Craving the great British countryside
Broadcasting legend John Craven shares his passion for forest bathing and the natural world
He became a familiar face on 1970s children’s current affairs show John Craven’s Newsround, and has spent more than 30 years on Countryfile. Here, the presenter reveals his love of wandering in woodlands and talks about an unfortunate encounter with a runaway ox.
What is it about the British countryside that keeps you going back for more?
It’s the best place on Earth.
I’ve travelled to more than 80 countries but I’m always happy to be back in our glorious landscapes.
Where else in the world do you love to see wildlife?
It has to be the Galápagos Islands. I saw marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and giant tortoises. Penguins even swam beneath me as I snorkelled.
Have you ever been tempted to try forest bathing?
I’ve done it for years! It’s a simple way of relaxing among the trees to improve wellbeing. I love to wander slowly into the heart of a wood, put life’s demands to one side for a while and spend time quietly taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
Tell us about your funniest mishap while filming
Countryfile.
I was trying to lead a huge ox across a field when it suddenly lunged forward, dragging me with it. Luckily, it belonged to Adam Henson, Countryfile’s farming expert, and he was on hand to bring it under control and save me.
Prince Charles guest-edited in 2013. What surprising things did you discover about him?
Countryfile
One of his pastimes is hedge laying. He’s a dab hand at wielding billhooks and axes. The jacket he wears when tackling prickly hedges seems to have more patches than original cloth – proof of how sharp those
branches can be.
Do you think he and Prince William can encourage positive environmental
change?
We know how concerned they both are about the environment and they do encourage us to act. I like to think the monarchy will be at the forefront of the move towards a planet-friendly future.
What can we learn from the natural world?
If we take care of it, it will take care of us. Humans have been abusing the natural world for too long and now we’re paying the price. But it’s not too late – if we heed the warnings.
You have spoken of your hearing loss...
Sounds such as birdsong, rustling leaves and crashing waves were becoming increasingly muffled. I got hearing aids 15 years ago and again appreciated nature, in all its senses. Recently, my Specsavers’ audiologist gave me more powerful “extra ears”, which even tackle sounds I don’t want to hear! There’s no shame in admitting your hearing isn’t as good as it was. It happens to about 11 million of us in the UK.