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Somerset Willow Harvest

Joe Crowley is in the Somerset Levels to experience the history, heritage and farming of this unique environment. In the Cotswolds, Adam Henson is restoring his ancient orchard.

Joe Crowley is in the Somerset Levels to experience the history, heritage and farming of this unique wetland environment, which stretches from the Mendips to the Blackdown Hills. Joe meets farmer Rich Roberts for his wintertime harvest of Somerset willow before getting hands-on to cut and prepare this versatile crop ready for sale. Just down the road, Joe sees how the harvested willow whip is crafted into luxury hampers, hot air balloon baskets and even eco coffins as he meets a Somerset family with long ties to the willow trade, who are training the next generation of willow apprentices in this ancient heritage craft.

Up in the Cotswolds, Adam Henson is busy restoring his ancient orchard with the hope of a fruitful apple harvest later in the year. And Charlotte Smith is investigating the return to Britain of the animal disease bluetongue. It鈥檚 spread by midges and typically found in hotter parts of the world, but due to climate change, British farmers might have to get used to living with the disease.

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55 minutes

Signed

Last on

Tue 6 Feb 2024 01:20

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Joe Crowley
Presenter Adam Henson
Presenter Charlotte Smith
Series Editor Mark Beech
Series Producer Gavin Ahern

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