Countryfile’s brush with a very grubby mating ritual

BOSSES of TV’s Countryfile have been considering a feature on the issue of ‘dogging’.

Tom Heap, who presents the BBC rural affairs show, said its mantra was ‘nothing is off limits’ and a discussion of the problems caused by people having sex in public might soon be covered.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail about rumours that producers had vetoed the idea, the 52year-old said: ‘It is true that it was suggested but it is not true that it was vetoed by producers.

‘The reason we haven’t done it is – quite how serious is it and quite how would you tackle it for a seven o’clock audience?

‘We have done things that are challenging, we have done farmer depression and suicide. We have done the issues over halal slaughter, we’ve touched those issues and it is very good that we do.

‘The programme should reflect the beauty and joy and innocent happiness of the countryside but it should also reflect the serious issues out there. Even if people think “Oh God, Tom’s bit, that’s a bit depressing” – overall it gives an umbrella of reality to the show because people think it’s not just an advert.’

Viewers were shocked when the presenters used a number of innu- endos about dogging in a programme last September.

In a tribute to One Man and His Dog, presenter Anita Rani said: ‘Dick and his dogging could be tested to their limit.’

Despite Heap’s comments, a BBC spokesman said last night: ‘There are absolutely no plans to cover this topic on the programme.’

A few days ago it emerged that ‘dogging blocks’ had been installed in a national park to try to stop late-night sexual encounters.

Welsh Water, which owns Llwyn Onn Reservoir in the Brecon Beacons, has spent £50,000 blocking up car parks at the beauty spot.

Chris Davies, the area’s Tory MP, said: ‘ This is an issue not often discussed in the media or in wider society. I am appalled this sort of activity happens.’