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A New Life

Countryfile spin-off series unveiling the secrets of spring. John Craven and Keeley Donovan investigate what makes springtime weather so special.

After the dark days of winter, spring is nature's alarm call to bring everything back to life. It seems to come round like clockwork, but is that really so? John Craven and Keeley Donovan investigate what makes springtime weather so special.

In the New Forest, there is a sense of anticipation in the air as its most famous residents prepare to give birth - Jules Hudson takes to the saddle to find out why spring is such a crucial time for the New Forest ponies.

Few things on the forager's calendar are more sensationally seasonal than the sap of the silver birch. The window to tap into this elusive liquor lasts just a couple of weeks. Margherita Taylor reports on the best way to turn to the trees for a springtime pick-me-up.

Paul Martin breathes new life into his Victorian smallholding in Wiltshire. His spring diary starts with a hunt for the perfect breed of sheep to help restore his fields.

45 minutes

Last on

Sun 19 Mar 2017 14:15

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Music Played

  • Daughter

    Youth

  • London Grammar

    Flickers

  • Bon Iver

    Holocene

  • The Divine Comedy

    At The Indie Disco

Dawn chorus

Dawn chorus

Natural England has been researching the link between our mental health and the sound of birdsong.  One in ten of us will be affected by depression at some point in our lives. Spring is the perfect time to get out and about but can birdsong really have any psychological benefits? Keeley Donovan is up at the crack of dawn to investigate whether birdsong can work as a natural therapy. At Martin Down National Nature Reserve, she’s joined by members of the Wiltshire Wellbeing group to test the theory by witnessing a true springtime treat - the dawn chorus.

Daffodils

High in the Brecon Beacons in Wales, a small symbol of hope is ready for harvest.  James Wong learned how the humble daffodil could play an important part in treating Alzheimer's.

The mystery of spring

The mystery of spring

Keeley visits Wytham Woods in Oxfordshire. It is one of the most studied woodlands in the world.  A high tech living laboratory where scientists from Oxford University study how climate affects the natural world. Here she discovers why no two springs are alike and what impact a mild winter has had on our native flora and fauna this spring.

New Forest agisters

The New Forest comes alive in spring.  At present, more than 6,000 cattle, donkeys and ponies graze on 90,000 acres of land. Jules Hudson rides out with agister, Jonathan Gerrelli to find out more about the wardens of the New Forest whose role it is to ensure the livestock are kept safe and well. 

Paul Martin’s Smallholding: Wiltshire Horn Sheep

Paul Martin’s Smallholding: Wiltshire Horn Sheep

This spring, Paul Martin and his family are on a mission - to fulfil a dream and restore the fields and woodlands of their Victorian smallholding in Wiltshire. Today, Paul is keen to introduce sheep to help graze the land.  He visits local sheep farmer, Adrian Andrews, to find out about a local, heritage breed - the Wiltshire Horn. Perfect for smallholders like Paul, they are low maintenance, easy to manage and shed their own fleece. But will he take on his own flock?

Beautiful blossom

Beautiful blossom

John Craven visits Brogdale Farm, where the largest display of fruit trees and plants in the world can be found. He meets Dr Joan Morgan, known as the ‘Queen of Apples’, who is writing a book about pears.  Joan tells John why spring allows her to celebrate blossom and why she records these exquisite flowers. John then takes a sprig of blossom to Elisabeth Dowle, a talented botanical artist, and finds out more about her work.

Silver birch sap

Silver birch sap

The silver birch tree is amongst the first to bud in spring. The sugary sap that rises through its trunk marks the start of the foraging season. Margherita Taylor meets West Sussex distiller, Sarah Thompson at her busiest time of year, as she collects sap to turn in to silver birch botanicals.

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter John Craven
Presenter Keeley Donovan
Presenter Jules Hudson
Presenter Paul Martin
Presenter Margherita Taylor
Series Producer Andrea Buffery
Editor William Lyons

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