Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury head to Exmoor, a bleak and remote place where moorland and farmland give way to a spectacular coastline. For centuries its wild beauty has inspired writers, painters and poets. Julia is on the trail of a little-known photographer who spent his days capturing life on Exmoor. A hundred years ago, Alfred Vowles photographed everything from villages to building to hunting. He produced thousands of postcards using just a folding pocket camera, a tripod and his trusty old pushbike. Julia finds out about the man behind the picture and she puts his techniques to the test, recreating one of his many photographs. Vowles wasn't the only one captivated by the landscape of Exmoor; novelist RD Blackmore literally put this place on the map when he penned the book Lorna Doone, which was to give birth to Lorna Doone country. Matt turns investigator as he tries to discover if this fictional tale is more fact than fiction. Elsewhere, Tom Heap is in Leicestershire finding out how the Schmallenberg virus looks set to spread across the country, with devastating effects for farm animals. Down on the farm, Adam takes his Exmoor foals to a world-class equine centre in Cheshire for some basic training.

Adam Henson takes a look at our favourite four-legged friends in the countryside - horses and dogs. He invites some of the most charming of the breeds onto his farm in the Cotswolds, sees how heavy horses still pull their weight in the fields and finds out whether his gun dog has any natural instincts at all. Looking back into the Countryfile archives to see how the two animals are an integral part of rural life, Adam revisits the time when Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker raced husky dogs in the snowy Cairngorms, when Ellie Harrison became the quarry for a pack of blood hounds and when Jules Hudson spent a day out with the Light Cavalry.

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury head to the Hertfordshire countryside. Julia finds out how a super food is providing the perfect habitat for shrimp. She gets up early to catch a glimpse of one of our rarest birds feasting on them. Matt meets the county's finest flyball teams before putting his own dog - Annie - through her paces on one of their courses. He also joins the rural special constables helping local police stamp out crime. Hertfordshire constabulary aren't the only ones trying to maintain law and order in the countryside; officers across Britain have got their hands full tackling crime against wildlife, as Tom Heap discovers. On his Cotswold farm, Adam is busy moving some rather feisty ponies. Also, he reveals the person named Farmer of the Year in the BBC's Food and Farming Awards.

Matt Baker and John Craven head to South Wales. Matt is on the coast finding out what's being done to rejuvenate its spectacular sand dunes to prevent them from turning in to giant grass hills. Further down the coast, Matt is put to the test when he joins a local college rugby team who use the dunes as an outdoor gym. Further inland, John Craven unearths a tale of deception. In 1944, seventy German Prisoners of War tunnelled their way to freedom from a prison camp in Bridgend. It was the biggest escape attempt on British soil. John discovers how they managed to do it right under the noses of the guards and he helps to create a 3D model of the escape route. He also meets a woman whose family aided the capture of two of the escapees. Elsewhere, Tom's on the trail of our fastest growing source of energy - bio-mass and Adam's investigating a winter crop.

Countryfile comes from the snowy Yorkshire Dales. John Craven explores the historic ruins of Jervaulx Abbey, once home to Cistercian monks who would have farmed the land around the abbey. It is thought that the monks could have made the very first Wensleydale cheese with their own French recipe; John attempts to help make cheese on the site for the first time in more than 500 years. Julia Bradbury goes on the hunt for Britain's native red squirrel. Few people know that Yorkshire is a red squirrel stronghold, but Julia meets a photographer who feeds the squirrels and regularly sees more than 20 a day from his hide in the forest. Jules Hudson is also in the Dales, following in the footsteps of Britain's most famous vet, James Herriot. He goes out on the farm rounds with a young veterinary couple who specialise in large animal work. Tom Heap investigates rural poverty, and Adam Henson is on his farm in the Cotswolds learning more about the rural folklores surrounding our weather.

Countryfile heads to the north Cornwall coast. Matt Baker explores its secret glens and historic ruins on a quest to find out about Cornwall's ancient mythological past. James Wong meets the volunteer cliff rescuers looking after us and our best friends. Meanwhile, Julia is on a farm in East Sussex which has a holistic approach to agriculture. Tom Heap is at the other end of the country on the Orkney Islands, finding out whether tidal power could satisfy our need for new forms of renewable energy. Down on the farm, Adam has got his hands full rounding up all his lambs ready for market.

In this edition of Countryfile, Adam Henson ventures no more than 10 miles from his Cotswolds farm as discovers the delights of the local food available right on his doorstep. His mission is simple: he is to collect the ingredients to make a pizza for his family's evening meal. He visits a local flour mill for the dough for the pizza base, a local halloumi cheese maker and a man who makes meatballs from his herd of Hereford cattle. It is an unusual combination, so what his daughter Ella make of it? Adam also delves back into the Countryfile archives to dig out the best of the foodie stories covered on the programme. Matt Baker and Ellie Harrison take each other on in the battle of the Yorkshire puddings, Julia Bradbury is on her home turf in Leicestershire tucking into stilton cheese and pork pies, Jules Hudson is out fishing off the Cornish coast for sardines and Katie Knapman discovers the unusual taste of Yorkshire sushi.

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury are in Bristol, a city with the countryside on its doorstep. Matt visits the Avon Gorge, where some of the rarest plants in Britain are clinging on to life. Julia is on a mission to find the wildlife making the city their home. She heads to the harbourside in an attempt to catch a glimpse of one of our most elusive mammals - the otter. She also meets some hardy folk from the Henleaze Swimming Club who take to the water for a winter swim. Elsewhere, the scandal of horse meat in our food has shocked us all, but Tom Heap finds out it is not the only problem when it comes to illegally produced meat being imported from Europe. And Adam's finding out what's being done to preserve and conserve one of our rarest breeds of cow.

Countryfile heads to the wild, rugged and dramatic landscape of Northumberland. From its moorland to its coastline, its beauty belies violent times. It is a county where we first encountered a fearsome new threat brought in on the seas. Julia Bradbury unpicks the history of this ancient kingdom and she learns how it has also influenced the local dialect. Further in land and thousands of years later, an unknown soul was forging ahead with green energy. Matt Baker finds out how Lord William Armstrong, a pioneering Victorian, came up with a revolutionary plan to use the power of water to power his house. It was to become the first home-grown hydroelectric scheme in the world, and plans are afoot to fire it up again. Ellie Harrison finds out how the ancient art of willow spiling is helping to reinforce river banks in the Northumberland countryside. Elsewhere, Tom Heap finds out what impact the proposed new high speed rail link (HS2) is going to have on the countryside and the people living in it. And Adam travels to Shropshire to see how science is helping to protect and preserve the rare breed Hackney horse.

In this special 25th anniversary edition of Countryfile, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is guest editor. The stories and locations featured reflect many rural issues that are close to his heart. Whether it's the plight of struggling hill farmers, apprenticeship schemes to encourage young people into farming, or innovative schemes to get school kids growing their own food, the Prince shares his passion for the countryside and the people in it. The Countryfile team learn too of his love of hedgelaying, of farming, and of walking in the country, as we spend time privately with the Prince on his Highgrove Estate in Gloucestershire.

Countryfile is in Lyme Bay, where the rugged west Dorset and east Devon coastlines meet. Julia Bradbury is exploring its rich geological history, which has made this place a fossil hunter's paradise. Matt Baker learns there are other treasures to be hand on the coast; inside Beer Caves some of our rarest bats are roosting. The network of caverns provide the perfect habitat for no less than nine of the eighteen species of bat found in the UK. Matt finds out why conservationists are replicating this habitat in a new bat cave being built outside on a reserve. Ellie Harrison is also on the hunt for rare species too; a South Devon cow, known locally as the 'orange elephant', that was once a common feature in the Devonian countryside. Ellie meets a farmer on a mission to bring back the orange elephant as a milking cow. Elsewhere, Tom is investigating the impact one of the wettest years on record has had on farmers and wildlife. And lambing is in full swing on Adam's farm, but some of his ewes need a bit of helping hand.

Countryfile visits the glorious Golden Valley, on the borders of Herefordshire and Wales. Matt Baker is with the hill farmers trying to make a living from sheep, whilst Julia Bradbury is in the foothills of the Black Mountains, making friends with some llamas. She also visits the Brecon Beacons National Park to find out why it is one of the few places in the world to be designated as an international dark sky reserve. Tom Heap discovers what is being done to protect the seas that surround our island nation as he travels to Lundy to investigate Marine Conservation Zones. Adam Henson is on manoeuvres with the British Army. Soldiers serving out in Afghanistan are working closely with Afghan farmers. The troops are being trained in basic agricultural practice so they can pass on their knowledge - Adam finds out more.

In this special edition of Countryfile, Ellie Harrison charts the arrival of spring. She is on St Michaels Mount in Cornwall, where the season comes early. The daffodils are in full bloom, the days are getting longer, and the islanders are busy getting everything ready for the start of the tourist season. She catches up with the boatman launching a newly refurbished ferry, joins the team given the stately rooms a deep spring clean, and talks the chaplain to find out why St Michaels Mount is such a place of pilgrimage. Whilst Ellie is on the island, she looks back at some of the best spring stories to have featured on Countryfile. These include the time Julia took to the skies above Herefordshire in search of our ancient orchards, and when Matt went to Exmoor to look for signs of our biggest mammal. Plus a second look at what happened when Adam went on a spring round-up with a difference. And since this is Easter Sunday, Ellie rings in spring on St Michael's Mount in time-honoured fashion.

Countryfile is in the county of Northamptonshire. Matt Baker is exploring a section of the Grand Union Canal and finding out about the huge amount of work that goes into keeping it ship-shape for the thousands of visitors who come every year. Julia Bradbury is discovering some of the hidden heritage of the county. Her first stop is Rushton Triangular Lodge - a folly built by a Catholic in the 16th century. She then travels to Canons Ashby - another house full of symbolism but this time it's the illuminati at work. Julia will also be visiting a farm on the site of a scheduled listen monument where the farmers have a unique take on diversification. They make gin from the spring water that flows through the land and claim to be the only artisan gin makers in Northants. Britain's deer population is booming and these days, if you are lucky, you can even spot them on the fringes of some of our largest cities. But in many parts of the country these beautiful animals are now seen as a pest that destroys our natural environment and brings danger and disease to humans. So, is it time for drastic action? Tom Heap finds out. Adam Henson is heading back to Cheshire to collect his wild Exmoor ponies. They've been in training for few weeks now - but will they be tame enough for him to handle?

Countryfile is in the eastern county of Suffolk. Matt Baker explores the boating heritage of the area, as he puts the finishing touches to a very special boat called the Nancy Blackett. She was once owned by the author of Swallows and Amazons, Arthur Ransome, and inspired some of his later work. Matt is hoping she is ship-shape and ready to sail by the end of the programme. Ellie Harrison is on the only island off the county's coastline, Havergate Island. It is an important site for the RSPB, as it is home to pairs of avocets - but Ellie is hoping to see spring hares boxing. Ellie also finds out about Suffolk landscape artist Gainsborough. Inspired by the Suffolk countryside, Ellie tries to re-create one of his most famous paintings - but how will a group of 10-year-olds measure up against the master? Tom Heap investigates whether there is a lack of enthusiasm when it comes to plants and getting green-fingered. Adam Henson is joined on his farm by pop superstar JB from boy-band JLS. JB has bought a plot of land which he is keen to farm, so seeks advice from Countryfile's resident farmer.

The Countryfile team heads to Calderdale in West Yorkshire. It is the most southerly of the Yorkshire dales and perhaps not as well known as its northern cousins, but what it lacks in fame it makes up for in beauty. Ellie Harrison follows in the footsteps of Whitely Turner, whose book A Springtime Saunter Round and About Bronte Land was first published 100 years ago. It takes in some of the most stunning landscapes of the area including the village of Haworth where the Bronte family lived. Ellie explores some of the landscapes which inspired the writer Ted Hughes. Ted was born in 1930 in Calderdale and it inspired much of his writing. Matt Baker looks at the food revolution which is happening in the area. Through a scheme called Incredible Edible, Todmorden hopes to be the first self-sustaining town in the country. Matt sees how they plan to achieve this by visiting one school where fish poo is the key. The area is home to the largest concentration of reservoirs in the country. They were built to support the mill industries during the Industrial Revolution, but what are they used for now the mills have closed? Helen Skelton finds out with a bit of wind-surfing and some springtime restoration work. Also on the programme, Britain's bees are disappearing fast and in the last few years a pesticide, vital to many farmers, has been getting the blame. Now Europe wants it banned. Tom Heap investigates if this is a sensible scientific move. On his farm, Adam Henson is really feeling the effects of the bad weather with crops impossible to sow into the hard ground. Adam also travels to North Wales though to see the devastating and heartbreaking effect the harsh weather has had on lambing there.

Ellie Harrison visits the historic Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire, which is hundreds of years old and has seen many kings and queens of England pass through its doors. Ellie finds out what it takes to be a tour guide at the castle; she has to learn her facts, as she is due to lead the final tour of the day. Ellie finds out about the history of the castle including how Henry VIII's widow, Katharine Parr, came to be buried in the church there. She also takes a tour of the gardens and meets garden designer Sir Roddy Llewellyn to find out what he has in store for the historic gardens. She meets some of the feathered residents who now live at the castle, from barn owls to snowy owls, and from eagle owls to a rare collection of pheasants. Throughout the programme, Ellie delves back into the Countryfile archives to dig out some of the best stories which showcase our country's rural architecture. Matt Baker explores the bastle houses of Northumberland, Julia Bradbury meets the resident of a Fog House on the Anglesey coast, and John Craven is with a harpist in the Mussenden Temple in Northern Ireland.

Countryfile is in Cambridgeshire. Ellie Harrison takes a sneak peak behind the scenes at Newmarket, the home of horse racing. She finds out what it takes to maintain the course and meets some of the jockeys of the future. In the north of the county, John Craven is on a literary journey in the village of Helpston. It was the home of one of our greatest countryside poets; John Clare wrote about the landscape around him. John Craven explores his countryside and discovers why Clare never received the critical acclaim of his contemporaries. But John Clare wasn't the only unsung hero to have called this place home; James Wong finds out about a little-known but crucially important Victorian naturalist - Rev Leonard Jenyns - who devoted his life's work to the flora and fauna of Cambridgeshire. For a lot of people, the British countryside is a playground; a beautiful landscape where we can satisfy our need for peace and relaxation or our hunger for adventure. Tom Heap investigates whether its popularity is in danger of ruining the natural world that we love. Down on Adam's farm, the fields are buzzing with new life, but some of the new arrivals need a helping hand.

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury are in the county of Hampshire. Matt explores the maritime history of the area by helping out on the largest and most powerful warship of her time, HMS Warrior. Julia is in Portsmouth where a story of an epic journey of naval heroism began with the unbelievable bravery of the Cockleshell heroes she also visits the only wasabi farm in the UK. Tom Heap investigates how, when it came to innovation in farming, Britain used to be a world leader. But with a global food shortage on the horizon, have we still got what it takes to meet the challenges of the future? Adam Henson is on the hunt for a new White Park bull for his farm in the Cotswolds - but can he afford the high asking price?

Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury head to the Thames Valley, on the doorstep of London but far away from the madding crowd. This picturesque countryside has at its heart the river that bears its name. Matt takes to the water with an Olympian to find out what makes Henley-on-Thames such a breeding ground for gold medal winning rowers. Meanwhile, Julia is at Burnham Beeches on the hunt for giant wood ants with an unusual defence mechanism which led to the discovery of formic acid. John Craven visits the Household Cavalry as they take part in an equine health survey launched by the charity Blue Cross. Elsewhere, Tom Heap is on the south west coast to find out why our seabirds are in decline; and down on the farm, Adam's Highland bull Eric is causing a bit of a stir.

Countryfile travels to Yorkshire and the Humber, a dynamic landscape where expansive skies take in views over its low-lying countryside and its dramatic coastline. Matt Baker is out on the Humber estuary. When the tide retreats it reveals a large expanse of saltmarsh and mudflats; beneath it, a banquet awaits the thousands of wading birds that flock here. But to make sure there is enough food for them, the marsh has to be managed. Matt finds out about a new project that has been set up which brings together farming and conservation. Also, he visits an agricultural college where the girls are giving the boys a run for their money when it comes to farming. It's not just the coastline that is a rich breeding ground for wildlife; Julia Bradbury discovers it can be found in the most unlikely of places. Leconfield is an MOD defence school for transport. It is here that military personnel learn how to drive combat vehicles; but away from the track, a small army of volunteers are doing their bit for nature. Julia joins them on a night-time operation looking for deer. Wildflowers were once a common sight in the British landscape, but in less than 70 years more than 95% of them have disappeared. Tom Heap finds out why. Down on the farm, Adam helps a friend buy a herd of Hereford cattle.

Countryfile is in the historic kingdom of Fife. Matt Baker explores Tentsmuir forest - a haven for wildlife where the artist in residence has set up a virtual trail so that any visitor is guaranteed to see badgers, otters and other animals which make their home in the forest. James Wong finds out all about the old fishing boat called a Skiff. Once used for fishing off the north Scottish islands, this sturdy rowing boat is now raced by local clubs up and down the coastline but how will James fair in a regatta? Helen Skelton is also in Fife, at Falkland Palace which was once the playground of royalty in the 16th century. Mary Queen of Scots would once have gone hunting and hawking there and the oldest surviving real tennis court is still seeing some action - not least when Helen takes on Mary in a singles match. Ellie Harrison is on the mut-flats off the Hampshire coast looking for native oysters and Little terns. Tom Heap is across the Irish sea investigating one of the most controversial issues in the countryside - culling badgers. The cull in England to reduce the spread to bovine TB may be new but in ireland they've been doing it for years. Tom looks at what the Irish experience can tell us about the best way to tackle this costly problem. Adam Henson meets a dog with a rare talent. Jess, the eight-year-old springer spaniel bottle feeds the lambs on her owners Devon farm.

The Countryfile team launch their annual photographic competition. The theme is 'Our Living Landscape', with the 12 best photographs making up the 2014 calendar, which will be sold in aid of Children in Need. Chris Packham and Jo Brand are on hand with some top tips, and John Craven has all the details on how to enter. The rest of the team are in the Teign Valley in Devon. Matt Baker is at Castle Drogo, the last castle to be built in England, which is about to undergo one of the National Trust's biggest ever restoration projects. John Craven finds out about a community farming scheme called Chagfood. Katie Knapman explores the river Teign and sees if a project to clean up the water is having any effect, and Helen Skelton explores the mystical and magical side of the area. It has inspired artists, musicians and film makers, but will it have any effect on Helen?

Ellie Harrison and Matt Baker head to North Wales where Ellie gets up close to a strange and wonderful coastal habitat, whilst Matt heads to Rhyl for the annual Woodfest - A celebration of wood working, forestry, and chainsaw carving! James Wong meets the woman who is mad about bluebells, and Tom reports on the deadly disease that is ravaging our native ash trees. Elsewhere, Adam is puzzled by how one of his white park cattle has given birth to a belted Galloway!

The Countryfile team are on the coastal flatlands of Kent. This beautiful but remote area is a haven for wildlife and a huge variety of flora and fauna. On Romney Marsh, Matt Baker finds out about the gangs of smugglers who once used the area to deal in alcohol, tobacco, guns - and even sheep! Julia Bradbury visits Scotney Castle and discovers something precious lurking in the waters of the old swimming pool. Tom Heap is in the north of England, asking if multi-million pound plans to bring super-fast broadband to more of the countryside are worth all the effort and expense. And on his farm, Adam Henson becomes one of the first to use a new vaccine which will protect his sheep against a deadly virus.

In this special edition of Countryfile John Craven visits the Lake District, England's biggest national park. He makes a journey by steam train, takes a ride on a steamer on Lake Windermere and finishes his journey on foot atop Orrest Head to catch one of the Lake District's most famous views. Whilst he journeys in style, John looks back at some of the best stories to have featured cars and boats and bikes on Countryfile. Like the time Julia took to two wheels for a hair-raising ride through Grizedale Forest. Or when Matt took to the water in the last Morecambe Bay prawn boat afloat. And John himself takes a trip back down memory lane as he returns to his teenage stomping ground at the Isle of Man TT races.

The Countryfile team explore the Cambrian Mountains, one of Wales' best-kept secrets, nestled between its more famous neighbours - Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Matt Baker takes to the saddle to help round up sheep on the hills and meets the farmers trying to put Welsh mountain lamb on the foodie map. John Craven discovers why writers and artists have taken inspiration from the landscape. He puts his painting skills to the test when he joins a local arts group. In the Elan Valley, Jules Hudson finds out about one of the largest Victorian engineering complexes in its day: a series of dams built to hold back Welsh water destined for the taps of Birmingham. Elsewhere, Julia is in Kent, putting her fears behind her to find out about a ground-breaking conservation project; and Adam gets a day off from the farm to visit a project where working horses have become more useful than a tractor. Tom Heap investigates claims that the illegal use of lead shot is leading to the unintentional deaths of wild animals.

Ellie Harrison and Adam Henson head for the Shetlands, the most northerly inhabited place in the UK. Ellie meets the islanders farming seaweed to eat, tries her hand at an ancient Viking version of chess and goes in search of one of the UK's rarest birds - the red necked phalarope. Adam gets up close to rare native Shetland cattle and sheep, then takes a twirl with a dancing pony. And Tom Heap reports on how a new approach to animal inspections is helping improve welfare on farms.

Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker head for Essex, where Julia tests her mettle walking one of the country's most dangerous footpaths. Matt joins the kids learning all about food by growing it themselves. Tom Heap looks at a new European agreement that will affect our farmers, our landscape and even our pockets. And Adam is at the Norfolk Show celebrating 40 years of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

Countryfile celebrates its silver jubilee by throwing a party in the form of a traditional country summer fayre. Adam's farm in the Cotswolds is a frenzy of activity; there are stalls, food, entertainment and bunting as far as the eye can see. Along with 250 lucky Countryfile viewers, Matt Baker, Julia Bradbury, John Craven, Ellie Harrison, Adam Henson and Tom Heap are there to get the party started in good old-fashioned style. Matt finds out about the importance of country fayres to rural communities, while Julia discovers what life is really like on Adam's farm when the cameras aren't rolling. John puts Matt and Julia's countryside knowledge to the test in a quiz, ably assisted by impressionist Jon Culshaw. He also reveals just how much money the Countryfile calendar has raised for Children in Need since it began - with a little help from Sir Terry Wogan. Over in the produce tent, tensions are high as members of the audience and the presenters take part in a grow it, bake it, preserve it competition. Matt and chef Nigel Slater are on hand to judge and award the rosettes. Ellie is out on a wildlife walk with local school children seeking out nature on our doorstep before putting the finishing touches to the schools environmental garden. Tom takes a look at a precious gift which has shaped our British landscape and which none of us could live without - water. It has been a running theme throughout all Countyfile's 25 years. And the finale - a challenge set by Adam - tests how well the Countryfile presenters fare geese herding.

Ellie Harrison and John Craven are in the beautiful Wye Valley on the border of England and south Wales. Ellie faces her fear as she scales a sheer rock pinnacle called the Longstone, before zipping along a wire high above the ground in a risky manoeuvre called a Tyrolean Traverse. John, meanwhile, is on safe ground, finding out about the daily lives of the monks of Tintern Abbey before turning his hand to making their favourite tipple - mead. Tom Heap investigates fracking, the controversial new method of extracting gas from the ground, and Adam looks at two contrasting approaches to dairy farming.

John Craven is in Northumberland on the trail of one of Britain's most enigmatic sea creatures; the white beaked dolphin. He joins wildlife cameraman Ben Burville as he attempts to get close enough to film them and then hooks up with the scientists looking to learn more about these little known animals. John also visits the site of a stunning Bronze Age burial mound where bones and artefacts are dropping out of the cliffs, and he meets a man with an unusual collection that can be seem from space. Tom Heap investigates the spread of GM technology from plants to animals and the recent good weather has been a blessing to Adam Henson whose fields have suddenly burst into life.

Julia Bradbury, John Craven and Jules Hudson are in south Oxfordshire where Julia explores the magical Wittenham Clumps and learns how they inspired one of our greatest landscape painters. John lends a hand down on a farm with a difference where people with learning difficulties are getting first hand experience of working on a real life farm. Jules meanwhile take a trip round the Oxfordshire lanes in a vintage Morris car and goes in search of the enigmatic Mr Morris. Tom Heap investigates the rise in rustling of livestock and Adam's doing a bit of wheeling and dealing selling a prized Cotswold ram to buy a top quality Gloucester old spot pig.

John Craven visits north Devon in search of the perfect bank holiday day out. But for him it is a working day out too. He visits Lynton where he lends a hand on the water-powered cliff railway, serves up cream teas at Watersmeet and puts on his pads and whites to go in to bat for Lynmouth and Lynton Cricket Club. During his day out, John looks back at some of the best days out that Countryfile has featured. There was the time Julia took to the hills as an Edwardian lady to hike in an old fashioned way, when Matt went looking for deer in the Scottish Highlands and found himself witnessing one of the rarest spectacles in nature, and the time Ellie braved the waves surfing for some winter sun.

Ellie Harrison and Matt Baker head for South Wales' Gower Peninsula. Ellie visits Swansea Docks to see how its once filthy waters are now so clean that mussels thrive there. And she finds out how little yellow fishes are helping people flush their waste water down the right pipes. Matt joins the divers pulling tonnes of waste a year out of the waters off the peninsular, before hitting dry land to hook up with the volunteers keeping its beaches pristine. Adam explores the threat to livestock from nuisance dogs, and John Craven reveals the final twelve photographs to make it into next year's Countryfile calendar.

Ellie Harrison and Matt Baker head for Staithes on the north Yorkshire coast. It is an old fishing village that has long been a magnet for artists. Matt meets the new breed of painters putting Staithes back on the art map, and even offers up his own contribution to the village's annual Arts and Heritage Festival. Up on the moors, Ellie discovers an ancient bee bole - the only one of its kind in the UK. Boles were places where bees would have been kept centuries ago. She also meets the family of bee keepers doing all they can to keep our native black bees alive. Back down in the village, Ellie has a close encounter with a feisty lobster and learns all about traditional Staithes bonnets. Tom Heap investigates solar power and asks why we are installing so many in farmers' fields when we have so many spare rooftops. Adam is busy harvesting his wheat, which he shows us is much more versatile than we think. And wildlife cameraman Richard Taylor Jones goes looking for kingfishers to film near his Kent home.

Ellie Harrison and Matt Baker are in Dorset for the Great Dorset Steam Fair. It is the biggest steam gathering in the UK, and Matt goes behind the scenes meeting the enthusiasts keeping the boilers stoked and wheels oiled. In an echo of Dorset's agricultural past Ellie spends time with a Romany gypsy family. They were once the main seasonal workforce, but now there are few left living the old life. She then meets the lady bringing a bit of tropical heat to Dorset's rural byways, before throwing down the gauntlet to Matt back at the Steam Fair. Julia looks at the efforts being made to help small furry animals cross one busy Kent road. Jules Hudson is in Wales' Elan Valley to find out the part played by its reservoirs in the Dambusters raids. And Adam looks at the threat to livestock from nuisance dogs.

Ellie Harrison and Matt Baker are in Devon, where Ellie gets to witness a very special homecoming. She meets Joey - the lifelike horse puppet that features in the successful stage play, War Horse. Joey has come to Iddelsleigh - the small village that inspired the story - and Ellie is there to greet him. Ellie then heads to North Devon to find out how beavers are being used to help manage the last of the region's rare culm grassland. Just a few miles away, Matt is deep in the woods at the start of a massive multi-million pound programme to regenerate some of the country's last tracts of pristine ancient woodland. Wildlife cameraman Richard Taylor Jones shows us the stars moving across the heavens with some amazing 'starlapse' photography. Tom Heap asks whether the number of domestic cats in the UK is posing a threat to our wildlife. And down on Adam's farm it may be harvest time, but there are still animals to be looked after. So Adam has a seasonal stock take.

Countryfile is in Shropshire. Its countryside is rich picking for some of Britain's finest homegrown foods. Matt Baker and Ellie Harrison head to the small market town of Ludlow for its annual food and drink festival. This place is up there with the best when it comes to all things local. Matt samples a few delights on offer at the festival, and he meets the farmer putting the county's native breed of sheep back on the culinary map. Meanwhile, Ellie finds out how rare breed pigs are giving our continental cousins a run for their money, and doing their bit for conservation too. Elsewhere, Tom Heap looks at the threat that non-native invasive species are posing to British plants and wildlife - and even to our own houses. But, as he discovers, some home-grown species also seem to be upsetting the delicate balance of flora and fauna in the countryside. And Adam is in Wales catching up with two sheep dog handlers representing Wales in this year's One Man and His Dog competition.

The team are in Abergavenny, a town famous for its markets and its food. Matt Baker is looking at the history and heritage of the old mining town of Blaenavon, seeing how the old spoil heaps have become rich habitat for a surprising number of creatures. The spoil heaps have also been made into a world-class BMX bike trail - Matt takes on some local young people in a time trial. He also sees how one old pit is now producing cheese rather than coal. Julia Bradbury is combining her love of food and art; she is at the Abergavenny Food Festival, where a group of artistically minded local people get together to make huge sculptures based on the food on show. Julia also explores the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal, and joins the team of volunteers restoring the waterway and bringing it back to life. Helen Skelton is in Scotland, meeting two of the contestants in this year's One Man and His Dog. John Craven heads to Essex to surprise the winner of this year's photographic competition - and to launch the Countryfile Calendar for 2014. Tom Heap is in Lincolnshire, investigating the criminal gangs behind widespread illegal hare coursing in the countryside.

In this special edition of Countryfile, John Craven is in Somerset where something strange is going on: a mast. Once every ten years or so, trees, shrubs and hedgerows all produce a super abundance of fruit. John finds out it is nature's way of compensating for bad seasons. He then heads for the hedgerows, where amongst the blackberries he finds the odd wild apple tree - the result of casually discarded apple cores. He starts picking and soon has enough to take along to a community apple pressing event, where he catches up with the original cider-drinking superstars, The Wurzels. During his Wild Harvest, John looks back at some of the best of all things autumnal to have featured on Countryfile. Like the time Matt hooked up with Antony Worrall Thompson to celebrate British sweet chestnuts. Or when Julia got a lesson in the science of autumn from BBC weatherman John Hammond. And the time Ellie went to Wales to discover the dark arts of mushroom growing.

John Craven visits the remote and strange landscape of Crummack Dale in the Yorkshire Dales. Here he learns about the Norber Erratics - giant boulders scattered after the last ice age, which have inspired painters, poets and dancers. And in a Countryfile exclusive he witnesses the first ever release of captive bred native crayfish anywhere in the UK. Ellie Harrison is in Kent, discovering the old industrial sites that are amongst the best nature reserves in the country. Tom Heap investigates whether our love of foraging is threatening the countryside. And Helen Skelton and Adam Henson meet more contestants taking part in this year's One Man and His Dog competition.

For the first time, Countryfile is home to the BBC's One Man and His Dog competition, showcasing the time-honoured skills and traditions of sheep dog trialling. The very best sheep dogs and their handlers from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales compete to become the 2013 champions. Matt Baker takes to the commentary box to take us through all the trialling action. Julia Bradbury finds out if the collie really is the brains in the operation, or if the simple sheep has been pulling the wool over our eyes. And Adam is in Bala in North Wales - the birthplace of sheep dog trialling - helping farmers bring down more than 900 Welsh mountain sheep from the hills.

The team are in the county of Hertfordshire. When Matt Baker and his family moved to the county 18 months ago, they took on an orchard of 16 apple trees along with their new house. Matt brings in the experts to learn how to look after his new orchard, and discovers what varieties of apples it might hold. Julia Bradbury is exploring the Hertfordshire countryside, which inspired the world-famous sculptor Henry Moore. His love of the landscape was evident in his work - especially his love of sheep, as Julia soon finds out. Ellie Harrison is also in Hertfordshire. looking at the wildlife hidden in its reservoirs. The dumping of rubbish on farmland is costing millions of pounds a year in clean-up costs - and damaging the environment. Tom Heap investigates the scale of the problem and finds out what is being done to stamp it out. Adam Henson is away from his farm and in Cornwall, helping to reintroduce sheep to the mystical ruins of Tintagel Castle - not an easy task, as he soon finds out.

On this week's programme, the team are in the wilds of Cannock Chase in Staffordshire. Julia Bradbury explores how with more than two million visitors a year coming on foot, mountain bike and horseback, volunteers are key to managing the landscape. She'll also be at the ancestral home of the Earl of Lichfield, Shugborough Hall, seeing how the local council manage a stately home. Matt Baker is celebrating the centenary of Staffordshire's county council farms. He joins in at milking time for first time farmers Giles and Emily and has a surprise for one farmer who first appeared on Countryfile as a teenager in 1995. As Countryfile marks Remembrance Sunday, Jules Hudson looks at the role Cannock Chase played as a training ground for troops. From the spread of Spanish slugs to disease resistant ash trees, Tom Heap is finding out why more and more organisations are using the public to gather and analyse huge amounts of information about the countryside. But can people power ever be as effective as the work of trained professionals? Adam Henson is in Ireland. This year the country has suffered its worst ever fodder crisis. Adam meets the man who thinks he's got the solution, he can grow fresh green fodder every day of the year - whatever the weather!

The team are in the coastal county of Suffolk. Julia Bradbury celebrates the centenary of the birth of one of our greatest composers, Benjamin Britten. He was inspired by many aspects of the Suffolk countryside, so Julia spends some time looking at one of his less well known operas, Curlew River. Matt Baker is with some of the county's best loved but rarest farm animals, the magnificent Suffolk Punch heavy horse. Ellie Harrison is also in Suffolk, meeting some alpacas on a farm where they are ultrasounding the pregnant mothers to be. Julia Bradbury is also looking for wildlife in an unlikely place, Sizewell B Nuclear Power Station. Tom Heap is in Scotland, finding out why hill farmers think they are going to get a raw deal in the future. Then he heads to Wales, where upland farmers are challenging the controversial view that they should no longer receive subsidies. Adam Henson is away from his Cotswold farm this week and is in Wales, where a young woman has won a competition to run a sheep farm in Snowdonia for a year - as Adam arrives, she is just taking in her first load of ewes.

Countryfile looks at the part the landscape has played in making scientific breakthroughs, and the way in which such breakthroughs have changed our understanding of the land we live in. John Craven heads to Wytham Woods, Oxford University's 'laboratory with leaves'. It is 70 years since Charles Elton first made scientific observations in these woods; John walks in his footsteps to find out how Elton's work still plays a part in shaping our ideas of the world, and meets the scientists carrying his work forward. John also looks back at the best of Countryfile's forays into the world of science, including Matt Baker's look at the pioneer of natural history; Gilbert White and Julia Bradbury's trip to the coast to uncover the story of the palaeontologist and fossil collector, Mary Anning; the time when Adam learned how Hollywood wizardry is helping scientists breed the perfect pig; and when Tom Heap found out how robotics could transform farming in the future.

The team is in the Peak District, where John Craven looks at the secrets this familiar landscape is hiding deep underground. There's the precious shining mineral called Blue John, of which a new seam has just been discovered, thanks to a family riddle. In 2014, part of the Tour de France cycle race route will take in the highs of the Peak District. Ellie Harrison tests out part of this challenging route with a seasoned cyclist. Along the way she finds out the history of a very special site where tanks were tested ahead of going to the front in World War II. Helen Skelton is also in the Peaks, in the village of Tideswell which is trying to persuade local people to buy their food from the village shops. She takes part in a local initiative which teaches people where their food comes from in the countryside, and also learns to shoot at targets and then cook up a delicious game pie. Over the last few decades more and more of the fish we eat has come from farms. Tom Heap is in Scotland to see fish farming for himself, discover the benefits and find out about the controversy that this relatively new form of farming has caused. Adam Henson is on Exmoor, helping out with the annual round-up of wild native ponies.

The Countryfile team are in Cheshire, where John Craven looks into the history of silk in the area. It all started with farmers making buttons for extra cash, and developed into an industry supporting 70 mills along the rivers. Helen Skelton is also in the county, meeting renowned fantasy author Alan Garner OBE. Cheshire born and bred, Alan's work has been inspired by the landscapes of the county. Jules Hudson is at Beeston Castle. On a clear day the stunning ruin looks out across nine counties. Jules looks into the history of the fortress and hunts out some of the wildlife species who live there. John Craven is also be at Jodrell Bank Observatory, seeing how telescopes in farmers' fields are leading the way in the technology we take for granted. Four years ago, the government announced plans for a national path around the whole of the English coastline. Tom Heap investigates why less than 1% of this project has been completed, and travels to Wales to discover why their own coastal path has been such a success. Adam Henson is on the Mendip Hills in Somerset on a family dairy farm with a difference. They produce 14,000 tonnes of cheese a year, and it is all run on 100% green energy.

Countryfile is in North Cornwall. Matt Baker visits a stately home with an interesting past. Prideaux Place has been in the same family for fourteen generations and once housed American soldiers during the Second World War as they prepared for the D-Day landings. Matt gets access to the 'American Wing' which has remained untouched since 1943. Prideaux Place is thought to have the oldest fallow deer park herd in the country. Matt helps catch one special buck that's got himself in a spot of bother. Meanwhile, Helen Skelton is finding out why artists, writers and poets flock to Cornwall for inspiration. She also gets on her bike to test out a new woodland trail where cycling and conservation are working hand in hand. And Adam's in Dorset meeting a young shepherd and his Christmas lambs that are taking centre stage in a nativity. Tom Heap learns about plans to expand British farming to make the most of the increasing global market for dairy products. He travels to Wales to meet a farmer who is increasing his herd of dairy cattle and believes this is an opportunity not to be missed. But, Tom also hears from those who can't afford to expand - as well as people concerned about the consequences of producing more milk.

The Countryfile team celebrate the festive season with a woodland Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire, lighting up a mile-long stretch of enchanted woodland with glitter balls, lasers, meteorite lights and bubbles full of smoke. Julia Bradbury acts as lighting apprentice for the day, learning from the experts how to create a magical festive display. Matt Baker learns about the history of the ancient woodland, and how the Forestry Commission keep the trees happy and healthy. John Craven is with the volunteers who run the hedgehog hospitals. They are overflowing at this time of year with juvenile hedgehogs who need fattening up before they go into hibernation. Tom Heap finds out how farmers capitalise on Christmas. Some sell Christmas trees and mistletoe, while others have reindeers for Christmas events. Adam Henson is on his farm settling his animals in for the Christmas period, with his father and his son lending a hand. He also visits his local agricultural college in Cirencester, seeing how the students there prepare for their break and tracking down the choir for a few carols. Ellie Harrison is with Michelin award-winning chef Tom Kerridge as they cook up something tasty with partridge and pears in the woodland. The whole team come together at the end of the programme for the big light switch on and some festive cheer.

Ellie Harrison explores the plight of some of our most endangered animals. From water voles to wildcats, Ellie finds out what is being done to bring them back from the brink. She looks at plans to reintroduce big cats like the lynx, and finds out more about the beavers and wild boar already at large in the British countryside. Ellie spends the day at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, where she helps get the water voles ready for their winter health check. She ventures into the lair of a wild wolf pack, and she gets up close to a wildcat kitten that has already had a fight for life. During her time at the sanctuary, Ellie looks back at some of the wildlife winners and losers that have featured on the programme in the past. These include Julia Bradbury's visit to the Yorkshire Dales to take perfect pictures of red squirrels in the snow, and Matt Baker's journey underground to see how old man-made caves are providing the perfect habitat for horseshoe bats. There is also another look at John Craven's visit to the Lakes to see for himself the final chapter in the 20-year reintroduction of red kites.