10 QUESTIONS WITH…

Countryfile presenter Margherita Taylor

The Countryfile presenter on stag beetles, brass bands and working with John Craven 1 We’re used to seeing you striding through fields in your wellies. Have you always been a country bumpkin?

Not at all! I grew up on the edge of Croydon.

It was a surprisingly green upbringing, though. In one direction was the city but, in the other, the rolling Surrey Hills. The local woodland was my playground – I’d be outdoors for hours and get home just in time for tea. On my walk to school, I’d pass farm and grazing land, so even as a child I appreciated the countryside.

How did you end up on television?

There were three potential careers swirling in my head when I was growing up: broadcasting, flying planes and politics. I opted for a media degree. Then I won a radio presenting competition, which launched my career. I presented T4 and Top of the Pops, before joining Countryfile in 2016.

What was your first assignment for Countryfile?

My first segment was about stag beetles, which spend most of their lives underground as larvae, emerging for a few weeks to reproduce. Since then, so many people have asked me about them. Stag beetles seem to have a real fan club – I’ve had a soft spot for them ever since.

What’s it like working with the legendary John Craven? Before you meet him, everyone tells you he’s amazing – and it’s true! I grew up watching him on TV, so working with him is such an honour. He’s just as kind as he seems on screen. It’s incredible to follow up on stories he started decades ago, like re-introducing red kites to England. All the presenters are lovely. It’s always fun working with Matt Baker. He loves to paint and recently gave me a sneak peek at some of his new artwork.

You must meet some great characters. Do any stand out?

I’ve met some wonderful people over the years. One occasion was riding on the Blaenau Ffestiniog railway with a charity that connects those living with dementia and their carers with nature. It was a very special day out. I also adored meeting the Lydbrook Brass Band in the Forest of Dean. They played the Countryfile soundtrack in a quarry. It was a wonderful sight – all in their finest uniforms, plus wellies and hard hats because of the rain.

6 You’re also a Classic FM presenter. Do your worlds ever collide?

Yes, all the time. I love to play pieces about the British countryside on the radio, like A Downland Suite by John lreland, inspired by his love of the Sussex Downs, or Orford Ness, part of Suffolk Suite by film composer Doreen Carwithen. Then there’s contemporary composer Tamara Konstantin. Her album Reverie really captures the beauty of Dorset: Chesil Beach is one of my favourites. Travelling across the UK helps me understand why so much music has been written about this place. Music and nature act as balms for me – and never more so than during difficult times.

How was lockdown for you?

I was lucky as I could continue working. We presenters filmed closer to home, so talked about our own corners of the world. It was great to share Hampstead Heath and Regent’s Canal with five million viewers.

Now you’re back on the road, what’s a typical day at the ‘office’? One of the joys of filming Countryfile is that no two days are the same. I could be talking to a basket-weaving expert one day and learning about a cheese store in a slate cavern the next. Even torrential rain or howling wind won’t stop us filming. Days are full on, so I’ll take a flask of soup to keep me going.

And at the weekend?

On Sunday, radio, good coffee and the papers are my ritual. Then, it’s a morning walk before heading to the Smooth Radio studio for my afternoon show. In the past 18 months, I’ve learnt to treasure my walks more, even just to the local park. At this time of year, I adore that final burst of colour before everything cosies up for winter. Occasionally, I’ll sneak a weekend away in the Lake District. I’ve had some good times camping near Buttermere. We usually arrive late and have to put up a tent in the dark (never a smart move!), but it’s worth it to wake up to those views.

Ever tempted to up sticks to the country?

All the time! When I’m filming Escape to the Country, I fall in love with each area I visit. I always want to buy at least one of the houses. There are times I think, ‘If you’re not going to take this one, I wish I could!’ One day, I’ll end up doing it.

“Even torrential rain or howling wind won’t stop us filming. I’ll take a flask of soup to keep me going”