A YEAR IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
We speak to our former editor Fergus Collins about his very special joint project with Countryfile legend John Craven
Your new book, created with John Craven, is fresh off the press. What’s in it?
It’s really an anthology of some of the best nature and countryside writing from the past 15 years. It was my happy job to go back through more than 200 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine and select the articles that together could form a month-by-month narrative of a year in the country. We have brilliant writers throughout, from Amy-Jane Beer and Dominic Couzens to Tim Dee and Sophie Pavelle. I’ve even sneaked a few of my own pieces in.
How did it feel to go back through the archive from your time as editor?
Having recently left the editorship of the magazine, it was really lovely to have the time to reflect on the brilliant work of my editorial team and the writers I have worked with. When you work to tight deadlines every month, you quickly forget everything you’ve done before. It was gratifying to see the wealth of good things we achieved – and to share some of them again.
Do you have a favourite part of the book?
It’s all good. John Craven writes the introductions to each monthly chapter and thereon you’ve a wealth of great writing – and beautiful photos to enjoy. That said, there’s a particularly nice piece on Hadrian’s Wall by the former editor of BBC Countryfile Magazine...
What was it like to work with John?
I got to know John well during my time as editor and we’ve become firm friends. I always enjoyed our calls to discuss his column, which you can still find in each issue of the magazine. He does his own research; people are often surprised to get phone calls from John Craven the journalist! The book was mostly John’s idea and I’m very grateful he asked me to collaborate with him.