MATT BAKER
THE COUNTRYFILE PRESENTER GOES BEHIND THE SCENES ON HIS SHOWS AND FAMILY FARM HOME IS WHERE I FIND A FEELING OF PEACE
Finding peaceful times in our busy lives.
I’ve been to many peaceful places in my time. In fact, I’ve done a whole TV series on the very concept, exploring how everybody’s idea of peacefulness differs. For me though, as many of you will know, there’s no place like home, back on the farm in Durham. Even though there’s always so much to do, with a job list as long as your arm, it’s my most peaceful place in Britain.
Maybe it’s because it’s so familiar or the fact I don’t have time to think about anything else but the very necessary job I’m doing at the time. It also helps that the views are stunning! A world away from a television studio off Oxford Street.
As I write this, we are nearing the end of winter, watching the hedgerows for that fine green haze that surrounds them, practically overnight, as the first signs of green buds appear. The blackthorn being the first to break and give a welcome greeting along both sides of the not-so-peaceful driving experience down the potholed farm track, signalling the end of another long winter.
April is almost here, when the swallows will return to the same nesting places they come back to year on year. Once they’re back, the peace and tranquillity will be peppered with their chatter as they zip around above the farmhouse. One pair insists on nesting directly above a doorway through to the old courtyard. No prizes for guessing the extra surprises that drop your way as you try and get through without being hit!
Last spring saw a notable decline in swallow numbers, not just on our farm but across the country. Experts put it down to tough weather conditions during their migration, both in the previous autumn and then on their return. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for them this year.
BREATHE IN THE GREEN
Lambing time is busy, bustling and very noisy. Despite this, there’s always a quiet time in the lambing shed just after every animal has been fed and watered – it’s like no other peace and calm you’ll ever witness.
In general, my life is rarely peaceful, with my TV work, family and animals. Having somewhere tranquil to be is a must for anyone and the feeling of that place stays with you when you need it. Our farm is at its best in the spring and summer, when everything is abundant. My Mum always says to us on spring and summer days: “Breathe in the green to keep you going through the long dark days of winter.” Take a deep breath – summer is just around the corner.
Watch Matt on Countryfile on Sunday nights at 6.30pm on BBC One.
“Once the swallows return, the peace will be peppered with their chatter”