MORE MUST-SEES
From long-running classics to forgotten gems, the BBC is rich in rural shows. Here are some more of our favourites from over the years
Those marked iPlayer are available to view this month, and in many cases for longer
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL (1978–90)
Based on James Herriot’s memoir, a novice vet adjusts to life in 1930s Yorkshire Dales.
ANIMAL MAGIC (1962–83)
Presented by Johnny Morris, this children’s show featured voiceovers of animals at Bristol Zoo.
DETECTORISTS (2014–)
A low-key comedy about the mixed fortunes of a pair of metal detectorists.
FATHER BROWN (2013–)
Based on GK Chesteron’s novels, a crime-solving Catholic priest roams the Cotswolds.
FARMING TODAY (2010)
Radio 4’s daily broadcast on food and farming.
GREAT BRITISH RAILWAY JOURNEYS (2010–) Michael Portillo hops on hundreds of trains to capture the joy and history of rail.
LET’S GO FOR A WALK (2010)
CBeebies’ Ranger Hamza and the young
Ramblers explore their environment.
LIVING BRITAIN (1999)
Narrated by Samuel West, this six-part nature documentary examines UK wildlife over a year.
MISS MARPLE (1984–1992)
In these Agatha Christie tales, rural life is ripe with murder but Miss Marple is always on the case.
MONARCH OF THE GLEN (2000–2005) London restaurant owner Archie unexpectedly inherits a Highland estate in this TV drama.
MORTIMER AND WHITEHOUSE:
GONE FISHING (2018–)
Comedians Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse go on angling adventures around the UK, featuring lovely reflections on life.
NATURAL WORLD (1993–)
BBC Two’s flagship natural-history series. Includes H Is for Hawk: A New Chapter with Helen Macdonald (2017).
NATURE
BBC Radio 4’s series studies wildlife and environment around the world. Available on BBC Sounds.
ONE MAN AND HIS DOG (1976–) The annual competition to find the country’s best sheepdog.
OPEN COUNTRY (2009–)
This countryside show has more than 400 episodes on BBC Sounds.
REALLY WILD SHOW (1986–2006)
The much-loved children’s wildlife show that launched Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan.
CORNWALL WITH SIMON REEVE (2020) An insightful look at the fortunes of the honeypot county as it emerges from lockdown.
TALES FROM THE GREEN VALLEY (2005–13) Historians recreate farm life in the 1620s in this 12-part TV documentary. Its success saw it followed by Victorian Farm and Edwardian Farm.
TO THE MANOR BORN (1979–1981)
Penelope Keith and Peter Bowles star in this class sitcom set on a vast country estate.
WILD TRACK (1978–85)
The jaunty wildlife TV series, presented by Su Ingle, Michael Jordan and Tony Soper.
WEATHER MAN WALKING (2011–)
Now on its 12th series, weatherman Derek Brockway goes a-walking in Wales.
WORZEL GUMMIDGE (2019)
Mackenzie Crook’s take on the magic scarecrow is a much-loved Christmas cracker.