Welcome to a new season of podcasts from BBC Countryfile Magazine. Come with us on a series of great escapes into beautiful landscapes where we look for great wildlife, explore curious historic sites, meet interesting rural people and discuss the big issues affecting the countryside.
Highlights of the first season of 12 episodes include: a birding trip in Somerset with the One Show’s Mike Dilger; a chat with opera singer and sheep farmer Gwawr Edwards, a big debate about the pros and cons of rewilding, delightful insights into how to make your life wilder with naturalist Nick Baker and a walk in search of the real Watership Down.
Listen to the first episode: A quest to find the real Watership Down
Coming up in the episode
Editor Fergus Collins takes us on a walk into northern Hampshire to find a very special place… "In 1977, at the age of 6, I saw my first film in the cinema: Watership Down. The (accurately) brutal and beautiful adaptation of Richard Adams’ rabbit epic still haunts me. I’ve read the book at least twice since and last Christmas felt compelled to watch the new BBC series. It’s a magnificent, moving tale and is based, at least in part, on real landscapes in north Hampshire.
Guide to rabbits and hares: what’s the difference, where to see and species history
Can you tell the difference between a rabbit and a hare? Our expert guide explains the key differences between rabbits and hares, history of the species and the best places to see them.
Footloose in early January with a day of sunshine ahead, I fretted about where to go – and had a lightbulb moment: Watership Down. Let’s see what’s really there."
