The Island will be seen by up to eight million TV viewers when it features on BBC1 TV programme Countryfile this Sunday (22nd March).
Presenter Adam Henson and a crew spent two days filming on the Island this month for the episode, entitled ‘All Creatures Great and Small’.
Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said it was a pleasure to welcome Countryfile and the programme would gain the Island valuable publicity.
‘Countryfile is such as well-known and respected programme and is essential viewing for many people, including me, on a Sunday evening,’ said the Minister.
‘I am pleased the programme-makers covered such a wide range of topics, showing off our wonderful landscape, wildlife and expertise.’
The programme includes a segment on naturalist Edward Forbes, who was born in Douglas 200 years ago – an anniversary that inspired the recent Bicentenary Marine Science and Conservation Conference at the Manx Museum.
Presenter Adam talks about Forbes’ life and achievements with Professor Trevor Norton, a former director of the Marine Biological Station. He joins Dawn Dickens, Manx Wildlife Trust Education Officer, and the WATCH Rangers, rock pooling at Port Mooar for the sorts of molluscs and starfish Forbes would have observed, illustrated and written about.
Adam visits Ramsey Grammar School to find out more about its farm and how agriculture has become an integral part of the curriculum. He speaks to course leader Marion Cottier and meets students involved in looking after pigs, sheep and poultry, taking a closer look at the Manx Loaghtan sheep.
Finally Adam meets Duncan Bridges, Director of the Manx Wildlife Trust, to find out more about the feral wallaby population found in the Curraghs and learn why they are thriving, so far from their native environment.
As well as the new footage from the Isle of Man, Sunday’s programme will also feature a compilation of other items aired in the last year.
