Ep 31. Herefordshire

Countryfile season 28 episode 31 takes us to Herefordshire, a county located in the West Midlands of England. This episode explores the natural beauty and rich history of the area, while also showcasing some of the locals who call it home.

Presenter Ellie Harrison kicks off the episode with a visit to a vineyard, where they produce award-winning English wines. She gets a tour of the vineyard from the owner and learns about the history of winemaking in the county, which dates back almost 2,000 years. Ellie also gets a chance to sample some of the wines and gives us her opinion on their flavour.

Next, we join Sean Fletcher as he takes a walk around the ancient town of Hereford. Sean discovers the history of the town, starting with the Roman settlement that was built there and moving on to the famous Hereford Cathedral. He learns about the Cathedral's significance as a place of pilgrimage, and also why it's home to one of the largest medieval maps in the world.

After that, we head to the countryside to meet a Herefordshire farmer who has been keeping traditional white park cattle for over 30 years. Tom Heap catches up with him to learn about the breed and to help feed some of the calves.

Meanwhile, Adam Henson is in the Forest of Dean, which straddles the border between England and Wales. Adam sets out on a nature trail as he explores the ancient woodland, which is home to a wide range of wildlife, including wild boar, goshawks, and the elusive tawny owl.

Later on, we join Anita Rani as she takes a trip down the River Wye, which runs through Herefordshire. Anita takes a tranquil cruise down the river, learning about its history and the impact it has on the local area.

Back on land, Tom is in the Kitchen Garden at Heckfield Place, a grand country house in the heart of Herefordshire. Tom meets the head gardener, who shows him around the beautiful walled garden and explains how they grow and use their produce in the hotel's restaurant.

Finally, we all come together at dusk for a stunning display of starling murmuration. Ellie joins a local expert who explains why the starlings gather in such large numbers before the birds create an amazing aerial show overhead.

Overall, Countryfile season 28 episode 31 gives us a beautiful overview of Herefordshire, highlighting its culture, history, wildlife, and natural beauty. From the rolling hills and vineyards to the ancient woodlands and mighty rivers, this episode showcases the best of what the county has to offer.