Episodes
| Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20240121 | Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | ||
| 20240324 | Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | ||
| 20240331 | Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | ||
| 20240825 | Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | ||
| 20241110 |  Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | ||
| 20250112 | Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | ||
| 20250119 | Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | ||
| 20250126 | Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | ||
| 20250209 | Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | ||
| 20250216 | Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland\u2019s rural community. | ||
| A Peep Behind The Scenes At Afbi | 20231029 | 20240317 (RU) | Presenter, Nicola Weir, takes a tour of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute in Hillsborough. She gets and insight into what's new in the pig and poultry sectors, takes a tour of the lush pastures examining multi species swords, finds out more about evolving dairy cow diets, feels the heat at the state of the art anaerobic digestion plant and calls in to see the sheep feeding experiment in action. A peep behind the scenes at AFBI Hillsborough. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. A special whistlestop tour AFBI in Hillsborough, one of the most important institutions when it comes to farming, food and the environment in Northern Ireland. |
| Airforce To Groundforce | 20240707 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels to Cookstown to meet Bronagh O'Kane who used to be a jet engineer in Scotland but swopped it all for the family farm – and she is focusing on breeding, soil and worms! A mixed reaction to a possible ban on the use of E Collars to train dogs – Edward Adamson from the National Sheep Association and Nora Smith from the USPCA discuss the pros and cons. Nicola also meets Freddie the rescue donkey in Wigan who is getting a new lease of life thanks to some orthopaedic boots that have allowed him to get back onto grass. Reporter, Hannah Quinn-Mulligan meets Helen Hughes, a farmer from County Meath, to discuss how the death of her father in a farm accident impacted the family and reporter, Nathan Hylands, meets the farming family in Donaghcloney opening their farm to a new generation of farmers. Airforce to groundforce in Cookstown. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Swopping fighter jets for pastures new in Cookstown, rescue donkey in Wigan put on his orthopaedic boots and a farming family teach a new generation in Donaghcloney. | |
| Animal Movie Magic! | 20240901 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels to Tandragee in County Armagh to speak to Kenny Gracey, who faced an uncertain future at his centuries old family farm but turned his fortunes around by specialising in television and film production. His rare animals, including Fred the crow, Ernie the tortoise, Pee Pee the goat, Solo the Emu and Midnight the Fox are in hot demand when it comes to the silver screen and are big names when it comes to Game of Thrones. Nicola also hears the latest update on Bluetongue from Dr Simon Doherty from Queen's University and will large carnivores roam the countryside in the future? They could but farmers must be included in the debate according to Dr Jonny Hanson and Nicola will be talking to him about his latest research into the issue. Blanket the Pig has made headlines with his exploits on the farm – including fathering 70 piglets by breaking loose from his sty. And he's on the move again, this time to a animal sanctuary in Warwickshire and, guess what, he already has a girlfriend! And finally, Countryside reporter, Hannah Quinn Mulligan, will be chatting to Chris Johnston from AFBI in Hillsborough about Northern Ireland's oldest anaerobic digester. Animal movie magic in Tandragee. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Animal movie magic in Tandragee, an amorous pig called Blanket has an eye for the ladies in Warwickshire and a burning question at an AD plant in Hillsborough. | |
| Armagh Apple Magic! | 20240908 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels to Portadown to visit Ballyinteggart Farm Apple Orchard and speak to grower Phillip Troughton about the secrets of cider making in the orchard county. We also examine the BBC documentary: ‘Brian May: The Badgers, The Farmers and Me' to debate whether slurry is part of the problem when it comes to the spread of bovine TB. Then it's off to Cultra to find out more about the very first Ferguson tractor that is now on display at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum before Dr Rebecca Orr tells us all about a ground breaking study into the health and fitness of farmers in Northern Ireland. Finally, Countryside reporter, Hannah Quinn Mulligan, will be chatting to Chris Johnston from AFBI in Hillsborough about Northern Ireland's oldest anaerobic digester. Cider growing in the orchard county. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Cider growing the orchard county of Armagh, the first Ferguson tractor in Cultra and a burning question in Hillsborough. | |
| Ballyboley Dexters | 20240630 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels to Ballyboley farm between Groomsport and Donaghadee to help farmer, Stephen Alexander, to move the 100 head native Irish breed herd to pastures new and find out how the family is farming with nature. Are prawn shells the answer to pollution in Lough Neagh? Harry Wick, The Chief Executive of the Fish Producers' Organisation, is hoping the by product we produce here from fishing will clean water and generate jobs. Have you heard the case of the missing snake called Mango? Travis Vilgoen and his mum Fiona lost the family's cornsnake in April – and it turned up week's later at Travis's school in County Londonderry! Countryside reporter, Laura O'Neill, inspects what's on offer at the Maritime Festival in Derry and did Nicola manage to grow wasabi in Ballymena? Well Tandragee wasabi farmer, Sean Kitson, will be giving her marks out of 10 – spoiler, he had to bring his own in! Pastures new for Ballyboley Dexters. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Pastures new for Ballyboley Dexters in County Down. Are prawn shells the answer to Lough Neagh pollution? And the case of the missing County Londonderry snake called Mango. | |
| Bathing Belles And Beaux In Bangor | 20240512 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, joins the Brompton Belles and Beaux as they go sea swimming at Jenny's Cover in Bangor to find out how taking an early morning dip can help both mental and physical health and she finds out more about the spread of Blue Tongue from Dr Simon Doherty. Sheepdogs are taking centre stage at the Balmoral Show and champion sheep dog trialist, James P McGee, tells Nicola what it takes to train a winning dog at his farm in County Donegal and she speaks to Nature Friendly Farmers, Charlie Cole in Ballycastle and Louise Skelly in Katesbridge about the importance of hedgerows as we celebrate National Hedgerow Week. Barbara Collins travels to County Roscommon to speak to those enjoying the Ramblin' House that brings people in the rural community together through traditional song and music and Hannah Quinn Mulligan samples some tasty flavours in Wales as she finds out how one family farm was saved by ice cream! Brompton Belles and Beaux in Bangor. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Bathing Belles and Beaux take a dip at Jenny's Cover in Bangor, red alert over Blue Tongue and the figures add up for ice cream in Wales. | |
| BBC Comes To Town | 20240414 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, records a very special programme at Ballymena Library in the heart of the City of the Seven Towers as part of the BBC Comes to Town series. Special guests are the Farmers' Choir, former YFCU President Zita McNaugher, former President of the Ulster Farmers' Union, Victor Chestnutt, renowned TV and radio chef, Jenny Bristow and Ballymena farmer, Michael Meharg, who is also the vice chair of the Nature Friendly Farming Network. She also visits Craig Holmes and Ruby Free, a young farming couple in Cullybackey, the Maine Soft Drinks factory in Ballymoney and stops off at Robin Cherry's farm in Ballymena to find out how he started growing pak choi in County Antrim. BBC Comes to Town hits Ballymena. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Countryside parks up at Ballymena Library to record a special programme for BBC Comes to Town. | |
| Beef And Lamb Championships | 20231126 | Countryside heads to the Royal Ulster Premier Beef and Lamb Championships, now in its sixth year at the Eikon Centre in Lisburn, where a record price was paid for the Supreme Champion. Just what is blue tongue and how it is impacting on the importation of livestock from GB to Northern Ireland. Cork beetroot farmer, Sandra Burns, tells presenter, Nicola Weir about how a social media post saved her crop after heavy flooding and discover how farmers are boosting the number of curlew in Donegal. Royal Ulster Premier Beef and Lamb Championships. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Beef and Lamb Championships in Lisburn, social media saves beetroot crop in Cork and curlew success in Donegal. | |
| Best Of The Countryside | 20240407 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, trawls through the archives to bring you the best of the phone calls from the farm – a regular feature on Countryside. She speaks to a record breaking shearer, Tom Perry, from Strabane, a grandfather and grandson duo taking part in the World Sheepdog Trials and discovers why Fiona is the loneliest sheep in the UK. VA special 'best of' edition of Countryside. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. A special best of the Countryside edition featuring phone calls from the farm. | |
| Blackthorn's Journey From Bog To Australia | 20240310 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, heads to the foot of Divis to find out more about the art of blackthorn stick making from postman Aiden Bradley while reporter, Barbara Collins, pops into a traditional bakery in County Galway to find out more about the skill of bread making and how sourcing local is the best way to buy. Ten-year-old Claudy farmer, John Monteith, marks a first in his agriculture career with his flock of sheep and we are all buzz to hear more about the 110 species of bee in Ireland. Blackthorn stick making tradition thrives in West Belfast. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Blackthorn stick making in West Belfast, wee buns in County Galway and first lambing for ten-year-old farmer. | |
| Christmas Road Trip | 20231224 | Countryside hits the road for a Christmas Road Trip Special which sees presenter, Nicola Weir, visiting the Queen of the Christmas pudding, Amanda Hanna, in Armoy, visiting Northern Ireland's own Willy Wonka in the shape of Shane Neary in Kilkeel and finding out how to make an award winning Ulster Fry in Newtownards. She'll also stop off to hear the Farmers' Choir in full voice and take to the hills of Belfast to meet the herd helping to make Italian cheese in Belfast. Festive food flavours on the Countryside Christmas Road Trip. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Countryside Christmas Road Trip samples puddings in Armoy, chocolate in Kilkeel, Ulster Fry in Newtownards and cheese in the Belfast Hills. | |
| Christmas Tree Farm | 20241208 |  Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels to The Little Christmas Tree Farm in Holywood to meet Gareth and Sarah Dalzell who have been making families Christmas wishes come true by growing the perfect tree for their homes – and they tell Nicola how best to look after that tree once it's indoors. Terry Smithson from the Omagh Anglers Association explains how data and hatcheries are the key to staving off an extremely worrying downturn in salmon stocks on the River Strule and Dr Naomi Wilson from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute explains how an investigation into algae here will open up new economies for Northern Ireland. Finally, Nicola speaks to Alise Callaghan from Kilkeel, owner of this year's Beef and Lamb Championships Supreme Champion – a heifer called Shaboozey. Christmas Tree Farm in Craigantlet. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Christmas Tree Farm in Craigantlet, Salmon stocks in crisis in Omagh, seaweed project underway on coastline and Kilkeel heifer Shaboozey wins big.
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| Conservation Dogs | 20240303 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, speaks to County Armagh farmer George Carvill, who is selling off his sheep after a dog attack left 28 lambs dead. And while untrained dogs can prove devastating for the industry, a well-trained one can be invaluable to farmers and the environment – and Dr Caroline Finlay, conservation dog handler and owner of conservation detection dogs in Comber, explains how springer Jasper helps sniff out rare breeds in Northern Ireland. And Nicola finds out more about Alan the goat who is delivering eggs to his neighbours in Banbury in England before she heads to Carnfunnock Country Park, just outside Larne, to discover the secrets of the walled garden, squirrels and pine martins. Conservation dogs in Comber. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Conservation dogs in Comber, a goat delivering eggs in Banbury and squirrels in Carnfunnock Park. | |
| Countryside | 20240519 | Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | |
| Countryside Calls And Craic | 20250105 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, takes a look back at all the farm visits, call and craic from 2024 and highlights the farmers, food producers and rural lovers who have contributed to some lively discussions on the programme. From pumpkins to stick insects, the Lynx effect to snails, fiddle playing to happy hens, they've all been featured on Countryside in 2024. Countryside calls and craic 2024. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Countryside farm visits, calls and craic from 2024. | |
| Countryside Christmas Party | 20241222 | 
It's a Countryside Christmas Party. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. It's a Countryside Christmas Party with food, farming, fun and music! | |
| Countryside Comes To Enniskillen | 20240623 | As part of BBC Northern Ireland Comes to Town roadshows, celebrating 100 years of the BBC in Northern Ireland, Countryside records a special programme at Enniskillen Castle. Nicola visits Crom Castle and jumps on a boat to soak in the history of the estate and say hello to the swimming cows! She'll also find out how a small business, started in front of a country kitchen stove in Enniskillen, is now a thriving jam and chutney enterprise and Nicola will also say hello to Mary Polizzi from Doletter Wilder Rescue near Boho who devotes her time to caring for sick wild animals. And renowned celebrity chef, Neven Maguire, will be cooking up a storm with some fresh local ingredients in Enniskillen Castle and talking all things food! Countryside Comes to Town Enniskillen Special. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Countryside Comes to Enniskillen Special with a trip to Castle Crom Estate, a tasty stop off at Eringrove jams and chutneys, and Neven Maguire whips up a strawberry cheesecake. | |
| Countryside Headliners | 20241229 | Countryside headliners 2024. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | |
| Countryside Special With Author Helen Rebanks | 20240107 | A Countryside Special, with presenter, Nicola Weir, in conversation with Helen Rebanks, author of ‘A Farmer's Wife'. This is Helen's first book and it explores her farming background, her marriage to farmer and best selling author, James Rebanks, her role within the farm in the Lake District and examines her relationships with her family. Helen also picks her favourite music that reminds her of her childhood, marriage, motherhood and her journey through life from independent rebellious teenager to farmer's wife. Countryside Special in conversation with author, Helen Rebanks. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. A Countryside Special, in conversation with Helen Rebanks, author of ‘A Farmer's Wife'. | |
| Ducks, Deodorant And A Taste Of Haggis | 20240128 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, visits the Battery Hen Rescue Centre in Moira to meet 60 abandoned ducks taken in by Barbara Mladek and she looks at a consultation to cut bTB compensation rates in Northern Ireland. Scottish butcher, Laura Black, won the first World Haggis Championship and she reveals how she jumped from a career in banking to butchery, while Norfolk sheep farmer, Sam Bryce explains how she keeps her feisty rams, Casper and Cash, from fighting with each other by spraying them with Lynx Africa. And Hannah Quinn-Mulligan speaks to Donegal farmer, Leonard Toye, about his heartbreaking battle with mica on his farm. Duck rescue, world's best haggis and feisty rams. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Duck rescue in Moira, bTB compensation cuts, world's best haggis and feisty rams in Norfolk. | |
| Farm With An Asian Flavour | 20240526 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels to Rhee River Organic Farm in Garvagh to speak to Robert Heslip about Japanese mustard leaves, Globe artichokes and spurting garlic and talks to Gary Houston, Chairman of the Ulster Angling Federation about the fish kill in Doagh. Kilkeel farmer, Trevor Shields, scooped the Champion of Champions rosette at the Balmoral Show with his in calf Limousin Heifer – so what makes her a winning piece of livestock? Valentine Hodges gives us a glimpse into the secret world of bees as we celebrate World Bee Day and Nicola heads to the Ulster Folk Museum at Cultra to find out how green spaces there are actually green gyms – and she says hello to its latest litter of piglets! Garvagh Organic Farm with an Asian flavour. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Asian flavours at Rhee River Organic Farm in Garvagh, Kilkeel farmer has the winning formula at Balmoral and a green gym for green fingered enthusiasts at Cultra. | |
| Farming Focus After Spine Injury | 20241124 |  Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels to Lylehill Farm in Templepatrick to speak to Jon-Jo Bright about his beef, lamb and pedigree horse enterprises. Jon-Jo was a champion jockey until a fall in 2013 left him with severe spinal injuries. But he hasn't let a wheelchair get in the way of building the family's farm business. Environment and Agriculture Correspondent Louise Cullen gives an update on the latest in the farming tax changes that have seen protests in Belfast and London and Nicola congratulates Robbie Neill, owner of Stonebridge Farm in Crossgar, who beat Jeremy Clarkson to pick up the UK Pedigree Pig Breeder of the Year in London. Sinclair Mayne from AFBI explains more about the remarkable 25 year history of Grasscheck in Northern Ireland which started on just three farms but now sees over 50 farmers submit their grass growth statistics to a central bank – giving vital information about the change in farming's most important natural ingredient. And finally, Nicola heads to Cork to speak to Lorcan Roche Kelly from the Irish Farmers Journal about Dairy Day. Farming focus at Lylehill after spine injury. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Farming focus at Lylehill Farm in Templepatrick after a spine injury, Stonebridge Farm in Crossgar scoops top UK pig award and Dairy Day kicks off in Cork. | |
| Farming On Inch Island | 20241117 | 
Farming legacy on Inch Island. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Farming legacy on Inch Island, budget fallout for farmers, Donkey 262 gets a fright in Ballygally and find out the language of pigs. | |
| Farming Sisters In Newry | 20241103 |  Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels to Clarkhill Farm in Newry to meet farming sisters, Colleen and Eleanor McCann. Eleanor is the expert when it comes to sheep but Colleen takes the lead on beef. But both are coming together to promote the farm's new butchery hub. Nicola also chats to Dr Adam Mellor from AFBI about a new research vessel that will be heading to Lough Neagh to carry out many years of research into what is happening in the waters there. Andrew Patton, from the Northern Ireland Holstein Young Breeders Club, celebrates a special win for the organisation at the Northern Ireland Farming Awards and Jason Rankin from Agrisearch provides the vital 2024 round up for grass growth in all six counties. And finally, year 12 pupils Jack Steenson and Alexander Smith from Aughnacloy College proudly show off their trophy after winning the ABP Angus Youth Challenge. Farming sisters at Clarkhill Farm Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Farming sisters at Clarkhill Farm in Newry, new research vessel for Lough Neagh, 2024 Grasscheck roundup and Tyrone students lift farming award | |
| Fermanagh Wildflower Fields | 20240915 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels Fermanagh to inspect the species rich fields owned by farmer and vet, Brian Keown, in Garrison and finds out how Ulster Wildlife is helping farmers to be rewarded for working with nature. She'll also be talking to agriculture journalist, Richard Wright, in studio about 100 years of BBC Northern Ireland – and you'll be treated to some wonderful farming voices dating back to 1933. And how did a monk end up in Wales looking after cows? Nicola speaks to Grahame Barrett about why he left a Temple to set up a farm. There is also another 100th birthday to celebrate as Nicola speaks to the Jennifer Livingstone and Lisa Black from the Agri- Food and Biosciences Institute about 100 years of seed testing in Northern Ireland. And it's a tasty end to the programme as Peter Hannan from Moira cooks up a storm with his Golden Fork winning porchetta! Yum! Farming Fermanagh's wildflower fields. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Farming Fermanagh's wildflower fields, celebrating 100 years of BBC Northern Ireland and cooking the perfect salt-aged porchetta. | |
| Festival Of Colour | 20240728 | It's a traditional Countryside this week as Nicola heads to the Glens of Antrim to find to more about the Festival of Colours and how Mexican natural dyer and designer, Malu Colorin, moved to Ireland and discovered how to dye beautiful Irish linen using roots and plants found in fields and hedgerows. The Northern Counties Fiddle Society fills the studio with music and Nicola talks to Ballymena violin maker, Jonny Murphy, about how the skill has been passed down from generation to generation. It's time to find out the secrets of soda making with another Jonny Murphy – who is otherwise known as the Hungry Hooker. Jonny, from Donaghcloney in County Armagh, was forced to retire from rugby due to injury at just 30 years old. But he has turned his passion for hooking into cooking, thanks to the age old recipes handed down by his granny. And Nicola returns to the Glens to talk to storytellers, Liz Weir and Mabel Jenkins, about the rich history of telling tales from rural areas. Festival of Colour in the Glens. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Festival of Colour in the Glens, the secrets of soda in Donaghcloney, making music in Ballymena and traditional storytelling in Cushendall. | |
| Fishermen Claw Back Crab Numbers | 20231119 | Countryside heads to Kilkeel Harbour to find out how fishermen are leading the way in preserving crab numbers. A World Milk Summit in Chicago hears how milk by products can be used to make environmentally friendly plastic and treat wood; are farmers in the south leading the political agenda and Donemana Farmer, Thomas Harkin, is an unsung hero when it comes to the Blackface sheep breed in Northern Ireland. Crab fishing, Chicago milk and a blackface hero. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Fishermen claw back crab numbers in Kilkeel, turning milk into plastic in Chicago and a Donemana farmer is a blackface hero. | |
| Gone Fishing | 20240804 | Fishy tales from Kilkeel on Countryside this week as presenter, Nicola Weir, finds out more about the state of the fishing industry here from those who have been immersed in it for generations. Nicola speaks to Lesley Girvan who has been a fisherman for 65 years and tells of the ups and downs over six decades. Harry Wick, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Ireland Fish Producers Organisation says new blood and investment is needed to keep the industry afloat and Nicola also hears from father/daughter fishing duo, Brian and Erin Chambers. Brian is an 8th generation fisherman from Kilkeel and has passed the enthusiasm for fishing onto his 20 year old daughter, Erin, who is determined to make it a career. Gone Fishing in Kilkeel. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Gone Fishing in Kilkeel with 8th generation fisherman and his daughter. | |
| Ground And Grass | 20240929 |  Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels to Ballyvoy just outside Ballycastle to speak to beef farmer, Dr Réamaí Mathers, about keeping traditional breeds and making the best use of his species rich grassland at his 40 acre farm. Matt Lundy from Ulster Wildlife and Jonathan Houghton from Queen's University Belfast are in studio to talk about a new Department of Agriculture and Environment strategy to tackle the declining populations of sealife predators and seabirds. The nature theme continues as Rose Cremin from Butterfly Conservation tells Nicola about a worrying decline in the numbers of butterflies in Northern Ireland and the threat to their long term existence. It's also gone fishing for local schoolchildren as they get involved in the Fishing for Schools project which encourages young people to learn a new skill while enjoying nature. And it's off to Cookstown to speak to Northern Ireland's latest Nature Friendly Farming Ambassador, Brendan Neeson, at his 30 acre Creeve Cottage Farm. Ground and grass in Ballyvoy. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Ground and grass focus in Ballyvoy, saving sealife, butterfly crisis, fishing for schools and nature-friendly farming in Cookstown. | |
| Happy Hens | 20240922 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels to Clogher in County Fermanagh to visit Ballyness Farm. Farmer, Philp Marlow, took over the family farm there and has installed a unique system that allows his happy hens to move home every two days while at the same time keeping the ground nourished and fertile. The Ulster Farmers' Union President, William Irvine, calls for a pause on imports into Northern Ireland as the blue tongue virus cases rise and the Senior Vice President of the British Veterinary Association Northern Ireland branch, Esther Skelly-Smith, calls for Stormont to get behind plans for the first vets school here to stop the brain drain. Farmer, Fergal Gormley from Claudy in County Londonderry, tells Nicola all about being crowned the All Ireland Stock Person Champion – and why it's not all about cow handling and presentation. Potato blight strains are increasing and the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Senior Crops Advisor, Robin Bolton, explains how this is happening and what it means for the potato harvest and Jason Rankin from Agrisearch casts his eye over a year of grass growth and the problem of mycotoxins in silage. Happy hens in Fermanagh. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Happy hens in Fermanagh, blue tongue fears, call for vet school in Northern Ireland and a Claudy stockman wins big. | |
| Highland Cow With Royal Blood | 20231112 | Farmer, Alastair Moore, welcomes a special Highland cow to his farm in Omagh – a bull called Owen that was bred by the late Queen Elizabeth II at her Balmoral Estate. It's crunch time in Richhill as it celebrates the Bramley at its Harvest Fayre, St Killian Carnlough students, Emma Mitchell,, Alex McAlister and Peter Agnew are crowned Angus Beef Challenge champions and we find out more about Fiona, Britain's loneliest sheep, who was rescued after two years on her own at the foot of cliffs in the Scottish Highlands. Royal cow, Armagh apples and a lonely sheep. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. A Highland bull with royal blood arrives in Omagh, Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre celebrates the Bramley and Britain's loneliest sheep is rescued in Scotland. | |
| Hugh's Meadow | 20241027 |  Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels to Parkgate in Ballyclare to talk to regenerative farmer, Eddy Ellison, about Hugh's Meadow. It's seven acres of farmland that Eddy has given over to nature and named in memory of his grandfather. She'll also hear more about the new £57 million genetics scheme from Irish Farmers' Journal Northern Ireland correspondent, Peter McCann, who says it'll be a game changer for farmers here and then it's off to County Laois to speak to chainsaw woodcarver, Joe Hyde, who found a passion for the art during lockdown and has even had a statue of St Brigid commissioned by the local priest. The mushroom industry in Northern Ireland is in crisis and John McArdle, chair of the Mushroom Growers Association, explains how a change in the way visas are administered could boost the industry. And it's BBC Northern Ireland's Book Week and Nicola speaks to poet, writer and Queen's University Lecturer, Mary Montague, about her contribution to a new anthology called ‘Under The Changing Skies' – a collection of the columns written for the Guardian's Country Diary – and she exposes the hidden world of the mallard! Hugh's Meadow legacy in Parkgate. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Hugh's Meadow legacy in Parkgate, genetics scheme a game changer for farming, mushroom industry in crisis and chainsaw woodcarver in County Laois. | |
| Hydebank Farm | 20241020 |  Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels to Hydebank Wood College and Women's Prison to find out more about their farm that houses an impressive pedigree flock and newly bought ram. The Office for Environmental Protection has issued a stark warning to the farming sector here and the Edward Adamson from the National Sheep Association tells Nicola about the threat of MV to the sheep sector in Northern Ireland and how robust testing backed by the Department of Agriculture is the only way to keep the industry MV free. Stuart Oaks from Rosuick Organic Farm has been digging through history to come up with an alternative to plastic when it comes to baling on his farm in Cornwall and Nicola speaks to farmer William Clark at his Craighall Farm pumpkin patch in Antrim and discovers some healthy competition between husband and wife during Covid sparked this diversification. Farming for life outside prison. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Farming at Hydebank Prison, farmers under the environmental spotlight, MV free status for sheep under threat and Armagh v Antrim at the pumpkin patch. | |
| In Conversation With Sir Peter Kendall | 20240721 | 20241110 (RU) | A Countryside ‘In Conversation' Special with farming champion, Sir Peter Kendall. Sir Peter is a fifth generation farmer from Bedfordshire and former National Farmers' Union President. He has also served as the President of the World Farmers' Organisation and was knighted in the 2015. Sir Peter talks to presenter, Nicola Weir, about his farming life and picks songs that remind him of key moments in his life. In Conversation Special with Sir Peter Kendall. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. A Countryside In Conversation Special with farming champion, Sir Peter Kendall.
A Countryside In Conversation special with farming champion Sir Peter Kendall. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. |
| Kaleb Cooper Can't Stand Sheep! | 20240204 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels to Doagh to speak to young farmer, Michael Patton, about AI, nutrition and adding value to his dairy farm, the British Veterinary Association warns of a public health crisis if Northern Ireland loses access to 51 per cent of animal medicines and reporter, Barbara Collins heads to a village in Galway to find out how a unique restoration project has been done entirely without nails! And Jeremy Clarkson's baby sitter, Kaleb Cooper, spills all about Diddly Squat farm and treats listeners to his new single ‘I Can't Stand Sheep'. Kaleb Cooper gives a Diddly Squat, Dairy in Doagh and Galway restoration. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. TV farmer, Kaleb Cooper, releases first single, ‘I Can't Stand Sheep', drinking in the dairy at a farm in Doagh and Galway village ‘nails it' with its restoration project. | |
| Lough Neagh Crisis | 20240811 | Lough Neagh in under the microscope as blue green algae is visible again in the water – presenter, Nicola Weir, speaks to Dr Neil Reid, from the Institute of Global Food Security at Queen's University, Belfast, who is the lead author of a new report confirming that 80 per cent of the bacterial DNA tested from the algae belong to potentially hazardous microbes including e.coli and salmonella. Nicola also speaks to the deputy president of the Ulster Farmers' Union, John McLenaghan, about the action taken by farmers to protect the Lough as well as those who use it. In a lighter note, the programme heads to County Monaghan to find out how snail farmer, Kieran Corley, is helping single snails find true love and we tip toe through the sunflowers at Flavour First Farm with farmers William and Leanne Donnan in Donaghadee. Lough Neagh under the microscope. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Lough Neagh under the microscope as blue green algae returns, lonely heart snails in County Monaghan and fields of gold in Donaghadee. | |
| Meet The Minister | 20240218 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, welcomes new Northern Ireland Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Andrew Muir, to Countryside and discusses what's top of his agenda. Can environment and farming concerns ever reach middle ground, can he sort out how to tackle bovine TB, will herd sizes be cut to reach climate change targets, can the dairy industry survive with high input costs and low returns and how will the Minister grow the rural economy and encourage more women into the industry. New NI agriculture minister in studio. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Countryside welcomes the new NI Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs minister, Andrew Muir. | |
| Minette Batters Special | 20240602 | 20250202 (RU) |  Presenter, Nicola Weir, talks to former President of the National Farmers' Union, Minette Batters, as she steps down from her role. Minette tells Nicola about her farming upbringing, taking the reins of a very busy agriculture and catering business, and her pride at being the first women President of the NFU. She'll also pick her four musical tracks that remind her of special times in her life and career. Countryside in conversation with Minette Batters. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Countryside hour-long special in conversation with former president of the National Farmers' Union Minette Batters. |
| Minette Batters Special | 20240602 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, talks to former President of the National Farmers' Union, Minette Batters, as she steps down from her role. Minette tells Nicola about her farming upbringing, taking the reins of a very busy agriculture and catering business, and her pride at being the first women President of the NFU. She'll also pick her four musical tracks that remind her of special times in her life and career. Countryside In Conversation with Minette Batters. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Countryside hour long special in conversation with former president of the National Farmers' Union, Minette Batters. | |
| Minette Batters Special | 20240602 | 20240825 (RU) | Presenter, Nicola Weir, talks to former President of the National Farmers' Union, Minette Batters, as she steps down from her role. Minette tells Nicola about her farming upbringing, taking the reins of a very busy agriculture and catering business, and her pride at being the first women President of the NFU. She'll also pick her four musical tracks that remind her of special times in her life and career. Countryside in conversation with Minette Batters. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Countryside hour-long special in conversation with former president of the National Farmers' Union Minette Batters. |
| Northern Ireland First At Bog Meadows | 20240609 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, visits Bog Meadows Nature, in West Belfast, where 8 year old schoolboy Kohen Fitzimmons fished out a Waterstick Insect from the pond – the first found in Northern Ireland. She speaks to Kohen and Dawn Patterson, Community Engagement Officer with Ulster Wildlife, about this unusual insect and the Bog Meadows, which are nestled in between the M1 and Falls Road. Nicola also finds out about the case of BSE found in Scotland and bird flu in America from Dr Simon Doherty and chats to Katesbridge sheep farmer, Liam Doyle, about coming 8th in the World Shepherd Competition in France. Two dates in the farming calendar are coming up in June – two Open Days at AFBI in Hillsborough and Open Farm Week and, finally, Countryside travels to Dublin in Bloom to discover how gardening and farming are coming together to produce wonderful show gardens. Waterstick Insect find a Northern Ireland first. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Northern Ireland's first water stick insect is found at Bog Meadows in West Belfast, Katesbridge sheep farmer Liam Doyle is a world class shepherd, and farming meets gardening at Dublin in Bloom. | |
| Organic Farming | 20241215 |  Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels to Straid just outside Ballyclare in County Antrim to visit Patricia Gilbert at her Ballylagan Organic Farm. She raises pigs, sheep and beef there and it's butchered in her own butchery on the farm. She says it was a big decision to turn organic in the early 90s but says she's very proud at what she and her husband, Tom, have achieved. Nicola hears the latest results from the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme and talks to Owen Murphy, about the work of the Conservation Detection Dogs at Lough Ree. He has trained Lorg, his Labrador Retriever, to sniff out mink that is impacting on bird numbers there. Then it's off to County Galway to speak to Saoirse Loftus who at just 23 years old has auctioneered her first mart followed by a chat with William Mayne from East Belfast about being crowing the UK's Best Drink Producer at the BBC Farming Awards. And from the youngest auctioneer to the oldest horse in the UK – does it live in Newtownards? Well it might and we speak to owner Cerys Brown about the life long friend she's found in her 45 year old horse, Roana. Organic farming in County Antrim. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Organic farming at Ballylagan Organic Farm, sniffing out mink in Lough Ree, young auctioneer takes over County Galway mart, and does the UK's oldest horse live in Newtownards?
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| Paula Mcintyre Special | 20240331 | Wildtracks musical special with Paula McIntyre. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | |
| Plough On! | 20240818 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels to Hillsborough to talk to identical twin brothers, David and Sam Gill, about the skill involved in competition ploughing. They are both World Champions and have dominated the sport for decades. So what makes an expert plougher, what are the judges looking for and how is the Ploughing Academy of Northern Ireland helping new blood to take on those titles? A new global threat is on the rise – that of antimicrobial resistance. Queen's University and the Institute of Global Food Security is leading the way into how we negotiate away from overuse to avoid global disaster in future years. A one meter slab of bog butter has been found in County Donegal on the farm of Michael Boyle – it's one of the largest finds of bog butter and archaeologist Paula Harvey tells about the latest find and how it tastes! The soil nutrient health scheme is sampling soil in every field in Northern Ireland and Dr Rachel Cassidy is calling on farmers in the North West to sign up and reap the benefits. Finally, it's back to Donegal to speak to Six Nations Ploughing Champion Alan Simms about lifting the title for Ireland. Ploughing sibling rivalry in County Down. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Ploughing sibling rivalry in Hillsborough, bog butter found in Donegal and soil health comes to the North West. | |
| Rare Fungi Find On Divis And Black Mountain | 20240505 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, takes a hike up Divis and Black Mountain and finds out that DNA checks are being carried out on a fungi found there that might make it a first for Ireland. She also speaks to Lisbellaw farmer, Richard Dane, who lost half his herd to bovine TB and chats to World Vet of the Year, County Down man, Dr Simon Doherty. She also gets more details about AFBI's newly commissioned £28 million pounds research vessel and goes for a dander around Finnebrogue Woods just outside Downpatrick with owner, Ed Lindsay. And finally, would you cuddle a cow? Nicola speaks to farmer, Fiona Wilson, whose cuddle team of cows – including Soft Face, Seven, Cloud and Cuddlepuff – are bringing smiles and warm hairy hugs in East Yorkshire. DNA test on rare fungi find on Divis and Black Mountain. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Is a fungi found on Divis and Black Mountain a first for Ireland? A history lesson in Finnebrogue Woods. And would you cuddle a cow? | |
| Robocows | 20240616 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, visits Grove Dairy in County Tyrone and speaks to John Mitchell about how robotics are helping his unique farm business that makes, processes and packages its own milk on site. And are you ticked off by ticks? Farmer Charlie Harkin from County Donegal speaks out about his debilitating Lyme Disease battle. We find out more about Coastal Foraging with Sinead O'Brien at her seaweed farm in County Galway and head to Dungannon to discover how the terrible weather is affecting the strawberry harvest at the farm of James P Donnelly. Finally, Nicola tucks into a home grown, home made beef pie from the Curious Farmer in Tyghan in County Tyrone AKA Joel Kerr. RoboCows in County Tyrone. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. RoboCows at Grove Dairy in County Tyrone, coastal foraging in County Galway and the smell of the Curious Farmer in Tyghan reaches the BBC NI Studios! | |
| Salmon And Whiskey | 20241006 |  Presenter, Nicola Weir, heads to Cushendall to visit Glens of Antrim Potatoes and speak to owner, Michael McKillop about his new whiskey venture. The Carrot is King for a day and Nicola finds out more about the nation's favourite vegetable from Yorkshire grower, Rodger Hobson and County Down grower, Adrian McGowan from Millbank Farm in Killinchy. Social Farm Week is coming up and Malini Colville is opening up her farm in Comber to show how farming is an invaluable tool for therapy, rehabilitation, social inclusion, education and community support. And it's off to Cork to see how farmer, Tim Rowe, reinvented himself when it came to making money from his 12 acres of land – and garlic was the crop that worked! Finally, Nicola is treated to a salmon and whiskey feast courtesy of chef Gary Stewart from Tartine Restaurant in Bushmills. Salmon and whiskey on the North Coast. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Whiskey and salmon on the North Coast, a good day for carrots in County Down and a garlic grower goes green in County Cork. | |
| Sheep Farming In Saintfield | 20240324 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, to Saintfield and the sheep farm of Crosby Cleland. He's in the middle of birthing around 1000 lambs on his 166 acres. He's a fourth generation sheep farmer there and we find out more about ewes that experience difficult births, how do mums bond with their newborns, what happens to those who lose their offspring or lambs that are rejected as well as discovering how drivers are not the only ones to use L and R plates! We hear from farming couple, Stacey and Stephen Briggs from Leicestershire who have introduced the world's smallest goat to their farm using IVF and find out more about the Murmur of Bees in County Mayo. Sheep farming in Saintfield with farmer Crosby Cleland. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Sheep farming in Saintfield, dwarf goats in Leicestershire and it's all buzz in County Mayo | |
| Soil Sampling In Glenavy | 20231203 | Countryside travels to Glenavy to talk to soil sampler, David Cairns, who has walked around three counties already as part of the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme, a unique project that aims to analyse soil in 650 thousand fields here. County Antrim farmer, Edward Ellison and farmer Noel Clancy from Tipperary are also leading the way when it comes to spreading the word about farming food and the environment to a new generation and we hear from John Kennedy, the lucky County Donegal farmer who sold his magnificent Belgium Blue calf for a record breaking price of 21 and a half euro at Carrick on Shannon mart. Countryside also heads to Murlough near Newcastle to find out more about the 6000 years of history in the dunes. Going to ground with soil sampling in Glenavy. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Soil Nutrient Health Scheme in Glenavy, record calf sold in County Roscommon and 6,000 years of secrets at Murlough. | |
| Special Wildtracks Edition | 20231105 | 20250119 (RU) |  Special Wildtracks Edition with Ulster Wildlife. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. |
| Special Wildtracks Edition | 20231105 | Special Wildtracks Edition with Ulster Wildlife. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | |
| Tackling Bovine Tb | 20240421 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, speaks to Devonshire vet and former member of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Bovine TB Partnership, Dr Dick Sibley, about his experimental farm and how he believes a radical shake up of the strategy to tackle the disease needs to happen here and across the UK. Nicola also speaks to Heather Stewart, who has started sheep farming in Ballymena and believes she's working with the ‘supermodels' of the sheep world. We also head to West Belfast and St James Community Farm which is giving city dwellers the chance of getting involved in the agricultural sector. Dr Dick Sibley talks tackling bovine TB. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Dr Dick Sibley talks tackling bovine TB, weather woes for farmers and a farm right in the heart of Belfast city centre. | |
| The Story Of Wool At Balmoral | 20240519 | Presenter, Nicola Weir, finds about more about the Wool Innovators Pilot project from Ulster Wool's Jayne Harkness- Bones, who took the story of wool into 13 primary schools here and challenged them to make something with wool and bring it to the Balmoral Show. And we head to the cattle and pig sheds to find out more about the competition at this year's Balmoral Show and reporter, Barbara Collins, samples some tasty delights in the Food Pavilion. We find out more about the Irish Farmers' Journal eagerly anticipated report into the state of the agri-food industry in the island of Ireland and reporter, Hannah Quinn Mulligan travels to Monaghan to talk to a farmer who turned his farm from beef to tillage. Schoolchildren tell the story of wool at Balmoral. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. School wool cool at Balmoral as children tell the story of sheep, the daily grind proves profitable at a mill in County Monaghan and have we found Balmoral's Show sexiest man? | |
| The Veg Collective | 20241201 |  Presenter, Nicola Weir, travels to Rock Farm in Knockloughrim close to Maghera to speak to a group of farmers who have come together to create seasonal veg boxes for their local communities. The Veg Collective combines the growing talents of Bernard Gleeson, Gerard Convery, Anna Bradley and Malachy Smyth who produce vegetables on their farms but combine them into one offering. The Irish Farmers' Journal Northern Editor, David Wright, outlines the views of the Chief Vet, Brian Dooher, when it comes to eradicating bovine TB and Equine Vet, Esther Skelly Smith highlights how horses can't be forgotten in Northern Ireland when it comes to welfare, traceability and transport. Technology is the farmer's friend in the field and Francis Lively from AFBI explains how virtual fencing could be a game changer for more efficient animal handling and Emma Shields from Kilkeel brings home the bacon by picking up the title of UK Pig Stockperson of the Year at the National Pig Awards in London. The Veg Collective in Mid Ulster. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Veg Collective in Mid Ulster, new proposals for bovine TB, equine industry push for recognition, virtual fencing and the UK's Pig Stockperson of the Year.
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| Ufu Women In Agriculture Conference | 20231022 | Abi Reader, Deputy President of the National Farmers' Union Cymru, headlines the 2023 UFU Women in Agriculture Conference at Greenmount, potato crops fight against the rain in Donegal, 14 year old Moneymore farmer, Maisy Lee, is Young Farmer of the Year and the North of Ireland Veterinary Association hosts a gala dinner in Magheramourne Estate in Larne. Fighting talk at the UFU Women in Agriculture Conference. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Fighting talk at the 2023 UFU Women in Agriculture Conference, Moneymore's Molly Lee is Young Farmer of the Year and vets get a taste of their own medicine in Larne. | |
| Wet And Wild At Haughey's Bog | 20231210 | Countryside travels to Haughey's Bog in Omagh to find out more from Simon Gray from Ulster Wildlife about a unique peatland restoration that aims to bring back flora and fauna to a barren landscape. Lincolnshire farmer, Andrew Ward, becomes a world first in bean production and County Antrim farmer, and British Wool's Ulster Wool Depot Manager, becomes the first person in Northern Ireland to enter the Worshipful Company of Woolmen – which means she can drive her flock over London Bridge! Presenter, Nicola Weir, will also chat to Fiona Crudden, Irish Language Officer at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council about the importance of Townland names and visits husband and wife duo, Andrew and Laura Napier, at their equestrian centre in Ballynahinch to chat about how Northern Ireland needs to do more to promote competitive horse events. Wet and Wild at Haughey's Bog in Omagh. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Unique restoration at Haughey's Bog in Omagh, Lincolnshire farmer is full of beans, County Antrim farmer is first person in NI to enter Worshipful Company of Woolmen and do you know your townland? | |
| Wildtracks | 20231015 | 20240225 (RU) | Wildtracks with Gill Gallagher Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. |
| Wildtracks Special | 20240428 | 20250126 (RU) |  Presenter Nicola Weir records Wildtracks Special with head of the Farm Safety Foundation, Stephanie Berkeley. Stephanie picks her favourite musical tracks and how they remind her of her life, career and family. Born in Northern Ireland, Stephanie had a varied career before focusing on farm safety and she tells Nicola how much this subject means to her and how summer is a particularly special season that holds precious memories of holidays in Scotland. Wildtracks special with Stephanie Berkeley. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Wildtracks special with Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the Farm Safety Foundation. |
| Wildtracks Special | 20240428 | Presenter Nicola Weir records Wildtracks Special with head of the Farm Safety Foundation, Stephanie Berkeley. Stephanie picks her favourite musical tracks and how they remind her of her life, career and family. Born in Northern Ireland, Stephanie had a varied career before focusing on farm safety and she tells Nicola how much this subject means to her and how summer is a particularly special season that holds precious memories of holidays in Scotland. Wildtracks special with Stephanie Berkeley. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Wildtracks special with Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the Farm Safety Foundation. | |
| Wildtracks Special | 20240714 | 20250112 (RU) |  Wildtracks Special with Emily McGowan. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. |
| Wildtracks Special | 20240714 | Wildtracks Special with Emily McGowan. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | |
| Wildtracks Special | 20241013 |  Wildtracks Special with Libby Clarke. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | |
| Wildtracks Special With Prof Elizabeth Magowan | 20240114 | A Countryside Wildtracks Special, in conversation with Prof Elizabeth Magowan Director of Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division at AFBI. Elizabeth talks to presenter, Nicola Weir, about her deep faith, her farming background, a family tragedy, her love of nature and the countryside and what being involved with AFBI means to her. She also selects the songs that remind her of her childhood, family, career and special moments. In conversation with Prof Elizabeth Magowan Director of Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | |
| Wildtracks Special With Veronica Morris | 20231231 | A Countryside Wildtracks Special, in conversation with Veronica Morris, Chief Executive of Rural Support. On the eve of stepping down from her role after four years leading the organisation, Veronica talks to presenter, Nicola Weir, about her farming background, her love of rural life and what being involved with Rural Support has meant to her. She also selects the songs that remind her of her childhood, family, work and special moments. Wildtracks Special with Veronica Morris, Chief Executive of Rural Support. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | |
| Wildtracks With Gill Gallagher | 20231015 | Wildtracks with Gill Gallagher, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Assoc. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. | |
| Worm Farming In Dongeal | 20231217 | Countryside travels to Quigley's Point in County Donegal to talk to Neil Crossan about his switch from sheep farming to worms. Reporter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan heads to Letterykenny to talk to a young award winning sheep farmer, four school girls in County Leitrum put farm safety on the calendar and The Minger, the World's smelliest cheese made in Scotland, is unwrapped and sampled in studio! Finally, there's no kidding around in Fivemiletown as presenter, Nicola Weir, finds out more about a goat dairy from farmers Brian and Linda Cowan. Worm farming at Quigley's Point in Donegal. Voices, views, stories, news and engaging chat from Northern Ireland's rural community. Worm farming in Donegal, young sheep farmer scoops top title in Letterkenny, the Scottish Minger is unwrapped and milking goats in Fivemiletown. |
A Countryside ‘In Conversation' Special with farming champion, Sir Peter Kendall. Sir Peter is a fifth generation farmer from Bedfordshire and former National Farmers' Union President. He has also served as the President of the World Farmers' Organisation and was knighted in the 2015. Sir Peter talks to presenter, Nicola Weir, about his farming life and picks songs that remind him of key moments in his life.