Rutland
Sean Fletcher and Margherita Taylor travel to Rutland, historically the smallest county in England. Despite its size, it is home to the largest man-made body of water in the country – Rutland Water.
Sean Fletcher and Margherita Taylor travel to Rutland, historically the smallest county in England. Despite its size, it is home to the largest man-made body of water in the country – Rutland Water. This reservoir was created as a much-needed oasis for the driest region of the UK, covering over four square miles and containing 110 billion litres of water, which supplies much of the East Midlands.
Rutland Water has also transformed the area into a wildlife haven, and spring is when returning migratory birds really make this place come alive. Sean discovers the area is now a stronghold for migrant bird species, including ospreys, once a common site across the country. These birds were driven to extinction in England in the 19th century, but now, thanks to a successful breeding programme, they are back and can be found at Rutland Water.
Sean joins an 11-year-old osprey enthusiast in a nearby hide to hopefully see the return of a star-breeding female who has occupied a nest here since 2010. Sean also gets up close with some of our rarest mammals, bats as they rely on Rutland as a welcome break during their spring migration. Meanwhile, Margherita takes to the water to learn about the history of the submerged landscape which was flooded when the reservoir was built.
Charlotte heads to Devon to investigate the increasing number of ticks in our countryside – parasites that carry several diseases, which they can pass on to animals they bite. Charlotte discovers the consequences this can have for livestock, humans and our pets.
Adam is looking at how one of the wettest winters on record is impacting farming.
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Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Presenter | Sean Fletcher |
Presenter | Margherita Taylor |
Presenter | Charlotte Smith |
Presenter | Adam Henson |
Series Editor | Mark Beech |
Series Producer | Gavin Ahern |
Broadcasts
- Sun 28 Apr 2024 18:00
- Sun 5 May 2024 06:40
- Tue 7 May 2024 00:10