Countryfile Season 28 Episode 40 Harvest Special

Countryfile is a popular British television show that explores the beauty and diversity of the British countryside. Season 28 Episode 40, entitled Harvest Special, takes a closer look at how farmers and rural communities are preparing for the autumn harvest, one of the most crucial times of the farming calendar.

The episode takes viewers on a journey through different parts of the UK, where the landscapes are stunning and the traditions are deep-rooted. The first stop is Oxfordshire, where presenter Sean Fletcher visits a farm that specializes in growing organic vegetables. The farmer talks about the challenges of farming in a sustainable way, the importance of healthy soil, and the joy of seeing his hard work pay off in terms of delicious crops. Sean also explains how the vegetables are harvested and packed, ready to be transported to local shops and customers.

Next, presenter Tom Heap travels to Northumberland to explore the history of a local custom known as the 'Riding of the Bounds'. This annual event sees hundreds of horse riders and walkers tracing the ancient boundaries of a local estate, ensuring that the land is still being used responsibly and respectfully. Tom joins the riders and learns about the history and significance of this long-standing tradition.

Back in Oxfordshire, presenter Ellie Harrison visits a traditional cider press to learn about the art of making cider. She meets a family who have been running the press for generations and picks apples in their orchard before seeing how the cider is made and bottled. Ellie discovers the different types of cider produced and how apple varieties can alter the taste of the cider.

Meanwhile, presenter Anita Rani heads to East Yorkshire to investigate the impact of climate change on farming practices. She meets a farmer who has been adapting to the changing weather patterns and talks about the challenges of predicting when to plant crops due to the unpredictable rainfall. Anita also explores some innovative solutions, such as using robots to plough the fields, which could reduce the need for heavy machinery and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The episode also features a segment on the cranberry harvest, which takes place in the wetlands of Lincolnshire. Presenter Steve Brown meets a farmer who grows cranberries in the traditional way, using a system of flooded fields to mimic the cranberry's natural habitat. He learns about the process of harvesting the berries and how they are used in food and drink products.

Finally, presenter John Craven visits a farm in Yorkshire to see how technology is being used to improve the efficiency of the harvest. He meets a farmer who uses a drone to monitor his crops and a combine harvester that can gather, thresh, and clean the wheat in one go. John also talks to some young farmers who discuss the challenges of maintaining a viable farm business in the current economic climate.

Overall, Countryfile's Harvest Special provides an engaging and informative look at the importance of the harvest season in British farming, with colourful stories and interesting insights into the cultural and environmental aspects of this annual event. Viewers of all ages are sure to enjoy this educational and entertaining episode.