BBC Countryfile

[muldonach]

Countryfile has dumbed down quite a bit, but has always been primarily a farming and rural community programme rather than out and out wildlife and conservation. Even so, I don't watch it now because it just isn't as interesting as it used to be. There used to be some really good debates and reports.

Over on the photography board there is a thread running on the merits(or otherwise) of the winning entries to the annual calendar competion. Among the posts there is an undercurrent of criticism of the programme itself . The above quote is representative (I apologise to the original poster but I have ommitted to note his/her name). There is also some criticism of Adam Henson.

Reason for posting is that I (part time farmer and rural dweller) do not find countryfile to be at all a farming and rural community programme, I find it much more a programme for those who sometimes want to came and play in the countryside and find Adam Henson to be a good dose of reality.

Intererested to see if the truth is somewhere in the middle?

Cheers
mac

[Adam Cheeseman]

It certainly isn't the agricultural / serious countryside issues programme it used to be. More's the pity.

Cheers,

Adam

[healfdan]

muldonach

Perhaps to maintain viewing figures the producers of Countryfile are aiming for a wider viewing audience and not only farmers, foresters and the like. I worked in countryside conservation for 40 years but my experience was limited to the knowledge required to preserve, protect and maintain the sites I was responsible for. As a regular viewer of Countryfile I find it stimulating, covering current topics of interest and adding to my understanding of the wider countryside. By following the weekly trials of Adam I for one have a far better appreciation for the hardships that many in the farming community have to endure. For me the programme provides a good balance and despite the occasional innacuracies that appear to upset the professionals, I still maintain it is good all round educational family entertainment.

[artdemole]

It still has a lot going for it.Nice to see all the paces they visit.Still keeps in touch with nature.The weather for the week is no doubt followed by many.

[Geoff F]

When it first moved to a 'prime time' slot I thought it dumbed down excessively to attract a wider audience; so I stopped watching. But recently, I think it has greatly improved, although slightly different in theme from it's traditional 'roots'.

However, after briefly appearing in a recent episode I may be biased.

[davedotcom]

Having only recently turned into a Countryfile viewer I can't really comment on if or how it has changed. Initially we only started watching it for the week long weather forecast, but I now really enjoy the content of the whole program. I think the presenter is very good, plus the legend that is John Craven takes me back to my youth!

TV shows have to move with the times a little and open up to new audiences to justify their existence. But I like it!

[Brocakat]

I find that it's dumbed-down to include more ' Chocolate-Box/Touristy ' things in it & to also appeal to the Nordic-Pole set, as well as the 'extreme' sporties.

With the popularity of the successful & ( and V.good, IMO ) series that's been expanded to include all-of-the-island-of-Ireland -- "Coast", the producers of Countryfile have now seen fit to expand their remit to include all things ' beside-the-seaside '.............rather than having the guts to develop a Stand-Alone programme that concerns itself with things Maritime~U.K.

To be honest, with the U.K's history ( & indeed independant survival in WW11 ! ! ) together with its sheer variety of coastline - the viewing nation deserves having a dedicated Seaside programme of its own - instead of nibbling-into a programme that was formerly focused on the Countryside and the people who make up that diverse landscape .

[Brocakat]

Originally Posted by muldonach

Over on the photography board there is a thread running on the merits ( or otherwise) of the winning entries to the annual calendar competion. Cheers
mac

I'm sorry , I couldn't find this.

I "googled " ( as above) , entering the 2 words 'Countryfile' & 'Competitition'

- it came up with something from 2010 .

(?)

Could you tell me what that threads title is, thanks.

[watsthat]

I thought the part about farmers working with wildlife bodies very interesting last night. They portrayed a very pro-active farmer, (on the south coast I think), and touched upon financial/other incentives but didn`t really get round to stating the actual benefit to the farmer. I get the impression that farmers such as the one portrayed, are actually involved in conservation for love and not money. I live in an intensely farmed area (Yorkshire Wolds) and don`t see much slack cut for wildlife.

Cheers

Pete

[rogpow]

Originally Posted by Brocakat

I'm sorry , I couldn't find this.

I "googled " ( as above) , entering the 2 words 'Countryfile' & 'Competitition'

- it came up with something from 2010 .

(?)

Could you tell me what that threads title is, thanks.

Try this:

Bizarre Countryfile finalists

Rog