury of fancy cars with the subsidy.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16In some years, it's essential, as a tool,
0:11:16 > 0:11:18to maintain the survival of our business.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Back in July, Countryfile commissioned a survey
0:11:21 > 0:11:25to see how you thought farmers should be subsidised.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29Most people said both the environment and food production should be supported.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32So, has the Government got its priorities right?
0:11:32 > 0:11:35For our exclusive interview, I met Mr Cameron at Cogges Farm,
0:11:35 > 0:11:40a rural heritage museum in his Oxfordshire constituency.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43You said in the long term you want to get rid of farm subsidies, why?
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Let me just rewind and make an important point which is,
0:11:47 > 0:11:50in a part of the world like this, beautiful countryside,
0:11:50 > 0:11:54wonderful villages, it looks like it does and we cherish it
0:11:54 > 0:11:57as much as we did because it has been farmed for centuries.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00I do not want the countryside to become a museum.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02I want a living, working countryside,
0:12:02 > 0:12:05and that means a successful farming industry.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08But I think we can push for real changes where
0:12:08 > 0:12:11we reduce these production subsidies that have done so much damage
0:12:11 > 0:12:16in Europe and focus the effort instead on rewarding good
0:12:16 > 0:12:19environmental practice while helping farmers be successful businesses.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24That is the combination of steps we need to take to make this work.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26But if farmers are spending a lot of their time actually
0:12:26 > 0:12:29safeguarding the countryside, rather than growing food,
0:12:29 > 0:12:34at the same time we are all being urged to produce more food
0:12:34 > 0:12:37in this country, for security purposes, how do you square that?
0:12:37 > 0:12:41What has happened is that actually some food prices have trended up
0:12:41 > 0:12:45because of world demand and because of the pressure on commodity
0:12:45 > 0:12:50prices and so that has helped farming and encouraged production.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Sometimes in government, we look at farming
0:12:53 > 0:12:55as if it is completely different to other businesses.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Actually, when you talk to farmers, they will tell you that they
0:12:58 > 0:13:02are small businesses and the policies they want are reductions
0:13:02 > 0:13:05in taxation and cuts in regulation, and make sure that we
0:13:05 > 0:13:08actually make it easier to start up a business to employ people.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12Now, animal welfare and just two weeks ago,
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Europe brought in bigger cages for battery hens.
0:13:15 > 0:13:1999% of our farms have been converted
0:13:19 > 0:13:22but that is still half a million chickens in the old-style cages.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24But in some EU countries,
0:13:24 > 0:13:28as many as a third of farms are using the old, illegal system.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31A similar thing looks like happening next year,
0:13:31 > 0:13:33when pig stalls are partially banned.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37In continental Europe, once a sow get pregnant,
0:13:37 > 0:13:39you can put it in a small cage where it can
0:13:39 > 0:13:42only stand up and sit down and that is it. It lowers your costs.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44You can keep control of the animal,
0:13:44 > 0:13:47you can feed it in such a way that you get maximum productivity.
0:13:47 > 0:13:52The ban on pig stalls is already in place in the UK, well ahead of time.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55We did some work a year or two ago, which actually showed that
0:13:55 > 0:13:58two-thirds of the pig meat that we import would be illegal
0:13:58 > 0:14:01to produce here on the grounds of welfare.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04And if they have to make the kind of investments that we have done,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07I don't think they'll do it. Certainly not all of them.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Many British farmers say our welfare standards are pricing them
0:14:10 > 0:14:13out of the world market.
0:14:13 > 0:14:18All our livestock farmers talk about the unfair playing field
0:14:18 > 0:14:20when it comes to welfare.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23We have enormously high standards in this country,
0:14:23 > 0:14:26but other member countries are not quite so good, I think.
0:14:26 > 0:14:27Two things have been going wrong.
0:14:27 > 0:14:32One is that while we dutifully put in place these new standards,
0:14:32 > 0:14:35some other European countries have been too slow.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38We need to make sure that when we put in changes, they put in changes.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42The second thing is, there has been a tendency, in Britain,
0:14:42 > 0:14:44and all governments have done this, to jump into putting
0:14:44 > 0:14:49the changes in advance of the actual legal necessity.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51As a result, we have actually exported
0:14:51 > 0:14:53a lot of our pig production,
0:14:53 > 0:14:55for instance, to other European countries.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Whereas, actually, if we put in place the changes at the same time
0:14:58 > 0:15:02as others, our pig farmers would have had a more level playing field.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05I think we iron out those problems, but recognising
0:15:05 > 0:15:07being in the European Union, on this occasion,
0:15:07 > 0:15:11does actually help us to at least insist on those common standards.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16But shouldn't we ban the import of meat from other European
0:15:16 > 0:15:19countries which is raised way below accepted welfare standards?
0:15:19 > 0:15:21I think with other European countries,
0:15:21 > 0:15:24what we ought to do is take them to court
0:15:24 > 0:15:27if they don't put in place the changes that we've signed up to.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31Because we all sit there at the agriculture council and agree these
0:15:31 > 0:15:35rules on pig stalls and these rules on hen cages and the rest of it.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38And if they don't put those in place, they are in breach
0:15:38 > 0:15:41of the rules and so we should have no compunction in actually
0:15:41 > 0:15:44getting the European Commission to target those countries.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46You will...
0:15:46 > 0:15:50Yes, that is what the European Union is for, in this regard.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54There is a more difficult issue which is, what about food that
0:15:54 > 0:15:56is produced in other parts of the world,
0:15:56 > 0:15:59where they don't necessarily have these standards
0:15:59 > 0:16:03and there I think we need to work through the World Trade Organisation
0:16:03 > 0:16:05and other bodies to make sure there is fairness.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08There is also a huge round of illegal importing of meat
0:16:08 > 0:16:11going on and we need to run our borders effectively to crack down on that.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15There is a whole agenda there for the government to pursue which is helpful to our farmers.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Protecting our farm animals means making difficult choices.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24With no cattle vaccine currently available in the fight against
0:16:24 > 0:16:28bovine TB, last month, the government authorised trial badger culls.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30It is a contentious decision.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35Some believe killing badgers will make matters worse,
0:16:35 > 0:16:39that TB will spread as diseased animals flee to new areas.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41What is being proposed to be done about it at the moment,
0:16:41 > 0:16:45is frankly against every serious scientific study.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50If you kill them, that does spread the disease even further.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54So why has the government made this controversial move?
0:16:54 > 0:16:58You've just announced a badger cull in two areas of the country.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03- That is going to cause an uproar, isn't it?- It is very difficult, this.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06What do we want here? What we want is healthy cattle.
0:17:06 > 0:17:07We also want healthy badgers.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12I think sometimes the critics of the culling trials forget
0:17:12 > 0:17:17that in the end, it is the badgers which are also suffering from this terrible disease as well.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20I think it is right to take this difficult step to have these pilots.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24We are going to have to watch very closely about how they put in place,
0:17:24 > 0:17:25how they are carried out.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28But in the end, the aim is healthy cattle, healthy badgers.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31I think the last government put off and put off and put off
0:17:31 > 0:17:33for too long, this difficult decision.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- Maybe you're doing the same thing? - We are having the pilot.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Are they going to achieve anything?
0:17:38 > 0:17:42Two small pilot schemes the size of the Isle of Wight.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Well, the size of the Isle of Wight, that is what we're talking about,
0:17:45 > 0:17:47many hundreds of square miles.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50I think they are pretty substantial, pretty significant.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54It's going to be controversial. It's going to be a difficult thing to do.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Difficult to police I should imagine?
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Difficult to police, there are no end of difficulties.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01The question we faced as a government is,
0:18:01 > 0:18:05when you have got all this evidence that culling should be part of,
0:18:05 > 0:18:07only part but part of a balanced package of measures,
0:18:07 > 0:18:11do you just sweep it under the carpet and announce another review,
0:18:11 > 0:18:14or do you say, OK, we need to see if we can make this work.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16We've taken the decision and I think it's the right thing.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20And while we are talking about one animal that is highly contentious,
0:18:20 > 0:18:22what about the other one, the fox?
0:18:22 > 0:18:26Are you still committed to a free vote on whether it should be repealed?
0:18:26 > 0:18:29I am. I'll put my cards on the table.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32I've always thought the hunting ban was a pretty bizarre
0:18:32 > 0:18:34piece of legislation.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38I think there should be a free vote in the House of Commons.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42I think the House of Commons should make its mind up about this.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45My problem has always been that it was just taking the criminal law
0:18:45 > 0:18:48into an area of activity where it didn't belong.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50It will be for the House of Commons to decide
0:18:50 > 0:18:54and for the government act on that after a House of Commons decision.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Will it happen in this Parliament?
0:18:56 > 0:18:58We have said it will happen in this Parliament, yes.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00There are tough decisions to be made
0:19:00 > 0:19:03about the future of our countryside, decisions that
0:19:03 > 0:19:08will profoundly affect those who rely on it and who live in it.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11David Cameron believes he is making the right choices, but getting them wrong
0:19:11 > 0:19:16could have a huge impact on the future of food and farming.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20Then there's the Prime Minister's promise to be the greenest government ever.
0:19:20 > 0:19:26As always, with politics, the countryside will watch and wait.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39The Bridgwater and Taunton is a 14.5 mile waterway,
0:19:39 > 0:19:42crossing through the lowlands of Somerset
0:19:42 > 0:19:45and running down through the rolling countryside.
0:19:45 > 0:19:50Ellie's downhill at the Taunton end - she's been finding out about the role the canal played in history
0:19:50 > 0:19:53while I'm uphill, starting at the Bridgwater docks.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56It's hard to imagine now,
0:19:56 > 0:20:00but this place was once ranked fifth amongst Britain's ports.
0:20:00 > 0:20:06It was a safe haven for schooners and fishing vessels using the nearby Bristol Channel.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11That all ended in 1907, when the last barge tolls were collected.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13The canal largely lay dormant until the 1960s,
0:20:13 > 0:20:16when it was handed over to British Waterways.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Today, there is a much slower pace of life here.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23Lined with modern apartments, there are a few houseboats bobbing about on the water.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26But anyway, I am not here to soak up its history, I have got work to do.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34I'm lending a hand to British Waterways' Richard Harrison.
0:20:34 > 0:20:35How are we doing?
0:20:41 > 0:20:43How far are we headed, Richard?
0:20:43 > 0:20:45We are heading to the Albert Street cutting,
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- another couple of minutes on the boat.- OK.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51We need to do some annual maintenance in there.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53There are 40-foot cutting walls covered in vegetation,
0:20:53 > 0:20:56in ivy and buddleia,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59and we need to try to take that off.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07But only a few moments after setting off on our maintenance expedition,
0:21:07 > 0:21:09and we're in need of a bit of help.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11We've stalled!
0:21:11 > 0:21:15Unfortunately, the prop has picked up a bit of something or other.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18We might be on the way in the next two or three hours.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Yes, you have guessed it!
0:21:21 > 0:21:24There is only one way to get this boat to its destination - and that's a real tug.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30How far are we going? Is it about two and a half miles?
0:21:30 > 0:21:31'It's a case of deja vu.'
0:21:31 > 0:21:36The winning entry of the Countryfile photographic competition.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39But today, it's not horsepower we are relying on, it's manpower.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42This side of the camera Looks really nice and tranquil.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47On the other side, we have got a couple of massive blokes who could really be helping out.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Gary, Richard... Just have a look.
0:21:52 > 0:21:53HE LAUGHS
0:21:59 > 0:22:04A sweltering one hour later, we arrive at our destination.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06A rather imposing wall, or canal cutting.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10It was built to cut through the higher ground so that working boats
0:22:10 > 0:22:13could avoid using time-consuming, and therefore costly, locks.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- Well, Richard, here we are at our destination.- Made it.- We've made it!
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- It's been eventful. It's known as a remainder canal. - That's right, yes.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26- What does that mean, exactly? - Well, the canals are classified in different ways.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29There's commercial cruiseway and remainder waterways.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31But the cruiseway is... an act of parliament means
0:22:31 > 0:22:34that British Waterways have to maintain it.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37There's an obligation to maintain it and keep it open for navigation.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40With a remainder waterway, there isn't an obligation there
0:22:40 > 0:22:42and it can effectively be abandoned.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45So you're not obliged to do this work, you do it for the love of it?
0:22:45 > 0:22:47It's something we want to do.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51We want to maintain it as best we can and make sure people use it.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Ok, and this is the purpose of our visit, the ivy?
0:22:54 > 0:22:57That's right, yeah. The wall's so near the Albert Street cutting,
0:22:57 > 0:22:59the walls are covered in ivy.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Part of the problem is caused by the ivy itself or it's partly rooted
0:23:02 > 0:23:06in the cracks and crevices, which can actually damage the brickwork.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- And this involves ropes? - Ropes, yeah.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- I'll let you do that, Matt, go up there.- OK.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15I haven't held a rope enough this morning, have I? So, I'll...
0:23:15 > 0:23:16THEY LAUGH
0:23:16 > 0:23:20I'll grab on to rope number two. Here we go.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25While I head off to get my essential kit on,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27the cause of our delay comes to light.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30An old cagoule is released from the engine housing.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Well, at least I'll now have a lift back.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Right, time to get on with the job in hand.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Tree surgeon Chris Jenkins,
0:23:40 > 0:23:45shows me the ropes as I have a go at removing this living graffiti.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- Stone as opposed to brick, isn't it? - It is, yes. And it's very soft,
0:23:48 > 0:23:54like mortar, so the ivy has aerial roots that get in amongst this.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56You can see there's a bit of damage here.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58You can see just how soft it is.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14Really, looking here and observing it closely,
0:24:14 > 0:24:17there's only a few areas where the ivy's actually gripping on.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20I mean, if it's draping like this would it not be protecting
0:24:20 > 0:24:21the grade II wall?
0:24:21 > 0:24:23Well, to a degree it could do, yes.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25But the thing is,
0:24:25 > 0:24:29with it draping over like it is, you just can't see what's behind it
0:24:29 > 0:24:33and it's so important nowadays that these old structures are examined
0:24:33 > 0:24:37by engineers and they're confident of the integrity and strength.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Especially when you've got members of the public who are using boats
0:24:40 > 0:24:43and walking right beneath them.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56We've got a boatload. Quite literally.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00- Get your feet back on dry ground. - Yeah.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08- Are you happy with that, Richard? - Yeah, very good.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10So later on this year,
0:25:10 > 0:25:13British Waterways is going to become a charitable trust.
0:25:13 > 0:25:18- That's right. From April this year. - What difference will that make?
0:25:18 > 0:25:21In its current state it's financially unsustainable, tied into
0:25:21 > 0:25:25the public sector. We're relying on an ever-diminishing government grant
0:25:25 > 0:25:28each year, which isn't enough for our maintenance.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31It's partly on this basis, but also the massive enthusiasm
0:25:31 > 0:25:34and interest in the canals. Being a charitable trust will open up
0:25:34 > 0:25:36a whole avenue of other opportunities for us in terms of
0:25:36 > 0:25:40financial streams. And also community interest and involvement.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43The amount of people that use the canals, the location of them.
0:25:43 > 0:25:4650 per cent of people live within five miles of a canal.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49There's too much scope and being a charitable trust
0:25:49 > 0:25:50is the way forward for us.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58And later, I'll be meeting one of the existing community volunteers
0:25:58 > 0:26:01and trying my hand at a spot of boating.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05But for now, time to relax and enjoy my surroundings.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09Over time, the retaining walls on either side of this cutting
0:26:09 > 0:26:12have started to buckle, so these braces have been put in.
0:26:12 > 0:26:17And a single line of a poem has been written on each of the beams,
0:26:17 > 0:26:20dedicated to those who built the canal.
0:26:20 > 0:26:25Navigators, sinew and bone. Jolt of the pick, crack of the hammer.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28Iron on stone. Red Quantock.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30We came and went,
0:26:30 > 0:26:34our legacy, a boat coming clean through the hill.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44Still ahead on tonight's programme...
0:26:44 > 0:26:45Look at it, it's pretty keen.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Adam tries out some unusual animal feed...
0:26:48 > 0:26:52Look, I've got your food here. What do you reckon to that?
0:26:52 > 0:26:55One brave skipper lets me take the helm...
0:26:55 > 0:26:58- It's pretty narrow here. - I'm watching this side.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- You trust me to do this, yeah?- Yes, I think so.- Keep the commands coming.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03Yes, I think so!
0:27:03 > 0:27:04THEY LAUGH
0:27:04 > 0:27:07And fingers crossed, Ellie will be getting a glimpse of some otters...
0:27:07 > 0:27:12I've got this rather crafty wildlife camera that's got a motion sensor,
0:27:12 > 0:27:15so anything that swims or walks by will hopefully give me
0:27:15 > 0:27:19some pretty impressive wildlife footage to show Matt later.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24And if you're taking to the water this week, then you'll want the
0:27:24 > 0:27:26Countryfile five-day forecast.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40The Somerset Levels, a stunning landscape of flat lowlands
0:27:40 > 0:27:43that man has played a huge part in creating,
0:27:43 > 0:27:46as Jules has been finding out.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Considered to be the largest lowland grazing marsh system in Britain,
0:27:54 > 0:27:57the Levels lie in the shadow of Glastonbury Tor.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00A landscape that extends for 70,000 acres.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06On the face of it, this is pretty low-grade land.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08It's pretty reedy, pretty boggy, pretty marshy,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11not obviously of a great deal of value to anybody.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14That was until the Romans came along, however.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16They knew exactly what to do with it.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19They discovered that this area was rich in peat,
0:28:19 > 0:28:22a valuable natural resource that could be used as a fuel.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25These days it's more commonly used in gardening.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29And for centuries, peat has been the focus of man's efforts
0:28:29 > 0:28:30to tame this harsh environment.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32Over 60 years ago,
0:28:32 > 0:28:37this area was worked by the then Eclipse Peat Company and to help
0:28:37 > 0:28:41them move peat around, they had their own mini railway network.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45Part of it crossed this bridge I'm walking over now
0:28:45 > 0:28:49and at this point, right here, it crossed the main line itself.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53All well and good on a day like this when you can see what's going on,
0:28:53 > 0:28:57but imagine if their train got stuck at this point in the fog.
0:29:02 > 0:29:07And that's exactly what did happen back in 1949.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09Percy Parsons was a railway man at the time
0:29:09 > 0:29:12and heard first-hand accounts of the day of the crash.
0:29:12 > 0:29:16The driver of the little peat vehicle got off and ran up the line, waving
0:29:16 > 0:29:21his hands to see if he could attract the driver and fireman's attention,
0:29:21 > 0:29:25but it was too far, they didn't see him and they hit the vehicle.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28The engine rolls up and runs along the track for a little way and
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- went straight into the old canal. - In there?- Straight in the old canal.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33Was anybody seriously hurt?
0:29:33 > 0:29:37The driver was Ray Stokes and the fireman was Sid Boosey,
0:29:37 > 0:29:41they both jumped off on the left-hand side, down into the ditch just here.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43So they literally leapt off?
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Yeah, one of them sprained his ankle, I believe,
0:29:46 > 0:29:49but there was no serious injury.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52- Everybody was pretty lucky, really. - They were, that's right.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Would you ever have imagined back then that it would be as quiet here
0:29:55 > 0:29:59- as it is today?- Oh, no. It's very quiet out here now.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01- Now we've just got the sound of the wildlife.- That's right,
0:30:01 > 0:30:04- and the rain.- The rain! You're absolutely right.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11Today, the old train networks and the giant peat works
0:30:11 > 0:30:13have long since gone.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16And these vast areas that were once excavated for the peat
0:30:16 > 0:30:20have been turned into a man-made wetland by Natural England.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24It's a transformation that's taken more than 30 years.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28These days, the Somerset Levels are such a special area that they've
0:30:28 > 0:30:32even been considered for World Heritage Site status.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34That is a lovely sight, isn't it, Simon?
0:30:34 > 0:30:37It's one of the most exciting sights I've seen on the Somerset levels.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41As the winter goes on, the flocks get bigger and bigger
0:30:41 > 0:30:43and more and more people come out to see them.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45It's a superbly exciting sight to see.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49But who would have thought that an industrial area such as this was
0:30:49 > 0:30:52could now become not just home to birds like that
0:30:52 > 0:30:55but also potentially a World Heritage site?
0:30:55 > 0:30:58It gives great hope for the future really that, with effort
0:30:58 > 0:30:59and careful management,
0:30:59 > 0:31:03sites that were redundant and quite unpleasant-looking industrial sites
0:31:03 > 0:31:05can be brought back to
0:31:05 > 0:31:08something that environmentally is very, very exciting.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11Let's talk about peat extraction. This is here because of it.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15You've made the best of it, in some respects - is this the second best
0:31:15 > 0:31:18landscape that you would have wanted to see here?
0:31:18 > 0:31:21Yes, in an ideal world, the meadows that would have been originally in
0:31:21 > 0:31:24the wet woodlands would have been phenomenally rich in insects,
0:31:24 > 0:31:27plants and that's a very rare habitat,
0:31:27 > 0:31:29there is precious little left.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Peat extraction remains controversial.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41It can destroy sensitive and rare habitats
0:31:41 > 0:31:45and digging it can also release carbon into the atmosphere,
0:31:45 > 0:31:47adding to concerns about global warming.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Small-scale extraction does continues here on
0:31:52 > 0:31:55the Somerset Levels and in some other parts of the country.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00But DEFRA's goals could see UK peat use eliminated by 2030,
0:32:00 > 0:32:04which might mean an end to the industry altogether.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12Ben Mailin is the Secretary of the Somerset Peat Producers Association.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16He believes that there's still a place for the peat industry
0:32:16 > 0:32:20here on the Levels, but on poor-grade agricultural land.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30This and the pasture lands around us
0:32:30 > 0:32:32are typical of Somerset Levels as a whole.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36This whole landscape has been drained for centuries in fact and converted
0:32:36 > 0:32:40from what was once a marshland habitat into agricultural land.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- But underneath here, have we still got peat?- That's right.
0:32:43 > 0:32:48Underneath the surface you've got three metres of peat.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51Nice rich, dark peat.
0:32:51 > 0:32:57Clearly, we'd never think of working high-value SSSI grassland
0:32:57 > 0:33:01and we'd only be looking at low-value agricultural land
0:33:01 > 0:33:04and low value in terms of ecological habitat.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07But we believe that working that type of peatland
0:33:07 > 0:33:10and harvesting that peat for use by the UK industry,
0:33:10 > 0:33:14is far better than importing peat from elsewhere in the EU.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21Many others would argue that there's simply no place for peat extraction
0:33:21 > 0:33:24in the British countryside or anywhere else,
0:33:24 > 0:33:28but Ben believes that small-scale peat farming can be done responsibly.
0:33:28 > 0:33:29Look at this area here.
0:33:32 > 0:33:38This is a former peat working. This was restored in 1990.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40Within five years it had been designated
0:33:40 > 0:33:43- a Site Of Special Scientific Interest...- SSSI.- SSSI. Within
0:33:43 > 0:33:47another three years it had been designated a Special Protection Area,
0:33:47 > 0:33:50that's a European conservation designation.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53So what we are saying is, we are taking agricultural land
0:33:53 > 0:33:56and, with peat extraction as an interim land-use,
0:33:56 > 0:33:59we're creating wetland habitats like this.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03With the national consumption of peat in decline,
0:34:03 > 0:34:05and many alternatives available,
0:34:05 > 0:34:08the future of the peat industry as a whole is uncertain.
0:34:08 > 0:34:13But one thing's for sure, the legacy of centuries of harvesting peat
0:34:13 > 0:34:15has changed the face of our countryside for ever.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29This week Adam is looking into ways that could make it possible
0:34:29 > 0:34:33for his livestock to be eating fresh green shoots all year round.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37But first he's getting on with some seasonal jobs, down at the farm.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50The farm here is on the top of the Cotswolds, about 1,000 foot up.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52So it's always blowing and at this time of year there is quite a nip in the air
0:34:52 > 0:34:55so it's good to get some exercise,
0:34:55 > 0:34:56chuck a few bales around.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59This is some straw.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03Once the combine has gone through the field, taking the grain out,
0:35:03 > 0:35:05it leaves the straw behind and we bale this up.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08The difference between straw and hay
0:35:08 > 0:35:12is that this is what's left behind by the combine but hay is just grass
0:35:12 > 0:35:16that we let grow long, then mow it and it dries in the field.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18This is wonderful feed.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22Straw can be used for feed or bedding but this hay
0:35:22 > 0:35:25is the stuff that we only use for feed and is really valuable.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36Come on, geese, ducks. You're supposed to be in there.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40I use straw all over the farm
0:35:40 > 0:35:42and first to benefit from it today are my chickens.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47One of the first jobs in the morning is to let the chickens out.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50These are my rare breed hens and cockerels.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53At this time of year, the hens have stopped laying.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56They'll come back into production in the spring,
0:35:56 > 0:35:59when the day lengths are longer and the weather starts to warm up.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02In a commercial system, the hens lay all year round, but not these
0:36:02 > 0:36:04little rare breeds. Probably why they're rare.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07So I've just got to muck them out.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10Come on then, chucks, out you go!
0:36:23 > 0:36:26They perch at night on these perches.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28Most of their muck ends up underneath those.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31It's a reasonably easy job, just five minutes every couple of weeks
0:36:31 > 0:36:34and then we just put down some fresh straw on the ground again.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47The straw really just gives an absorbent mat
0:36:47 > 0:36:51for the muck to drop on to
0:36:51 > 0:36:54and keeps the chickens' feet dry
0:36:54 > 0:36:58so they don't get all caked in muck.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01There we go. That'll do them.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10On the other side of the farm, my cows also need some winter bedding.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13And this is a job I won't be doing by hand,
0:37:13 > 0:37:16it's time to bring out £10,000-worth of farmyard kit.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24We bought this machine last year. It's a fantastic bit of kit.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26It's a labour-saving device really.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29It used to take two of us to come down here, 30 to 45 minutes
0:37:29 > 0:37:33rolling big bales of straw around to bed these cattle down.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37Now we just pick up a big bale with this, pop down, 10 minutes, job done.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39It makes a really good bed for the cattle.
0:37:39 > 0:37:44These cows are looking on. It looks like they're going to appreciate it.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50So with the cows and chickens all bedded down with straw,
0:37:50 > 0:37:54I can turn my attention to my animals that brave the winter outside.
0:37:54 > 0:37:59Last year in the UK we had the driest spring for about 100 years and
0:37:59 > 0:38:03that meant when it came to harvest that the straw was very, very short.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06And also the grass didn't grow so the hay crop was light too.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09When you've got a lack of fodder and a high demand
0:38:09 > 0:38:12for feed in the winter, that means the prices have rocketed.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15On this farm we've got around 1,200 sheep
0:38:15 > 0:38:19and they graze grass a lot during the day and during the night.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22The grass has stopped growing and has very little nutrients.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25Rather than topping it up with hay or silage,
0:38:25 > 0:38:27we've planted an alternative crop.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33And that's stubble turnips, which are going down well with my lambs.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40We planted these turnips in September after we'd harvested
0:38:40 > 0:38:43the winter barley that was in here before them.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45We realised we were going to be short of straw and hay,
0:38:45 > 0:38:48so we needed a fast-growing crop.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52This stuff grows in about 12 weeks and is a wonderful winter feed.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56There's a top on it with lots of leaf that the lambs are grazing on
0:38:56 > 0:38:59and then a bulb, a root, that's full of nutrients, sugars
0:38:59 > 0:39:00and carbohydrates.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04You can see the lambs nibbling away on it. Really good winter feed.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07These lambs were born last spring, we're fattening them up,
0:39:07 > 0:39:10ready to go to the market. And they're doing really well on it.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14I'm delighted we made the decision to plant this stuff.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19Life as a farmer is a huge gamble.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21You never know how a crop will turn out.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24The weather can dictate failure or success
0:39:24 > 0:39:27and that's something I can't control.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29I'm on my way to Dorney Common in Berkshire
0:39:29 > 0:39:31where they claim they've got the answer.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34They say they can grow fresh green animal fodder
0:39:34 > 0:39:37365 days of the year, whatever the weather.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39Sounds too good to be true.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43It all happens behind the walls of this large shed.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47I've come to meet Howard Campion, to find out how it's done.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- Howard, hi.- Hello there.- Goodness me, this looks pretty amazing.
0:39:50 > 0:39:55- What's the secret?- We are growing hydroponic sprouting barley.
0:39:55 > 0:40:01Hydroponics is no soil, so it's all layered on these shelves
0:40:01 > 0:40:03- but it's growing, just a mat on water.- Exactly.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07We lay the seed straight into the tray and seven days later
0:40:07 > 0:40:11we've got this beautiful, healthy root-mass and shoot.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14How does it grow so quickly? Are there lots of tricks to the trade?
0:40:14 > 0:40:17One of the main tricks is keeping the environment that we're in
0:40:17 > 0:40:19as closely controlled as we can.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22Less than 21 degrees, really keep control of the humidity.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24Is it quite an expensive process?
0:40:24 > 0:40:27No, it's not. It's 5.5 pence per kilo on average because...
0:40:27 > 0:40:30The electricity, it grows in the dark.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32And the water is constantly re-circulated.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- You're talking about £55 a tonne? - Yes.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37That's pretty cheap, isn't it?
0:40:37 > 0:40:40Concentrate animal feed as well over £200 a tonne.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43It is and in many cases higher than that.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46Now, Jolly Old England grows a lot of very good grass out there.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50This is sprouting barley so it's slightly different but
0:40:50 > 0:40:53really this is suitable for hot countries, isn't it?
0:40:53 > 0:40:56It was invented for hot countries but one of the key reasons we
0:40:56 > 0:41:00brought it here was in response to the recent droughts in the UK.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04Doesn't matter what the weather is doing outside, midwinter,
0:41:04 > 0:41:08Midsummer, everyday in here you'll get one tonne of sprouting barley.
0:41:08 > 0:41:13- So this is seven days on, where does it start?- It starts down here.
0:41:15 > 0:41:21We lay about five kilos of spring barley in every single tray.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23We laid this yesterday so it's just starting to germinate.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27- Amazing! It's getting going really quickly.- It does.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30The grain takes water up by capillary action
0:41:30 > 0:41:32and it grows very, very quickly.
0:41:32 > 0:41:33- This is day two here?- Exactly.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37It's day two and the root-mass is already starting to form,
0:41:37 > 0:41:40which is very important for the animals.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42It's also important for harvesting
0:41:42 > 0:41:45because anything that's too thin will break apart, but if it's
0:41:45 > 0:41:49nice, thick root-matter, it's full of protein and full of fibre.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- So can we go and feed some to some animals?- Let's do it!
0:41:52 > 0:41:56Most of my livestock could feed on this fodder, so I'm meeting
0:41:56 > 0:42:00animal nutritionist Andrew Holland to see what the benefits might be.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04That was easy. Animal lunch.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09- Hi, Andrew.- Hi, Adam.- Right, let's see if this horse...
0:42:09 > 0:42:10Do you want some of this?
0:42:10 > 0:42:13Look at it, it's pretty keen!
0:42:13 > 0:42:15HE LAUGHS
0:42:15 > 0:42:19Look, I've got your food here. What do you reckon to that?
0:42:19 > 0:42:22That horse certainly seems to love it!
0:42:22 > 0:42:25Absolutely, it instinctively knows what's good for him.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Back at the farm, I feed a lot of straw, hay, silage and turnips,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31takes a lot to grow and it is expensive stuff.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33Am I walking up the wrong path?
0:42:33 > 0:42:36No, I think there's still a place for that but this fodder will
0:42:36 > 0:42:39complement your hay and straw and maybe your turnips.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42And essential vitamins and minerals and those sorts of things?
0:42:42 > 0:42:45It's all in there. There's mineral content, there's manganese,
0:42:45 > 0:42:48copper, calcium, all those important, basic minerals
0:42:48 > 0:42:51that the animal will need will be complemented through the fodder.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55We've done a lot of research on this and we've looked at recent
0:42:55 > 0:42:58scientific data that's come from Edinburgh University
0:42:58 > 0:43:02and it plays a massive part in terms of fibre, starch, sugar and protein.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06It really balances the rest of the ration that that animal is feeding.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09I suppose with the climate changing and lack of space,
0:43:09 > 0:43:12- it might be the future. - We hope it is.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15Can I try a couple of slabs to take back to the animals at home?
0:43:15 > 0:43:17I'd love you to.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24A hydroponic system like this would set me back about £80,000.
0:43:24 > 0:43:27Back on my farm, it's time for a taste test!
0:43:28 > 0:43:30I'll just see what my bull thinks of it.
0:43:30 > 0:43:34He's got straw in the rack here to go at.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39Go on then, see what you think of this.
0:43:39 > 0:43:40He's not sure.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43I suppose in the depths of winter when all you've got is straw
0:43:43 > 0:43:48and a bit of hay to eat, having some lush, green shoots must be lovely.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51The only downside I can see is, you got to put up a shed,
0:43:51 > 0:43:53grow the stuff and then cart it out to your animals.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56But it obviously suits some people.
0:43:56 > 0:43:59There you go, girls. Help yourselves.
0:43:59 > 0:44:03Next week I'll be testing out a new sheepdog on my farm and I'm hoping
0:44:03 > 0:44:07she'll be good enough to become a new member of the team.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14I've been travelling along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal,
0:44:14 > 0:44:18taking a look at how this quiet waterway is being maintained.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22I feel like I'm getting to grips with this canal. I've done some
0:44:22 > 0:44:26industrial gardening, hanging from a rope above it and hauled a
0:44:26 > 0:44:28barge a couple of miles along it.
0:44:28 > 0:44:31But now I'm meeting up with Chris who owns the last remaining
0:44:31 > 0:44:33lock keeper's cottage along this stretch of water.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36- Chris, are we ready to go? We are, Matt.- We are, good.
0:44:36 > 0:44:39- Permission to jump aboard? - Certainly, you can.
0:44:39 > 0:44:41Right, coming round.
0:44:43 > 0:44:45We're heading down to Chris's cottage,
0:44:45 > 0:44:49nestled between two locks at the mid-point of the canal.
0:44:51 > 0:44:54I'm joining Chris to take the helm for a narrow-boating lesson.
0:44:56 > 0:44:59- It's very relaxing, isn't it?- It is.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02It's such a tranquil way to travel through the countryside.
0:45:02 > 0:45:04Absolutely breathtaking at the moment.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07And here we are, just pootling on through it.
0:45:07 > 0:45:09We've got beautiful winter sun as well.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11Would this be a good point to ask if I can have a go?
0:45:11 > 0:45:13- This is a very good point.- Is it?
0:45:13 > 0:45:16- Good!- Yes. Cross in front of me.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20- I'm assuming that you're right-handed.- I am.
0:45:20 > 0:45:24- It's left to go right and right to go left.- I'm with you.
0:45:24 > 0:45:27Keep your hand there.
0:45:27 > 0:45:30Try and stay in the middle because that's the deepest water.
0:45:30 > 0:45:34It would be a bit embarrassing to run aground.
0:45:34 > 0:45:36How deep is it in this section?
0:45:36 > 0:45:38It's only about three or four feet
0:45:38 > 0:45:42and it's actually used to take for processing for drinking water.
0:45:42 > 0:45:44- In Bridgwater?- Yeah.
0:45:44 > 0:45:48- So we're actually floating along drinking water?- We are, yes.
0:45:49 > 0:45:52It's a fact that people forget when they throw rubbish into it,
0:45:52 > 0:45:55- unfortunately.- Obviously it goes through quite a filtration process.
0:45:55 > 0:45:59Yes. It goes through a serious process, through a reservoir first.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03- It's pretty narrow here. - I'm watching the side.
0:46:03 > 0:46:07- You trust me to do this, yeah?- Yes, I think so.- Keep the commands coming.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09"Yes, I think so!"
0:46:09 > 0:46:11THEY LAUGH
0:46:12 > 0:46:15I guess they got used to not using it.
0:46:16 > 0:46:20Good, we're through. A few more rounds and off we go.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23- Is it half way that you live along the canal?- Yes.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25It's pretty much in the middle.
0:46:25 > 0:46:30Just round the next couple of bends and we'll be coming into the lock.
0:46:34 > 0:46:36Well, we've arrived in one piece
0:46:36 > 0:46:39and at least I've not had to tow this boat along! There's one last job
0:46:39 > 0:46:42before we arrive at Chris's cottage and that's to open the floodgates
0:46:42 > 0:46:46to the lock that sits right outside it.
0:46:49 > 0:46:53In a moment, with the help of some special wildlife cameras,
0:46:53 > 0:46:56Ellie will be hoping to catch a glimpse of an elusive creature
0:46:56 > 0:46:58that calls this place its home.
0:46:58 > 0:47:02But first, here's the Countryfile weather forecast for the week ahead.
0:50:08 > 0:50:14Matt and I have been uncovering the secrets of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal in Somerset.
0:50:14 > 0:50:16While Matt's discovery work has been quite dynamic...
0:50:16 > 0:50:19Grade II listed wall. Not looking bad at all.
0:50:19 > 0:50:22..I've been meeting some of the people who are passionate
0:50:22 > 0:50:24about this waterway.
0:50:28 > 0:50:33The B and T is completely cut off from the rest of UK canal network
0:50:33 > 0:50:36and at just 14.5 miles long, it's easy to see how it can be overlooked
0:50:36 > 0:50:40compared to the more well-known canals like the Grand Union.
0:50:40 > 0:50:42I'm not going to say that too loudly around here
0:50:42 > 0:50:47because for some of the locals, it's the centre of their universe.
0:50:47 > 0:50:51A small army of volunteers work along the banks of the canal daily,
0:50:51 > 0:50:53all helping in their own way to look after it
0:50:53 > 0:50:56and they're co-ordinated by British Waterways.
0:50:56 > 0:51:00Why is it that people are so passionate about this canal
0:51:00 > 0:51:02that they are prepared to give up all the time
0:51:02 > 0:51:06and volunteer here for no money, no real thanks, why do they do it?
0:51:06 > 0:51:09Bridgwater and Taunton is a unique canal.
0:51:09 > 0:51:14It's quiet, a generally safe place for cycling, walking,
0:51:14 > 0:51:18lots of wildlife to be seen so it's special and people have it
0:51:18 > 0:51:21in their back gardens and they want to contribute to it.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28Winter is the perfect time to do some essential work to the
0:51:28 > 0:51:32hedgerows that line the canal bank because birds have finished nesting.
0:51:32 > 0:51:35Right now it's all about laying.
0:51:38 > 0:51:40- Chris, you're a man of many talents. - Hello.
0:51:40 > 0:51:45- Lock keeping and now hedge laying. - Yes.- Why are you doing this, then?
0:51:45 > 0:51:46It's to make a stock proof hedge.
0:51:46 > 0:51:49Our hedge has been let go over a good many years.
0:51:49 > 0:51:52Essentially it involves cutting what's there
0:51:52 > 0:51:53and laying it on its side.
0:51:53 > 0:51:57You go right down as low as you can get, ease the hedge through,
0:51:57 > 0:52:02as long as the outer layers are still intact, then it will carry on growing.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04- A living hedge?- Yes.
0:52:04 > 0:52:08This section we've done this winter and further along you can see
0:52:08 > 0:52:12what was done earlier and how the growth has all come back up.
0:52:12 > 0:52:14How long have you been volunteering here?
0:52:14 > 0:52:17Because you know how to do this laying very well.
0:52:17 > 0:52:20I've done volunteering for many years.
0:52:20 > 0:52:24We work very closely with British Waterways.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26They offered to train us
0:52:26 > 0:52:29and we've built up a local volunteer group
0:52:29 > 0:52:31and we've been going a ahead from there really.
0:52:31 > 0:52:35Why do you give so much of your time to this stretch of canal?
0:52:35 > 0:52:41If we didn't do work like this, it would just degenerate
0:52:41 > 0:52:45because the maintenance team on the canal haven't got the time to
0:52:45 > 0:52:47do all the jobs that need done.
0:52:47 > 0:52:49This is green gym really.
0:52:49 > 0:52:54- It's a workout.- I don't need to go to the gym, it's a workout.
0:53:00 > 0:53:03At one time, this area would have been home to many elm trees
0:53:03 > 0:53:07but most were killed off by Dutch Elm disease.
0:53:07 > 0:53:09Oda has got hold of some rare disease-proof saplings
0:53:09 > 0:53:12which are being planted to replace them.
0:53:12 > 0:53:16About 90 per cent of elm trees died because of the fungal disease
0:53:16 > 0:53:20transferred by little bugs living under the bark of elm trees.
0:53:20 > 0:53:2310 per cent survived, and of these trees cuttings were taken
0:53:23 > 0:53:27that we are now planting on into the British countryside along canals.
0:53:27 > 0:53:31Why give elm rather than ash or another tree species?
0:53:31 > 0:53:34Elm is a traditional tree found on the canal here.
0:53:34 > 0:53:38It was also used to build lock gates and lock seals because it's
0:53:38 > 0:53:43very resistant in damp conditions so it doesn't rot below water level
0:53:43 > 0:53:46very quickly, so traditionally they were used commonly.
0:53:46 > 0:53:50- So these with any luck will thrive? - They should do, yes.
0:53:50 > 0:53:52With a bit of tender loving care they definitely will
0:53:52 > 0:53:56and grow into the 30-metre trees that they once were.
0:53:58 > 0:54:02As an ecologist, Oda spends a lot of time monitoring the wildlife
0:54:02 > 0:54:08that lives here and she's always on the look out for the canal's most elusive resident. The otter.
0:54:08 > 0:54:11Are there any signs that they're here?
0:54:11 > 0:54:14We regularly find otter spraints, bits of bone, fishbones,
0:54:14 > 0:54:19fish scales, bits of frog bone in a black glutinous mass...
0:54:19 > 0:54:21- Lovely!- ..sweetly smelling.
0:54:21 > 0:54:25We've also had people seeing otters on the canal. Very lucky people.
0:54:25 > 0:54:29- One person actually saw an otter claim on the lock ladder.- Wow!
0:54:29 > 0:54:31Do you know how many you get along here?
0:54:31 > 0:54:34It's very difficult to say how many otters we get.
0:54:34 > 0:54:36They tend to be quite transitional
0:54:36 > 0:54:39so they're not necessarily in huge densities.
0:54:39 > 0:54:44Males can cover quite a large area, up to 40km of watercourse.
0:54:44 > 0:54:46Just a case of seeing them,
0:54:46 > 0:54:49so that's about coming out at night really, isn't it?
0:54:55 > 0:54:58Earlier, locals John and Steve shared some of the wildlife footage
0:54:58 > 0:55:01they've filmed around the canal.
0:55:01 > 0:55:04They've been lucky enough catch rare footage of otters too.
0:55:04 > 0:55:08I'm on a mission to capture some wildlife pictures of my own.
0:55:08 > 0:55:11They might be elusive but I'm not going to be deterred.
0:55:11 > 0:55:15I've got this rather crafty wildlife camera that's got a motion sensor
0:55:15 > 0:55:18so anything that swims or walks by both hopefully give me
0:55:18 > 0:55:22some pretty impressive wildlife footage to show Matt later.
0:55:30 > 0:55:33Not everyone is happy to have otters as neighbours.
0:55:33 > 0:55:36Local carp fish farm owner Andy Dalahy started to lose fish
0:55:36 > 0:55:39from his pond 18 months ago.
0:55:41 > 0:55:47- So you've been here 30-odd years, have you?- 33 years this year.
0:55:47 > 0:55:51- Fantastic. And a pond that you love to fish.- Yes.
0:55:51 > 0:55:54- It was derelict originally.- Was it?- Yes.
0:55:54 > 0:55:58Full of trees, full of cars and I cleaned it up.
0:55:58 > 0:56:02It had fish in it, I've never had to stock any fish,
0:56:02 > 0:56:05it's always had fish in it. Shall we say it's a labour of love.
0:56:05 > 0:56:09Is it? So how many fish do you have in there approximately?
0:56:09 > 0:56:12We've had 300 or 400 decent fish
0:56:12 > 0:56:16and it seems to be that the otter has taken all the big fish,
0:56:16 > 0:56:20which are the breeding fish, and left me with odd small fish.
0:56:20 > 0:56:24So I've come to the conclusion, if I put a fence up to keep them out,
0:56:24 > 0:56:28he can go elsewhere, he's got the canal, he's got the river,
0:56:28 > 0:56:32he's got the ponds around, he can go elsewhere, I'm happy, he's happy.
0:56:32 > 0:56:35- Because you don't hate wildlife? - No, I love them!
0:56:35 > 0:56:37I mean, the otter, beautiful.
0:56:37 > 0:56:41It's nice to see the otter about but at the same time,
0:56:41 > 0:56:45if it's eating all the fish that I've got in this pond,
0:56:45 > 0:56:48or had in this pond, I'm not going to be very happy.
0:56:48 > 0:56:52- With any luck, a real win-win then? - It's a win-win if he stays out.
0:56:52 > 0:56:54If he comes in then I'm a loser.
0:56:59 > 0:57:02Fingers crossed Andy's fence will do the trick
0:57:02 > 0:57:06so he and the otters can live together in harmony.
0:57:06 > 0:57:07Right, time to collect my camera.
0:57:07 > 0:57:09I've left it overnight so I might have
0:57:09 > 0:57:12some incredible shots to wow Matt.
0:57:12 > 0:57:14- It's time for the screening. - Here we go!
0:57:14 > 0:57:16Everybody's talking about this footage around here.
0:57:16 > 0:57:18So they should be. I'm excited about this.
0:57:18 > 0:57:21I'm convinced there's going to be some good stuff here.
0:57:21 > 0:57:23You were looking for otters and you ended up with...
0:57:23 > 0:57:25SHE LAUGHS
0:57:25 > 0:57:27- That's a beer can. - Is that all you've got?
0:57:27 > 0:57:31I think we should do this all again in Herefordshire next week
0:57:31 > 0:57:34when I will be trying out an extreme walk.
0:57:34 > 0:57:37And I'll be searching for wildlife from a hot air balloon.
0:57:37 > 0:57:39- I hope you can join us then. - See you later.
0:57:39 > 0:57:42On second thoughts, it may have been a dolphin!
0:57:46 > 0:57:49Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:49 > 0:57:52E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk