1. Introduction
Aired: 3/12/2009
"The countryside is my home. I love the landscape, and share with the people who live and work there,
the endless fascination about what makes it tick. Countrywise is going to take me into every corner of
rural Britain. Who could turn down a job like that?"
This spring a new series for ITV1 showcases the fabric of Britain's rural and coastal life. Countrywise
dedicates 36 episodes to the riches which lie beyond Britain’s major cities. It is presented by journalist
turned farmer and sailor Paul Heiney.
Countrywise highlights exactly what makes our countryside tick. Combining items presented by Paul
with features drawn from ITV’s regions, the programme takes in the breadth of Britain's countryside,
from its crumbliest coastline and happiest valley, to its secret tunnels, rescued gardens and haunted
hills.
On his travels around rural Britain, Paul Heiney visits the only place in the UK to grow tea, learns the
inside story of Dover's white cliffs, and discovers the country's most bizarre beach huts.
In these credit-crunch times, a growing number are now turning their backs on foreign breaks and
Countrywise provides an invaluable reminder of what's here on our doorstep.
Through the stories of the guardians for our landscape, wildlife and traditions, Paul leaves no stone
unturned in his quest to uncover the secrets of Britain’s beautiful countryside.
(24 episodes in summer + 12 episodes in autumn.)