0:00:27 > 0:00:30The sands here are vast.
0:00:32 > 0:00:37The sea makes a mirror of the sky, shimmering gold and silver.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42It's quite something, isn't it? Morecambe Bay.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44Stretching out like one endless canvas.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48A place of stunning views and fabled sunsets, if I'm lucky.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54The bay here near Silverdale is notorious for other reasons too.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58Any moment now, a wall of water is going to come
0:00:58 > 0:01:01tearing down that channel faster than a horse can gallop.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05And when that happens, it'll be my cue to get in and go after it.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10Also, Matt's hitting the heights in North Wales.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12And the countdown is on.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15There's just one week to go till the first ever Countryfile
0:01:15 > 0:01:17ramble for Children In Need.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20We're ready to ramble, are you?
0:01:21 > 0:01:25Adam's showing the farming ropes to a familiar face.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27I've just hitched the trailer on because I'm off to pick up
0:01:27 > 0:01:30some very special little cattle for a friend of mine, and hopefully
0:01:30 > 0:01:34the new owner has got everything in place for when I drop them off.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38And John is here for some important news.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40It's one of my favourite jobs on Countryfile -
0:01:40 > 0:01:44revealing the overall winner of our annual photographic competition.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46And today is the day.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48It's one of these.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51The winning photograph will be on the cover of the Countryfile
0:01:51 > 0:01:52calendar for 2016,
0:01:52 > 0:01:55and I'll be letting you know how you can get hold of one.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09Morecambe Bay.
0:02:09 > 0:02:15A stunning horseshoe-shaped expanse of more than 120 square miles,
0:02:15 > 0:02:20where the vast panorama turns from landscape to seascape
0:02:20 > 0:02:22and back again with the rhythm of the tides...
0:02:24 > 0:02:28..an ever-changing kaleidoscope of light and colour.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32I'm on the bay's eastern shore between Morecombe
0:02:32 > 0:02:37and Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44This area is a little-known treasure, often missed by the masses,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47who zoom past on the M6 heading north to the Lake District.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51But there's a new way to see it.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53The Bay Cycle Way -
0:02:53 > 0:02:5681 miles of brand-new cycle route that forms part of
0:02:56 > 0:03:00the 14,000 mile national cycle network.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05Route number 700 follows the coast and hugs it where it can.
0:03:05 > 0:03:06I'm in Morecombe right now,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09but it starts a few miles behind me in Glasson Dock and then
0:03:09 > 0:03:15follows the bay all the way round and ends in Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23I'm doing just a short stretch, but that's the beauty.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27You can do as much or as little of the route as you like.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Susannah Bleakley is from the Morecambe Bay Partnership.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33They're a charitable outfit who raised the cash
0:03:33 > 0:03:35and got behind the route.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- Hello, Susannah. How are you? - Hi, Anita.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38This is quite something, isn't it?
0:03:38 > 0:03:40What a brilliant view.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42It is stunning, and we're so proud of it,
0:03:42 > 0:03:44and that's part of what the cycle route is about.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46Tell me more about it. Why open it?
0:03:46 > 0:03:50We want people to come to Morecombe Bay and dawdle and enjoy
0:03:50 > 0:03:52and explore. Not really to race through,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55we want to people to explore what Morecombe Bay has to offer.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57It's all about food and drink, heritage sites
0:03:57 > 0:03:59and a stunning landscape.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03Lots of places where I can stop and have a pint and a pee.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07We've said that. There is a loo, a view and a brew every ten miles.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09Perfect. My kind of cycle path.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18The Bay Cycle Way takes you on a mixture of traffic-free paths
0:04:18 > 0:04:20and quiet lanes.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22The entire route has only ten hills,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25so it's great for all ages and abilities
0:04:25 > 0:04:28from families to the elderly to those hardy cyclists
0:04:28 > 0:04:31aiming to do the whole route in one go.
0:04:31 > 0:04:32It's not just to bring people in.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34I mean, I will bring people in
0:04:34 > 0:04:36and that's fantastic, but I think there's a lot
0:04:36 > 0:04:38of local people who don't really understand everything
0:04:38 > 0:04:40that the bay's got to offer.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43Certainly when we cycled the whole route the first time we found a few
0:04:43 > 0:04:45little nooks and crannies that we hadn't seen before.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- And are you a hardcore cyclist? - Oh, good lord, no.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51I've been cycling for years, but push it up the hills,
0:04:51 > 0:04:54enjoy the flat bits, particularly like the downhill bits.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56It's a route than anybody can do. It's mostly flat.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59The couple of hills that there are, you can just push them up
0:04:59 > 0:05:02and there's nice eateries along the way anyway.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07'So if you want a gentle trip soaking up the delights of one
0:05:07 > 0:05:11'of the least known, but beautiful stretches of Britain's coastline...'
0:05:11 > 0:05:12Get on your bike.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Sometimes it's one vast expanse of sea,
0:05:24 > 0:05:27other times an endless stretch of sand.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31But at all times Morecombe Bay
0:05:31 > 0:05:33spreads out as far as the eye can see.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38Just look at those colours.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41You know, even on a bad day that is a sight worth seeing.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44You can walk for miles and miles along this sand and mud,
0:05:44 > 0:05:46and fishermen actually do.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50More often than not you can see them peppered along the horizon.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54They work the sands with tractors and carts,
0:05:54 > 0:05:56fishing for the famous Morecombe Bay shrimps.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01It all looks very benign, just the place for a peaceful stroll.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04But don't be fooled, the area between Silverdale,
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Grange-over-Sands and Arnside is known as the danger triangle.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11It's one of the most treacherous stretches of coastline
0:06:11 > 0:06:12in the country.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16The sands are constantly moving.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19One of its main channels has shifted its course by more than
0:06:19 > 0:06:21a mile in just three years.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24And there's lethal quicksand to trap the unwary.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28And then of course there's the tide itself.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31KLAXON BLARES
0:06:31 > 0:06:35In the summer, a klaxon at Arnside sounds twice a day warning
0:06:35 > 0:06:38people that the tide is coming in.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43Even so, the local coastguard is called out on average
0:06:43 > 0:06:4550 times a year.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Nigel Capstick is the coastguard officer here.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55It's his job to try to keep people safe around this coastline.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57What kind of rescues are you involved with?
0:06:57 > 0:06:59Who are you rescuing?
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Most of the stuff that we get involved in is people getting
0:07:02 > 0:07:05cut off by the tide, because the tide does come in so quick.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07We've had incidents where people have actually walked across
0:07:07 > 0:07:10a six inch deep, ten foot wide channel and they've gone out there,
0:07:10 > 0:07:1415 minutes later they look back and the channel's 100 metres wide
0:07:14 > 0:07:15and six foot deep.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Not only that, the quicksand here is a particular type that
0:07:18 > 0:07:23once you sink into it, it solidifies around your feet and that makes it
0:07:23 > 0:07:26impossible to get away from unless we actually get you out of it.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29You have a klaxon to warn people that the tide's coming in,
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- does that work? - Yeah, it's brilliant.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34However, we do have people that don't know what the siren is for.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- Right.- Only a few years ago we had a lady pushing a buggy
0:07:37 > 0:07:39with a small child in,
0:07:39 > 0:07:41was halfway across the estuary, in front of the viaduct.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- The second siren had gone. - But I can imagine...
0:07:44 > 0:07:47That sounds stupid now talking to yourself, you think,
0:07:47 > 0:07:48"Oh, what was she thinking?"
0:07:48 > 0:07:50But that's the kind of thing I would do.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- It's a gorgeous day, I would take the pram out there.- Yeah.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- Is there anyway to do that safely? - No.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57There's nowhere around here that's safe to go out
0:07:57 > 0:07:59unless you're on a guided walk.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03There's an added twist at Arnside.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05As the tide comes in across the bay,
0:08:05 > 0:08:07it's funnelled into the estuary here.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11This often results in a fast-moving wave or bore.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16Yes, it can be dangerous, but do you know what?
0:08:16 > 0:08:18If you come prepared and you respect nature,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21there is a way to enjoy this natural phenomenon up close.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Yep, I'm going to ride the bore in a sea kayak.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27But I'm in safe hands.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31Andy Hill is an expert instructor who knows these waters well.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36This kind of activity is you taking on the elements,
0:08:36 > 0:08:38but as long as we do everything correctly
0:08:38 > 0:08:41and the safety's good, then we'll come back and play another day.
0:08:41 > 0:08:42Andy, I'm excited.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46I'm slightly nervous because, as you say, there is element of danger.
0:08:46 > 0:08:47How likely is it that I will go in?
0:08:48 > 0:08:50I would have thought quite likely.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53Oh, right. Well, thanks for the vote of confidence.
0:08:53 > 0:08:54And it's a good job I can swim.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58No, it's on a low tide today and I know you've got kayaking experience,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00but we've got to be prepared for getting wet.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02This is why we have such technical equipment on.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05I have the kit. I'm in yours and Mother Nature's hands.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- Let's get ready for this. - I'll look after you.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11So it's straight onto the water for a quick practice
0:09:11 > 0:09:14before the bore comes rushing in.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17Just practise turning it. Just have a play now.
0:09:17 > 0:09:18See what you can do with it.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21If you go upside down, I'll come and rescue you.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23You just tell me what to do and I will attempt to do it.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25KLAXON BLARES
0:09:25 > 0:09:27Whoo-hoo!
0:09:27 > 0:09:30That sound tells us the tide is on its way.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34And whilst it's not creating a big wave, it sure is moving.
0:09:34 > 0:09:35It's underwhelming this one,
0:09:35 > 0:09:38but you can see the front edge of it here, look.
0:09:38 > 0:09:39You'll be amazed how fast that's going.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41It doesn't look it...
0:09:41 > 0:09:43You can see that, yeah.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- Just show you how power...- Whoa!
0:09:45 > 0:09:47I did say it will turn you around.
0:09:48 > 0:09:49Excellent.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- Good effort. Well done. - Whoop!- It's all right.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57The speed of the water picks up as we approach the viaduct.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01It can reach 18 knots as it surges through.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Good. Perfect line.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05So what we're going to do is get high enough up
0:10:05 > 0:10:07to go right between that gap.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- You can see the water's picking up a little bit there.- Yeah.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17Right down the middle. Make it look good.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20Don't you capsize here, now.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23Whoo!
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Over into that clean water, Helen. Over into the clean water.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32Oh, my word. This is brilliant. It's so unpredictable.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- It's like being on top of a jacuzzi. - Well done.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39What an absolutely glorious day.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- Thanks, Andy.- You're welcome.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45Shall we do the next one in Thailand?
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Even though that was a fairly gentle tide,
0:10:47 > 0:10:50it was still moving at a fair lick.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52I'm just glad to have stayed dry.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54Do you know what?
0:10:54 > 0:10:57That bore was a mildly underwhelming one, but that is the joy of nature.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00You really never know what you're going to get.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Next time around I could come back here and get a wave this big,
0:11:02 > 0:11:05which churns up some pretty serious speed.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08The only thing you can be certain of out here is, on the water,
0:11:08 > 0:11:12you get a unique perspective of something that is already stunning.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16In no time at all the bay has filled,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19narrow channels giving way to fast tides -
0:11:19 > 0:11:24a reminder that nature here is powerful as well as beautiful.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Now the problem of TB and cattle is back in the news at the moment
0:11:32 > 0:11:35thanks to the trial badger culls taking place again in England.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40But as Tom's been finding out, some believe increasing farm bio-security
0:11:40 > 0:11:43would be a more effective method of tackling the disease.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- TOM:- Bovine tuberculosis is one of the most controversial
0:11:52 > 0:11:55issues in the countryside today.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02Last year, 26,000 animals were slaughtered in England alone
0:12:02 > 0:12:07and fighting its spread costs an estimated £101 million.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10But despite this we still don't agree on the best ways
0:12:10 > 0:12:12to eradicate the disease,
0:12:12 > 0:12:16especially when it comes to the trial badger culls.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Out of all the methods for tackling it,
0:12:19 > 0:12:21the cull is by far the most contentious.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23The idea is simple.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27If you can reduce the number of infected badgers,
0:12:27 > 0:12:30fewer cattle should get the disease.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34And those who support the cull say it plays an essential role in
0:12:34 > 0:12:39tackling bovine TB and that includes the government in Westminster.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42The scientific basis for this comes from
0:12:42 > 0:12:45the randomised badger culling trial.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47It showed that a 70% reduction
0:12:47 > 0:12:49of badgers should lead to
0:12:49 > 0:12:51a 16% fall in cases of
0:12:51 > 0:12:54bovine TB in the same area.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57It's still the best evidence we have,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00although those figures are often disputed,
0:13:00 > 0:13:02as is the value of the cull.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06But opponents say it's impractical, inhumane and challenge
0:13:06 > 0:13:09the extent to which badgers are the cause of the problem.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14To add to the controversy, the trial culls of the last two years
0:13:14 > 0:13:19in Gloucestershire and Somerset have cost nearly £17 million.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23But culling is not the only option.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26In fact, in Wales it's not even an option at all,
0:13:26 > 0:13:31nor in Scotland where the incidence of bovine TB is far lower.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36In Northern Ireland, it is being tried on infected badgers
0:13:36 > 0:13:37in a small pilot area.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41Even here in England where culling is going on
0:13:41 > 0:13:43in three affected counties,
0:13:43 > 0:13:46it's only one part of the TB control strategy.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50That strategy includes vaccination, regular testing,
0:13:50 > 0:13:52movement controls and bio-security.
0:13:53 > 0:13:58But could more be achieved by making our farms more bio-secure?
0:14:04 > 0:14:08Bio-security is basically the protection of farm animals
0:14:08 > 0:14:12from any type of infectious agent from parasites
0:14:12 > 0:14:15to bacterial infections like TB.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Here in Wales, just like in England,
0:14:18 > 0:14:24bio-security is an important weapon in the fight to eradicate bovine TB.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27I'm on my way to join a vet visit with a difference.
0:14:27 > 0:14:32He's here to inspect the health of the farm rather than the livestock.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37I've had a look at some of these double fencing arrangements.
0:14:37 > 0:14:38Those are great.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43Local vet Evan Lloyd is visiting Allen Lloyd's farm
0:14:43 > 0:14:48as part of the Gower Project which offers farmers bio-security advice.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51Today, he's checking up after his initial visit.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54And I have to say that you've improved dramatically.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Sorry to interrupt you, gentlemen. How is he doing? How is he scoring?
0:14:57 > 0:14:58He's doing all right.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00He's getting quite high scores from me today.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03You were talking about this gate here. What were the issues here?
0:15:03 > 0:15:07We're looking at this gate in terms of making the yard bio-secure,
0:15:07 > 0:15:11preventing badgers from coming in. Allen has put some mesh gates here.
0:15:11 > 0:15:12He's hung it as low as possible,
0:15:12 > 0:15:16but there's still a little bit of a gap here.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18So they could squeeze under here.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21One of the simpler solutions would be to place a concrete strip
0:15:21 > 0:15:23along the bottom of the gate,
0:15:23 > 0:15:25so it's actually flush with the gate when the gate is closed.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27Allen, what do you think about taking these measures?
0:15:27 > 0:15:29They cost money after all.
0:15:29 > 0:15:34We feel it is important because we just don't want any disease,
0:15:34 > 0:15:36including TB, coming onto our farm.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39When he comes here again, he won't be able to get
0:15:39 > 0:15:42his little finger under the gate, let alone his foot.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48Farm checks like this are part of a Wales-wide TB support programme,
0:15:48 > 0:15:50which also includes best practice workshops
0:15:50 > 0:15:52and cattle purchasing advice.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56How effective do you think bio-security can be overall?
0:15:56 > 0:15:59The principles of bio-security are well-established.
0:15:59 > 0:16:00A lot of it is common sense.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03It's about drilling down to farm level
0:16:03 > 0:16:07and seeing what farmers can do to help themselves and to reduce risks,
0:16:07 > 0:16:11and of course to protect their stock and to protect their livelihood.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16So that's a flavour of what is happening in Wales.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18But what about over the border in England,
0:16:18 > 0:16:22where there is the highest incidence of bovine TB in Europe?
0:16:22 > 0:16:27Well, some believe a lot more needs to be done to protect English farms
0:16:27 > 0:16:29against the disease.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32From using silage, to dealing with the issue of fences and gates
0:16:32 > 0:16:34to keep wildlife away from cattle,
0:16:34 > 0:16:37to looking at just good disinfectant bio-security measures
0:16:37 > 0:16:39for boots and clothing, going in and out of farmyards.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42But if you do all of those things, I think we can make a big difference.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Dominic Dyer is from the Badger Trust,
0:16:44 > 0:16:47which campaigns against the cull.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Would you like to see the government put more effort into bio-security?
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Not just the government, I'd like to see the farming industry taking
0:16:53 > 0:16:56it seriously, particularly the National Farmers Union.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58I'd also like to see the food retailers do more.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00It is a food chain initiative, everyone has to join forces to help
0:17:00 > 0:17:03farmers to really deal with this problem.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08Dominic says the main problem is the spread of TB by transmission
0:17:08 > 0:17:11from cattle to cattle, and points to figures from scientists
0:17:11 > 0:17:16at Imperial College London which indicate only 6%
0:17:16 > 0:17:20of bovine TB infections come directly from badgers.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Defra says stopping cattle from infecting other cattle is
0:17:23 > 0:17:27already a key part of its TB eradication policy.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31Its measures include tight controls on movement, regular testing,
0:17:31 > 0:17:35and better information at livestock auctions.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38And later in the year, this goes live -
0:17:38 > 0:17:41essentially it is an online hub, bringing together all
0:17:41 > 0:17:45the useful on-farm bio-security information in one place.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50But Defra argues the spread of TB from badgers to cattle is
0:17:50 > 0:17:53a far bigger problem than the Badger Trust believes.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58To support that view, it also uses figures from Imperial College.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01These statistics show when you take into account herds
0:18:01 > 0:18:05which are indirectly infected, then, in high risk areas,
0:18:05 > 0:18:11badgers are responsible for around 50% of TB cases in cattle.
0:18:11 > 0:18:12It's worked with the industry to
0:18:12 > 0:18:14create a bio-security action plan,
0:18:14 > 0:18:16which includes a range
0:18:16 > 0:18:17of proposed measures to reduce
0:18:17 > 0:18:20contact between badgers and cattle.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25But how effective will those measures be?
0:18:26 > 0:18:30Here at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester,
0:18:30 > 0:18:34there's an ongoing research project looking at how bio-security
0:18:34 > 0:18:37can reduce the risk of transmitting the disease.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Feeding troughs are thought to be hot spots for
0:18:41 > 0:18:43badger to cattle contact.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Dr Rhiannon Naylor is trying to design a new simple way
0:18:47 > 0:18:48to keep them apart.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53The idea is that a farmer could take this attachment
0:18:53 > 0:18:55and attach to a conventional trough.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- I am told badgers are pretty good and cunning climbers.- Exactly.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02You will see that there's four different heights and widths,
0:19:02 > 0:19:05and what we are trying to establish is, which ones will prevent
0:19:05 > 0:19:08badger access but also allow access to livestock?
0:19:08 > 0:19:10Of course cattle come in all different shapes
0:19:10 > 0:19:12and sizes as well, so I guess what might be right on one farm
0:19:12 > 0:19:14- wouldn't be right on another.- Yes.
0:19:14 > 0:19:15It is about trying to work out
0:19:15 > 0:19:17what would fit an individual farm situation.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20And the whole idea is that it is practical, farmers could
0:19:20 > 0:19:23potentially build it themselves, and it is cost-effective, which is
0:19:23 > 0:19:25one of the key things that farmers are looking for.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27You've got some cameras dotted around.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29Have you got any images of what has happened here?
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Yes, so we film every night.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Oh, there you go, I can see the badger there, eyes shining.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- Just going between a couple of these troughs.- Exactly.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- Has this film yet given you conclusive evidence?- No.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42At the moment, this is still very early days for this trial.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45We're getting them used to the site, and we're hoping they
0:19:45 > 0:19:49might start to try at least to get in when there is less food about.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51This research not only tests
0:19:51 > 0:19:55the effectiveness of the redesigned food troughs, it also clearly
0:19:55 > 0:20:00shows where cattle and badgers can come into contact with each other.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03That is something highlighted by recent Defra studies,
0:20:03 > 0:20:08which used infrared cameras to monitor farmyards, to estimate
0:20:08 > 0:20:12the number and level of badger visits.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16In that study, most of the farms had badgers turning up regularly,
0:20:16 > 0:20:21but once simple measures, such as sheep metal gates and fences
0:20:21 > 0:20:25and closed feed stores were fitted, the visits stopped.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29That all sounds very promising and sensible.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33If you follow these measures, you can sharply reduce the amount
0:20:33 > 0:20:36of badger to livestock contact,
0:20:36 > 0:20:39but some farmers still aren't convinced.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45James Small runs a beef herd in Somerset, close to the cull area.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48His farm has been hit by TB twice in ten years.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52HE CALLS TO HIS HERD
0:20:53 > 0:20:57He follows much of the bio-security advice,
0:20:57 > 0:21:02but says when his 250 strong herd is scattered across 600 acres
0:21:02 > 0:21:06of hilly terrain, there is an obvious problem.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08All the measures I may do at the building...
0:21:08 > 0:21:11My cattle are housed for about four to five months of the year,
0:21:11 > 0:21:13and they are outside grazing for the rest of the year.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16So what I may do there may be completely offset by what is
0:21:16 > 0:21:19happening out across the field, and I can't simply fence off the fields.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23Do you think it is possible, in an open grazing farm, to keep
0:21:23 > 0:21:25cattle and badgers apart?
0:21:25 > 0:21:29It would be pretty much impossible to actually completely
0:21:29 > 0:21:33separate wildlife from cattle. Short of keeping one of those species
0:21:33 > 0:21:36actually in a concrete box, you can't do it.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40What might persuade you to do more in terms of bio-security?
0:21:40 > 0:21:43At the moment, there is a slight lack of evidence of exactly what the
0:21:43 > 0:21:47best thing to do is and which would provide the best results.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49There's lots of anecdotal things about best practice.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52There are certain things that we do. If there was more research on it
0:21:52 > 0:21:55which would actually give me greater detail about what would have
0:21:55 > 0:21:59the best impact for exactly where my farm is, that would be fantastic.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02James isn't the only farmer who wants to know more
0:22:02 > 0:22:06before he increases protective measures on his farm.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10In fact, only last December, a Defra industry working group
0:22:10 > 0:22:14admitted research on bio-security had been limited.
0:22:14 > 0:22:15And that...
0:22:18 > 0:22:20..was discouraging some farmers from
0:22:20 > 0:22:23investing in better bio-security.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26Yet a Defra spokesman told us that it has funded...
0:22:32 > 0:22:36Much bio-security seems like common sense, good farming.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38But it can be expensive.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42It's almost impossible to exclude all chance of infection,
0:22:42 > 0:22:46and it lacks figures for effectiveness.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48That leaves the question hanging.
0:22:48 > 0:22:54Why hasn't bio-security research yielded better results by now?
0:23:00 > 0:23:03'Now, the question on everyone's mind.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07'Who has won this year's photographic competition?
0:23:07 > 0:23:11'The theme was colours of the countryside, and what better place
0:23:11 > 0:23:13'to reveal the winning picture than amongst
0:23:13 > 0:23:16'swathes of flowering heather?'
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Now, everyone has their own personal favourite.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25This sheep looks very much at home here, doesn't it?
0:23:25 > 0:23:28But amongst these 12 fabulous photographs, there is
0:23:28 > 0:23:32one which you, our viewers, have voted for more than any other.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38As the overall winner, it will take pride of place on the front cover
0:23:38 > 0:23:41of the Countryfile calendar for 2016,
0:23:41 > 0:23:43sold in aid of BBC Children In Need.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49This year we had more than 33,000 entries -
0:23:49 > 0:23:53every hue and shade of the countryside captured on camera.
0:23:53 > 0:23:58How hard it was to choose these final 12.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00It was a huge team effort.
0:24:00 > 0:24:05Past winners and finalists narrowed it down to 3,000 pictures,
0:24:05 > 0:24:09and the final selection fell to me and two fellow judges -
0:24:09 > 0:24:12comedian and bird lover Bill Bailey,
0:24:12 > 0:24:15and wildlife presenter Naomi Wilkinson.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19It was a tough job. But we finally got there.
0:24:19 > 0:24:222016 is certainly going to be colourful.
0:24:22 > 0:24:23And on that same day
0:24:23 > 0:24:28we also got to choose the judges' favourite picture, and...
0:24:28 > 0:24:30this was it -
0:24:30 > 0:24:34Coastline Canter, taken by Graham Mealand from Worcestershire,
0:24:34 > 0:24:36so congratulations to you, Graham, you win
0:24:36 > 0:24:40£500 worth of photographic equipment.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44But it wasn't the judges' task to choose the overall winner.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48That decision was down to you. And you didn't hold back.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51Tens of thousands of votes were counted.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53And we have a winner.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56To be honest, it stood out right from the start.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00- Ta-da!- You don't often see hedgehogs in that frame of mind, do you?
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- That is great.- Sort of exultant.- That is brilliant.
0:25:03 > 0:25:04And many of you agreed,
0:25:04 > 0:25:07because you've made a Happy Hedgehog
0:25:07 > 0:25:10even happier. This is our winner.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13It was taken by Ben Andrew from Luton,
0:25:13 > 0:25:17and now comes my favourite job of all, telling Ben that he has won.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26Ben works for the RSPB at its headquarters in Bedfordshire,
0:25:26 > 0:25:27and thinks I've come along
0:25:27 > 0:25:30to see why he takes many of his photographs.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33He already knows he's been shortlisted in the competition,
0:25:33 > 0:25:37so he's not surprised to see me with his hedgehog.
0:25:37 > 0:25:38- Hello, Ben.- Hi, John.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42- How about this, then? - Looks impressive.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44'But he's got no idea he's the winner.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46'And I'm going to keep him in the dark
0:25:46 > 0:25:47'for just a little while longer.'
0:25:47 > 0:25:50What are you taking pictures of right now?
0:25:50 > 0:25:51This is a wasp spider.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54There's not many of them in the UK, they are pretty much restricted
0:25:54 > 0:25:58to this sort of southern part of the UK, and this kind of habitat often.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- They're quite beautiful looking, aren't they?- I would say so.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Not everyone's cup of tea, but I would say so.
0:26:04 > 0:26:05Everybody loves hedgehogs, of course.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09And they are, well, they are not as rare as a wasp spider,
0:26:09 > 0:26:12but their numbers are diminishing, aren't they?
0:26:12 > 0:26:13So how did you get this picture?
0:26:13 > 0:26:15Basically, because they are a tricky species
0:26:15 > 0:26:18to photograph at the best of times, being nocturnal,
0:26:18 > 0:26:21I worked alongside an animal rescue centre, who have been
0:26:21 > 0:26:25rehabilitating this hedgehog after bringing it in underweight.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28So I took it off their hands once it had been rehabilitated
0:26:28 > 0:26:30and released it in my own garden,
0:26:30 > 0:26:32but before that, I managed to get a few photos of him
0:26:32 > 0:26:35in some autumnal leaves.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37There was a certain amount of, you know,
0:26:37 > 0:26:39getting it in the right place and just getting
0:26:39 > 0:26:41the shot in mind that I wanted.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44Ben discovered a passion for photography eight years ago
0:26:44 > 0:26:48during a holiday in South Africa with his fiancee, Erin.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51The problem was, he didn't have a camera, but Erin did.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57So, Erin, is it true that Ben more or less pinched your camera?
0:26:57 > 0:26:59He did, on holiday in South Africa,
0:26:59 > 0:27:02he stole my camera on Table Mountain.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04I was taking lovely scenery photos, and he stole it to take
0:27:04 > 0:27:07a photo of a lizard, and I never really got it back.
0:27:07 > 0:27:08THEY LAUGH
0:27:08 > 0:27:10Had you been at all interested in photography before that?
0:27:10 > 0:27:14Not at all, no. I'd never picked a DSLR camera,
0:27:14 > 0:27:15or anything like that.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18I was interested in wildlife but not in photography.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20So, the moment to reveal the winner
0:27:20 > 0:27:24and the new Countryfile calendar for 2016.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27And Erin is in on our surprise.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31It was Erin's camera that got you really interested in photography.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35- It certainly was.- And look where it has led you.- Definitely, yes.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- I'd say it's led me to, you know... - How about that?
0:27:38 > 0:27:40HE LAUGHS
0:27:40 > 0:27:42- Wow!- You are the winner. - Amazing, thank you.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- You are on the cover. - It has made the cover as well.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49- Countryfile Calendar for 2016.- Well, I am made up.- So, congratulations.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- I am really chuffed. - Congratulations.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54- It looks fantastic, doesn't it? - I can't believe it.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57- What do you think, Erin?- It is brilliant. Well done, Ben.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Thank you. Happy as a hedgehog.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01THEY LAUGH
0:28:01 > 0:28:03Not only is his picture on the cover,
0:28:03 > 0:28:07Ben also gets £1,000 worth of photographic equipment.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11And a very big thank you to everyone
0:28:11 > 0:28:14who contributed to this year's photographic competition,
0:28:14 > 0:28:17whether you sent in photos or encouraged someone else to...
0:28:17 > 0:28:19or voted.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21But it doesn't end there.
0:28:21 > 0:28:26Last year we sold 350,000 copies of the calendar,
0:28:26 > 0:28:31raising more than £1.5 million for BBC Children In Need.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34This year, we would like it to be even more.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38It's now on sale, and here is how to get yours.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42The calendar costs £9.50, including free UK delivery,
0:28:42 > 0:28:46and a minimum of £4 of the sale of each one will be
0:28:46 > 0:28:49donated to BBC Children In Need.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51To get one, you can go to our website. That's...
0:28:55 > 0:28:58..where you will find a link to the order page.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00Or you can phone the order line on...
0:29:09 > 0:29:12Or, if you prefer, order by post.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14Send your name, address and a cheque to...
0:29:31 > 0:29:34The 2015 calendar raised a record amount of money,
0:29:34 > 0:29:36but with the help of the hedgehog
0:29:36 > 0:29:39and all these other wonderful, colourful photographs,
0:29:39 > 0:29:43I'm sure we can do even better with next year's calendar,
0:29:43 > 0:29:47and make lots of children as happy as he is.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54The Bay Cycle Way skirts around
0:29:54 > 0:29:57the spectacular seascapes of Morecambe Bay,
0:29:57 > 0:30:00linking up everything the coast here has to offer.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03So there are plenty of places to break your journey.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Like here, Leighton Moss nature reserve.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11Headquartered in these converted farm buildings,
0:30:11 > 0:30:14the reserve is one of the jewels in the RSPB's crown.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24A century ago, Leighton Moss was agricultural land, but after
0:30:24 > 0:30:28the First World War, it was allowed to revert to natural wetland.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32The regenerating reed beds became home to all sorts of wildlife,
0:30:32 > 0:30:34especially bitterns. Once common,
0:30:34 > 0:30:37they are now one of our rarest birds.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Now, whilst those numbers are improving
0:30:41 > 0:30:45elsewhere around the country, here they are not doing so great.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47But the team are not taking it lying down.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52Jarrod Sneyd is the site manager here.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54- Hello!- How are you doing?
0:30:54 > 0:30:56I'm very well, Jarrod. Is there a safe way to get to you?
0:30:56 > 0:30:59Well, I think you just need to walk along this vegetative edge here,
0:30:59 > 0:31:01rather than through the gloop there.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03This is quite fantastic, isn't it?
0:31:03 > 0:31:06- It is incredible, isn't it? - It is amazing.
0:31:06 > 0:31:07And the smell,
0:31:07 > 0:31:11- there's a real beautiful, earthy, citrus smell in the air.- Absolutely.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13- Nice to meet you.- Gosh.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16What do you need to do here to encourage the bitterns to come back?
0:31:16 > 0:31:18When I came here as a boy, there were maybe three,
0:31:18 > 0:31:21four bitterns booming that foghorn sound
0:31:21 > 0:31:23that you could hear for three or four kilometres.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25It's like blowing over the top of a milk bottle.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27That's the kind of sound you would hear
0:31:27 > 0:31:29if you came early morning, here to Leighton Moss.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33What bitterns like is nice, young, wet reed bed.
0:31:33 > 0:31:34Because the reed bed's got old,
0:31:34 > 0:31:38it's not as good for bitterns, so we're taking it back in time,
0:31:38 > 0:31:41digging away at the old reed litter and lowering.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43It is called bed lowering.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46What we've had to do is draw down the water level,
0:31:46 > 0:31:51so that all this gloop starts to solid up, and it gets some air.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54And what that's doing is, already you're seeing the success story.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57All those little reeds are starting to pop up.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Once these grow up, we'll raise the water level again so that you
0:32:00 > 0:32:04get that 20 centimetres of water, in young reed bed, which is great for
0:32:04 > 0:32:07the fish to swim through, and then great for the bitterns
0:32:07 > 0:32:08to feed on them.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14It'll be a little while before the reed beds are in the kind
0:32:14 > 0:32:17of condition needed to support bitterns.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21But there's plenty more wildlife here already.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25And they've built this to take in the view - the sky tower.
0:32:27 > 0:32:32This special hide is unusual in that it's not covered up.
0:32:33 > 0:32:38It's open at the top, and look at the view.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41Wow! That is beautiful.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43- Hi, Annabelle.- Hi, Anita, welcome. - Thank you.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46Why is it open, why isn't it a normal hide?
0:32:46 > 0:32:49Well, we're in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:32:49 > 0:32:52here at Leighton Moss, and we just wanted it to be really open,
0:32:52 > 0:32:54feel part of the landscape, not seen from the roads,
0:32:54 > 0:32:57quite hidden in the canopy, but still giving these wonderful
0:32:57 > 0:32:59bird's-eye views out across the reserve.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01It also allows RSPB staff and volunteers,
0:33:01 > 0:33:04when we're monitoring some of the special wildlife that lives here,
0:33:04 > 0:33:06birds like bitterns and marsh harriers, to see
0:33:06 > 0:33:09where they're nesting, to see if nesting's taking place, which is
0:33:09 > 0:33:12really important to make Leighton Moss the perfect home for them.
0:33:12 > 0:33:13Have you got any bitterns?
0:33:13 > 0:33:15Yes, so we have quite a small population that are resident
0:33:15 > 0:33:17here at Leighton Moss, which is why we're doing
0:33:17 > 0:33:20all the work in the reed bed to try and improve that for them.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22Where do the birds come from?
0:33:22 > 0:33:25So we've had a real influx of duck in the last week or so.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27They're coming down from places like Scandinavia
0:33:27 > 0:33:31- and Russia to spend the winter here. - Russia?!- Yes.- Let me have a look.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35Oh, yes. I think I can spot a rare Russian breed...
0:33:35 > 0:33:37just there, actually.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41A lesser spotted Gleb, my Strictly Come Dancing partner.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47This is no time for practice. Back to the bird spotting.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49What have we got out there now?
0:33:49 > 0:33:52So you can see there's lots and lots of duck out on the water.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56A lot of them are teal, Britain's smallest duck.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58Oh, look, there they go. These are all the teal.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01- They spend the colder months down here.- I'm not surprised.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05It looks like a very comfortable place to spend the winter.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08There's a heron out on the island at the back there.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11- Is there?- He's sort of just skulking in the middle.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15- Oh, yes, I see him.- Look, look, there's a marsh harrier.- Where?
0:34:15 > 0:34:19- It's just landed in the bush at the back of the pool there.- Oh, yes.
0:34:20 > 0:34:21Wow.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25Well, I suppose I'd better get myself back on the bike
0:34:25 > 0:34:28if I can tear myself away from this view.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38COW MOOS
0:34:38 > 0:34:41They say the best things come in small packages.
0:34:41 > 0:34:46When it comes to cattle, that can only mean one thing - Dexters.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53As a favour for a special friend, Adam is delivering
0:34:53 > 0:34:57four of these plucky little animals to a new home.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02Because of their small size and versatility, Dexters
0:35:02 > 0:35:07as a breed have become very popular with smallholders and hobby farmers.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11Many don't have their own kit to transport the animals around,
0:35:11 > 0:35:12so I've agreed to help out.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14I've hitched on the livestock trailer
0:35:14 > 0:35:16and I'm off down the road to pick some up.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22Dexters were first imported from Ireland in 1882.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24They're a dual-purpose meat and milk breed
0:35:24 > 0:35:26so they were initially very popular.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32But modern farming's preference for larger animals saw numbers
0:35:32 > 0:35:36decline and in the 1980s, they were classed as a rare breed.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41However, since then, they've made a remarkable comeback.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45- Just going into the herd...- On her farm in Gloucestershire, Liz Stephen
0:35:45 > 0:35:49has been breeding the UK's smallest breed of cattle for years.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55Why is it that they've come back into popularity so much?
0:35:55 > 0:35:58They were nearly extinct at one time, weren't they?
0:35:58 > 0:35:59They were indeed.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01They were almost on the verge of dying out completely
0:36:01 > 0:36:03in the early '70s.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05But I think their small size makes them absolutely ideal
0:36:05 > 0:36:09for somebody who's just got a few acres and wants to play with cattle.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12You can either go into the breeding of them or fatten them up for beef.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14And they make good eating?
0:36:14 > 0:36:17And the beef, of course, is very popular, yes.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21So what sort of numbers have they increased to now?
0:36:21 > 0:36:24In 1970, there were only 36 cows registered to the breed
0:36:24 > 0:36:26which is nothing, absolutely nothing.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30In comparison, this is the herd book that's just come out for 2014.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32How many's in there, then?
0:36:32 > 0:36:35There's got to be at least a couple of thousand, hasn't there?
0:36:35 > 0:36:36- What a success story!- Exactly.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39They really are a success story which is fantastic for the breed.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42Now, I've come to pick a few up. Whereabouts are they?
0:36:42 > 0:36:45They're back at the house, in the dry. Shall we go and look at them?
0:36:45 > 0:36:46Yeah, let's get them.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Because Liz has kept the cattle separate from the rest of the herd,
0:36:51 > 0:36:55they should be much tamer and, fingers crossed, easier to load.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58Go on, then. Go on, then.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02- They're so friendly...- They're so friendly, they don't want to go.
0:37:02 > 0:37:03THEY LAUGH
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Go on. That's it. That's it.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08Go on, in you go. In you go.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12Go on, up the front.
0:37:17 > 0:37:18That's great. And, before you go, Adam,
0:37:18 > 0:37:21this is the paperwork that has to go to the new owner.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24It's their passports, breed society details
0:37:24 > 0:37:26- and confirmation that they are free of TB.- Wonderful.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29Thank you very much, Liz. I'm sure they'll have a lovely home.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31- Thank you very much. - See you. Bye-bye.- Bye.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36The Dexters' new owner is somebody
0:37:36 > 0:37:40Countryfile viewers will be very familiar with.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43She certainly knows her stuff as far as wildlife's concerned,
0:37:43 > 0:37:49so I'm sure she'll be just as good at looking after cattle.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51- Hi, Ellie. I've got a delivery for you.- Yes!
0:37:51 > 0:37:53I'm looking forward to this!
0:37:53 > 0:37:55- Thank you very much.- Have you got me a cup of tea and everything?
0:37:55 > 0:37:57No, this was just for me.
0:37:57 > 0:37:58How grateful!
0:37:58 > 0:38:00Where do you want them, then?
0:38:00 > 0:38:02There's a track down there that they can go into
0:38:02 > 0:38:05and this is the orchard they're going to be grazing for me.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07Wonderful. Well, I'll spin it round and back up.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09See you in a second.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11I'm so excited about this.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13This has been a very long time coming, let me tell you.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15SHE LAUGHS
0:38:18 > 0:38:22Before we let them out, I just want to quickly check their new home.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26It's been a wet summer, you know.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28It's just grown like the clappers.
0:38:28 > 0:38:29When was the last time it was grazed?
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Well, I reckon at least three years ago. It's been topped a few times.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36- They've plenty to eat. - They'll rip into it.- I hope so.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39What else have you done? Have you got water in here?
0:38:39 > 0:38:42We've got a few other things. If you come this way, I'll show you.
0:38:43 > 0:38:48So, luckily, there's a natural spring that seeps down here all year and
0:38:48 > 0:38:51then fills up in this trough so that should be a pretty steady supply.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53Perfect, and in the winter, when it's freezing,
0:38:53 > 0:38:55- it will keep running, won't it? - It will keep running, yes.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57And I see you've got some gates at the top.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00Yes, I was advised to get those because if they get fed in there
0:39:00 > 0:39:02and they get used to being in that little enclosure,
0:39:02 > 0:39:05when the vet comes, they won't be too shocked by the idea of it.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- We won't have to chase them round. - It's great.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10I have strimmed the edges so they can see the boundary,
0:39:10 > 0:39:11although the rest is ridiculously high.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14They'll be able to find the edges and then this path
0:39:14 > 0:39:15to find their way to the water.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17The boundary fence looks really solid
0:39:17 > 0:39:20- so I think they'll be very happy. - You don't think they'll jump out?
0:39:20 > 0:39:21- No, they'll be fine.- Good.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24- Let's go and get them.- Right.
0:39:28 > 0:39:33- I'm so excited.- There, that's nice. - Oh, hello. There we go.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Go on, then, off you go. Off you go.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37Off you go. That's it. That's it.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40Go on. Down the track.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43- They're going along quite nicely, aren't they?- They're quite quiet.
0:39:43 > 0:39:44I'm pleased.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47They should just go straight through the gate and into the field.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49That's the plan, anyway.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54So why did you decide to get them in the first place?
0:39:54 > 0:39:57Well, you can see here, the grass here is incredibly thick and rank.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00It's been improved in places and it's pretty devoid of wildlife, really.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03And the first step in getting wildlife back here is to bring
0:40:03 > 0:40:05wild flowers in - and great for invertebrate life
0:40:05 > 0:40:08and really nothing can grow through this, it's so thick
0:40:08 > 0:40:10so their job is really expensive lawn mowing.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13- That's what they are to me.- Well, the Dexters are very good at that.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15They'll live out here all year round.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17They're quite light-footed so they won't poach it up
0:40:17 > 0:40:19and damage the sward or damage the soil.
0:40:19 > 0:40:20But they will rip this off
0:40:20 > 0:40:23and they'll also get into this bramble and browse.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26- They're very happy getting into these bushes now.- Perfect.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30- That's just what I need them for. That's ideal.- You just need probably
0:40:30 > 0:40:32- another 20.- Slow and steady.
0:40:32 > 0:40:33I'll start with my four.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36My starter cows, and see how I go.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39- Well, I've got all the paperwork here for you.- Oh, crumbs. Yes.
0:40:39 > 0:40:40And this is what slowed me down.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42It took me about a year to get everything sorted.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45I've got five pieces of paperwork just to get to having them here.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47It's not easy, becoming a smallholder
0:40:47 > 0:40:50and keeping livestock. There's lots and lots of legislation.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52- It's all yours. - Back to the computer for me, then.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54Make sure that's kept in a safe place. It's very important.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56I've got it. Thank you so much, Adam.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58- Not at all. And good luck with them. - Thank you.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01- Any problems, don't call me. - THEY LAUGH
0:41:01 > 0:41:05See you later. Right, don't you jump the fences, you lot.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08Come on, then!
0:41:10 > 0:41:14With my good deed done, the sun has come out just in time for me
0:41:14 > 0:41:16to get one last job sorted back at the farm.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22You might remember last year I introduced a new Highland bull
0:41:22 > 0:41:25called Archie to my herd of Highland cattle.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27I'm quite worried about him
0:41:27 > 0:41:32because he's much younger than they are and quite small in stature.
0:41:32 > 0:41:33MOOING
0:41:35 > 0:41:37Well, since then, Archie has been very busy.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43Archie is just behind this cow and he has turned into a lovely bull
0:41:43 > 0:41:44and he's doing a great job.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47In fact, very excitingly, this is his first calf.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50It's a little heifer, a little female, so his daughter.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53And the Highlands give birth to such beautiful calves.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56They're like little teddy bears, really sweet.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59But what I've got to do now is put some tags in its ears
0:41:59 > 0:42:01and I don't think Mum's going to like that much.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05'To be on the safe side, my stock hand, Ellen,
0:42:05 > 0:42:07'has come along to give me a hand.'
0:42:07 > 0:42:09Right, you come with me, quick.
0:42:10 > 0:42:11That's it.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16These Highlands live up in the Scottish mountains
0:42:16 > 0:42:17and they're wonderful mothers.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20They'll give birth up there and look after their calves
0:42:20 > 0:42:22and so you just have to be a bit careful
0:42:22 > 0:42:24when you're handling the calves,
0:42:24 > 0:42:26otherwise they'll attack you.
0:42:29 > 0:42:34Well done. There we go. Thanks, Ellen.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37All of our Highland calves this year have to begin with
0:42:37 > 0:42:39the letter P for their names
0:42:39 > 0:42:42and because Archie is from the Balmoral estate, from the Queen's
0:42:42 > 0:42:46estate, we thought his little heifer calf could aptly be named Princess.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48So this is little Princess,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51a really lovely little calf to have on the farm and hopefully,
0:42:51 > 0:42:54there will be many more of Archie's calves to follow.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58It might be a lot of hard work, but for me,
0:42:58 > 0:43:02keeping cattle is one of the best things about running a farm.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06Hopefully, Ellie, with her Dexters, will get as much out of it as I do.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11MOOING
0:43:15 > 0:43:17The glorious great British countryside -
0:43:17 > 0:43:22a place of rich history, rural majesty and next weekend,
0:43:22 > 0:43:25host to a truly magnificent spectacle.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31On Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th October,
0:43:31 > 0:43:34the very first Countryfile ramble for Children In Need
0:43:34 > 0:43:38will be taking place all across Britain and the aim is simple.
0:43:38 > 0:43:42We want all of you, the whole country, out there walking and
0:43:42 > 0:43:45putting on your own sponsored rambles to raise
0:43:45 > 0:43:46money for Children In Need.
0:43:46 > 0:43:48To find out how to take part,
0:43:48 > 0:43:52go to our website...
0:43:55 > 0:43:57And if you're wondering why it matters,
0:43:57 > 0:44:01here's someone far better qualified than me to tell you.
0:44:04 > 0:44:06This is Ella.
0:44:06 > 0:44:10She's 17 and has been severely visually impaired since birth.
0:44:10 > 0:44:15- Good girl!- On a good day, Ella can see two metres in front of her.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18On a bad day, white-outs cause temporary blindness.
0:44:18 > 0:44:20Good girl! Straight on. Straight on.
0:44:20 > 0:44:23I have a condition called nystagmus,
0:44:23 > 0:44:27which means that the nerve isn't connected to the eye properly.
0:44:27 > 0:44:32My eye wobbles uncontrollably from side to side.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34I also have a condition called hemianopia.
0:44:34 > 0:44:36It makes me have blind spots like this.
0:44:40 > 0:44:43Diagnosis came at seven months old.
0:44:43 > 0:44:47She wore her first pair of glasses at nine months old.
0:44:47 > 0:44:51We were told that she wouldn't go into mainstream school,
0:44:51 > 0:44:55she wouldn't have a job, and she wouldn't be an independent person.
0:44:55 > 0:44:59I went home, broke my heart, and then came up fighting.
0:45:00 > 0:45:03A normal life for me is sometimes difficult.
0:45:03 > 0:45:05But generally, I'm just determined to get through it
0:45:05 > 0:45:07and just be as happy as I can because
0:45:07 > 0:45:09that's what it's all about really.
0:45:12 > 0:45:16'There are over 25,000 youngsters in the UK who are blind or
0:45:16 > 0:45:17'partially sighted.'
0:45:17 > 0:45:20I've come to meet Ella at Sight Advice,
0:45:20 > 0:45:23a charity which is able to support youngsters like her, thanks to
0:45:23 > 0:45:26essential funding from Children In Need.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29What Sight Advice helps to do is make children go
0:45:29 > 0:45:32and explore in a safe environment for themselves in places
0:45:32 > 0:45:35that are full of grass and fields and trees,
0:45:35 > 0:45:39where they can get their knees dirty and have a few grazes but safe,
0:45:39 > 0:45:41if you see what I mean.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44We've been to an activity centre, we've been horse riding,
0:45:44 > 0:45:46we've been cycling.
0:45:46 > 0:45:48Looking fantastic. Well done!
0:45:50 > 0:45:52Is it possible for you to put into words
0:45:52 > 0:45:56what those life experiences have meant to you?
0:45:56 > 0:46:00It's just encouraging, really to say, "You're not alone.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03"Get together, build each other's confidence and go out there
0:46:03 > 0:46:05"and do it. You may be considered different by other children
0:46:05 > 0:46:07"but we know that you're not."
0:46:07 > 0:46:10Off you go.
0:46:10 > 0:46:12But Ella's about to take on a challenge far greater than
0:46:12 > 0:46:15anything she has ever attempted before.
0:46:15 > 0:46:18Joining me on my ramble come scramble
0:46:18 > 0:46:20over 3,000 feet up a Welsh mountain.
0:46:23 > 0:46:27She'll be taking a leap of faith by trusting me to be her guide.
0:46:27 > 0:46:29So, before I put her safety in my hands, I'm going
0:46:29 > 0:46:34to get the chance to experience what life is like from Ella's perspective.
0:46:38 > 0:46:42Jan has kindly put together these glasses that
0:46:42 > 0:46:44sort of simulate my vision.
0:46:44 > 0:46:45- OK.- OK?
0:46:47 > 0:46:49'Jan is going to guide us both.
0:46:52 > 0:46:54'We've put an effect on our camera
0:46:54 > 0:46:56'to give you an idea of what I'm seeing.'
0:46:56 > 0:46:59I've just seen it now, this car.
0:46:59 > 0:47:02We've got a slight different change in the kerb
0:47:02 > 0:47:06- but if you keep walking forward. - There's a car there somewhere.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08Straight over. It's not a step
0:47:08 > 0:47:11but you'll know you've made it cos you have the cobbles there.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14There is a real fear in going forward.
0:47:14 > 0:47:17We can try the steps of the library, if you'd like.
0:47:19 > 0:47:20Your balance OK?
0:47:20 > 0:47:22It's the depth, isn't it, that's difficult to work out?
0:47:22 > 0:47:24Yeah.
0:47:24 > 0:47:30Just thinking about that, going up a mountainside...
0:47:30 > 0:47:31ELLA LAUGHS
0:47:32 > 0:47:36'Having had a small glimpse into Ella's world, I'm conscious
0:47:36 > 0:47:40'I've got a huge responsibility helping her safely up a mountain.
0:47:40 > 0:47:43'So we're heading into the hills of the Lake District to test
0:47:43 > 0:47:47'the ground with me as Ella's guide on what could be a steep learning
0:47:47 > 0:47:49'curve for us both.'
0:47:51 > 0:47:55- Ella, has that come into focus now? - Yep, just about.
0:47:55 > 0:47:57I can tell it's a rock by the colour.
0:47:57 > 0:48:00Shall I go ahead of you or behind you? What's best?
0:48:00 > 0:48:02Go ahead and I can copy your movements.
0:48:02 > 0:48:04So at this stage, I'd say right,
0:48:04 > 0:48:07- so we've got just below a knee high there for me.- OK.
0:48:07 > 0:48:10And I'll stand here and help you up if you need to.
0:48:10 > 0:48:12- OK.- Yep, great.
0:48:13 > 0:48:18There's loose footing here. What can you see up ahead?
0:48:18 > 0:48:22I'm not quite sure whether they're roots or rocks.
0:48:22 > 0:48:24It's a mixture of both, to be fair.
0:48:24 > 0:48:28- We've got roots off to the right-hand side.- OK.- Bobbly roots.
0:48:31 > 0:48:34- Cheeky stone. - Bobbly roots and cheeky stones, OK.
0:48:35 > 0:48:38- I love the technical geography. - OK, keep coming to me.
0:48:38 > 0:48:40Just figuring if that rock was in the way.
0:48:40 > 0:48:42And then I think we should go left here.
0:48:42 > 0:48:46- Just going to move that out of the way cos that shouldn't be there.- OK.
0:48:46 > 0:48:48- Nearly there.- OK.
0:48:48 > 0:48:50That's it. Stop there and step.
0:48:51 > 0:48:53And again, step.
0:48:54 > 0:48:58- There we are. My hand's there, I'll help you up.- Thanks.
0:48:58 > 0:48:59And there we are.
0:49:00 > 0:49:02- Brilliant, thank you.- Come on.
0:49:02 > 0:49:05Hand's in the right position, high five. Nailed it.
0:49:10 > 0:49:13Our first tentative steps have gone well.
0:49:13 > 0:49:16But this hill is no mountain.
0:49:16 > 0:49:19And a much larger obstacle lies ahead on our ramble.
0:49:19 > 0:49:21It's one Ella's determined to conquer.
0:49:24 > 0:49:26When you're about to set out on a challenge, you always have
0:49:26 > 0:49:29stuff going on in your mind, reasons for doing it.
0:49:29 > 0:49:30What are your reasons?
0:49:30 > 0:49:33Trying to inspire young people
0:49:33 > 0:49:37who are also visually impaired or with any other disability
0:49:37 > 0:49:39that whatever challenge you set out to do,
0:49:39 > 0:49:42don't think about your disability. Go out and get it.
0:49:42 > 0:49:44Don't let anybody stand in your way.
0:49:44 > 0:49:47For Ella, her ramble is not only to inspire others,
0:49:47 > 0:49:52but also to honour the memory of a man who inspired and loved her -
0:49:52 > 0:49:55her dad who passed away two years ago.
0:49:56 > 0:49:58He used to work for the National Trust
0:49:58 > 0:50:01and do all the maps for the area and the mountains
0:50:01 > 0:50:03so he used to know this area like the back of his hand.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06At least I can say, "I might not have got to do it with you,
0:50:06 > 0:50:10"but I'm doing it in your memory to show you that I can do it."
0:50:10 > 0:50:12- You're doing it for him.- Yeah.
0:50:13 > 0:50:15Yeah.
0:50:17 > 0:50:21- Well, it's wonderful to be doing it alongside you.- Thanks, Matt.
0:50:23 > 0:50:27From what I've seen of Ella today, you know, she is pushing herself to
0:50:27 > 0:50:28her absolute limits
0:50:28 > 0:50:32and she's doing it to say thank you to all the people that have
0:50:32 > 0:50:37helped her and also because she wants to be an inspiration to others and
0:50:37 > 0:50:40she wants to show all of those other children,
0:50:40 > 0:50:42a lot younger than her that, actually, although
0:50:42 > 0:50:47you have difficulties with sight, it doesn't have to stop you in life.
0:50:47 > 0:50:51And I know it's difficult for lots of you to get out there
0:50:51 > 0:50:56and go on a walk but if you text right now,
0:50:56 > 0:51:01then you will give other children, just like Ella, the support
0:51:01 > 0:51:03when they need it most.
0:51:32 > 0:51:33Yes! Very good.
0:51:33 > 0:51:36Please support us in any way that you can.
0:51:36 > 0:51:40The Countryfile Ramble is next weekend so to take part
0:51:40 > 0:51:43and raise money just go to the Countryfile website where
0:51:43 > 0:51:46you'll find not only inspiration and ideas of where you can walk
0:51:46 > 0:51:50but you'll find that all-important sponsorship form.
0:51:50 > 0:51:54So let us use the countryside that we love to show together that we
0:51:54 > 0:51:56can make a lasting difference.
0:52:13 > 0:52:16Today we're on the eastern edge of Morecambe Bay.
0:52:16 > 0:52:18Helen's been riding the tide
0:52:18 > 0:52:23'and I've travelled up the coast on the brand-new Bay Cycle Way,
0:52:23 > 0:52:26'stopping off to catch sight of some of the wild birds the area is
0:52:26 > 0:52:28'famous for.
0:52:29 > 0:52:31'Now it's time for another stop.
0:52:33 > 0:52:37'Jack Scout is one of only two limestone cliffs in the area
0:52:37 > 0:52:40'and is the perfect spot for some of the best views of the bay.'
0:52:42 > 0:52:46Wow, it's so dramatic and incredibly atmospheric.
0:52:46 > 0:52:49And from here you get a real sense of the scale
0:52:49 > 0:52:51and the grandeur of Morecambe Bay
0:52:51 > 0:52:55and the way the sea shapes the entire environment. It's beautiful.
0:53:01 > 0:53:05There's magic and mystery in its flat expanses.
0:53:06 > 0:53:10And even up here you don't know what you're going to come across.
0:53:10 > 0:53:11- Hello, Craig.- Hello, Anita.
0:53:11 > 0:53:14Crouching down, peering at something. What are you looking at?
0:53:14 > 0:53:16Come and have a look at these.
0:53:16 > 0:53:19These are very delicate little orchids called
0:53:19 > 0:53:21autumn lady's-tresses.
0:53:21 > 0:53:24They're a good indicator of the limestone grassland.
0:53:24 > 0:53:27I'm just taking it in. That's an orchid?
0:53:27 > 0:53:29It's absolutely dinky.
0:53:29 > 0:53:32These are one of the last British orchids to bloom in the year.
0:53:32 > 0:53:34Hence their name - autumn lady's-tresses.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37- But people often miss them. - I'm not surprised, look at it.
0:53:37 > 0:53:41It's absolutely tiny. Why are they called lady's-tresses?
0:53:41 > 0:53:43That's because of this arrangement of the flowers.
0:53:43 > 0:53:48- It spirals up the stem like a braid of hair.- It really does.
0:53:48 > 0:53:49So delicate.
0:53:49 > 0:53:52When you get down to this level you start to see them
0:53:52 > 0:53:54dotted all over the grassland.
0:53:54 > 0:53:57And you realise just how many there are we're just sitting amongst.
0:53:57 > 0:54:00I have to say, it's really made me smile.
0:54:00 > 0:54:02Thank you so much for pointing them out for me.
0:54:02 > 0:54:05I will always look out for them now. And now you're right, now that
0:54:05 > 0:54:07you're mentioned it I can see quite a few.
0:54:07 > 0:54:11They're everywhere. The dinkiest orchids in the world.
0:54:16 > 0:54:20'But I've come here for the sunset and there's a perfect place
0:54:20 > 0:54:24'to watch it, a Victorian folly called the Giant's Seat.'
0:54:28 > 0:54:31There's something humbling about the bay.
0:54:31 > 0:54:36Its vast, elemental, ever-changing but always stunning.
0:54:47 > 0:54:48That's it for this week.
0:54:48 > 0:54:51Just time to remind you if you want more scenes like this,
0:54:51 > 0:54:54then get your hands on the Countryfile calendar.
0:54:54 > 0:54:56Details on our website.
0:54:58 > 0:55:01Right, next week we're in Cheshire where Matt will be hoping
0:55:01 > 0:55:04to catch a glimpse of one of nature's greatest spectacles.
0:55:04 > 0:55:06Hope you can join us then. Bye for now.