Ep 34. West Yorkshire

Countryfile Season 28 Episode 34: West Yorkshire

In this episode of Countryfile, the team heads to the rugged landscape of West Yorkshire, which offers some of the most breathtaking views in the country. Covering an area of over 2000 square miles, this region is known for its historic industrial towns, beautiful countryside and vibrant communities.

Starting their journey in Ilkley, Ellie Harrison explores the rugged terrain of Ilkley Moor, home to a variety of rare moorland birds including the curlew, lapwing and golden plover. She also learns about the conservation work being done to preserve the moorland habitat, which is essential for the survival of these birds.

Anita Rani visits the National Trust’s Hardcastle Crags nature reserve, where she takes a stroll alongside the Hebden Water river, discovering the different types of wildflowers that thrive in the woodland environment. She meets with the volunteers who work hard to preserve the area and learns how important their work is for the survival of the wildlife that call the reserve home.

Matt Baker heads to the Haworth village, famous for being the home of the Bronte sisters. He visits the Parsonage, the birthplace of classic novels such as Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, and learns about the sisters’ love for the wild and rugged landscape surrounding the village.

John Craven visits the Pennine town of Hebden Bridge, which was severely affected by the 2015 floods. He speaks to the locals who lived through the severe floods and learns about the incredible community spirit that emerged in the aftermath of the disaster.

Finally, Tom Heap explores West Yorkshire’s agricultural heritage at the Great Yorkshire Show, which sees thousands of visitors come together each year to celebrate the region’s farming traditions. He meets the farmers, who compete in a variety of competitions to showcase their prized livestock, and learns about the importance of farming to the local economy.

With stunning views of rolling hills, stunning waterfalls and impressive landscapes, West Yorkshire truly is a gem of the British countryside. The team's journey in this episode highlights the unique beauty and diversity of this area, and the importance of preserving it for generations to come.