43. 20th Anniversary Edition
Aired: 7/27/2008
20th anniversary show
This week Countryfile celebrates its 20th anniversary. Since 1988 the programme has been reporting on the people, places and stories making news in the British countryside.
Swaledale
The first ever Countryfile was filmed in Swaledale in North Yorkshire. The sweeping river valley is carved out by the River Swale, but access to the river is an ongoing issue. John Craven heads to Keld on the river bank to revisit a story which Countryfile reported on two decades ago. Many canoeists think they should have access to rivers just like ramblers do in the countryside, however, anglers are concerned that their private, and often paid for, retreats will be overwhelmed.
John also explores an institution which the show has become famous for - the BBC weather forecast. Weatherman Bill Giles, who presented the first ever Countryfile weather forecast, takes a trip down memory lane.
John gets a surprise when he comes face to face with his dead ringer. Impressionist Jon Culshaw dons the famous red jacket, Wellington boots and glasses for their first meeting.