Andrew is at the Gower Heritage Centre making cider the old fashioned way. He’ll also be telling us what makes the area so special to him. Ruth’s also on Gower as she begins her journey of the Wales Coast Path. She walks from Mewslade to Rhossili, a circular route of about 3 miles. For more information about the route itself or for public transport and parking click here. Remember to check the weather before you set off, stay away from cliff edges, and make sure you supervise children and dogs. There's more helpful tips and advice on The Countryside Code website. Nicky is trying out the zip line at Zipworld in Gwynedd. Tickets start at £50 for adults and £15 for children. If you're not in the North, you can find other Zip Wires and similar outdoor activities on the Visit Wales website. Carl is at Denbigh Castle with the first instalment of the History Chef. If you want to have a go at the recipe you'll need: 1 large sewin or sea trout 1 bunch of fresh dill A pinch of salt A handful of blackberries Chestnuts & hazelnuts Cooking time is approximately 10 minutes.
Andrew is in Merthyr Tydfil at the new mountain biking centre 'Bike Park Wales.' He meets the brains behind the project and takes to the trails himself. The park is open from 9am till 5pm during the Winter, and day passes for the uplift service start at £30. Hannah joins us from Tenby in Pembrokeshire. She speaks to the man behind plans to transform St. Catherine's Island into a tourist attraction. Just 100 metres off the coast, it's been closed to the public for the past thirty years. For more information on the plans visit their website. Carl joins History Chef Ceri at Tretower Court and Castle in Crickhowell. He finds out about the varied history of the site, from it's time as a grand country house, through to it's restoration. If you want to have a go at tonight's recipe, you'll need: Plain Flour Water (but we're using milk and butter to make the biscuits a little softer) A little salt - (not used in the past) We served our biscuits with an Apple and Pear marmalade. Last but not least, Ruth continues her journey along the Wales Coastal Path, this time stopping off in Pembrokeshire. She meets Marten Lewis from The Darwin Experience, a charity aiming to encourage more young people to take an interest in science. She visits Porthclais and St. Brides Haven.
Andrew learns the art of winemaking. He joins a herd of volunteers to harvest grapes at Llanerch Vineyard in the Vale of Glamorgan, and follows the journey from grape to glass. For more details on the vineyard and news about next year's harvest visit their website. Carl re-lives the Roman Age at the Amphitheatre in Caerleon near Newport. With History Chef Ceri he cooks up some Roman cheesecake and gets a taste of what it might have been like to watch real gladiators in action. If you want to have a go at tonight's recipe you'll need: 3 Eggs 8 oz Ricotta cheese 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp grated orange zest 1 tsp lemon juice 15 bay leaves Method: Place bay leaves in tin, beat eggs together and mix in the cheese, honey, lemon and orange zest. Next, sprinkle in flour, and pour the batter over the bay leaves. Bake for around 40 minutes until brown and enjoy. As ever, you can watch Ceri for more tips on the method. Also in the programme, Ruth is continuing her journey along the Wales Coast Path, between Abereiddy and Porthgain, a walk of about 2 miles. If you only fancy a short walk, why not try the walk between Abereiddy and the Blue Lagoon -it's suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Andrew is tree hunting with Rob McBride, a self proclaimed 'Tree Hunter'. Rob, and members of the public, are searching Wales for the largest Oak they can find as well as other ancient trees, which will then be recorded on a database by The Woodland Trust. If you think you have one in your back garden to add to the list, then head to their website. Andrew is also lending a hand planting new trees, using 'Pollinator Packs' from The Woodland Trust. Click here for more information on the different types of packs available. Hannah Thomas is in Penclawdd near Swansea, weighing up the pros and cons of farmers markets. She compares them to shopping in supermarkets and finds out whether they really are worth it. If you want to find your local market, click here for a Wales directory. Also in this episode, Ruth goes on a dolphin watching boat trip in New Quay, Ceredigion. She learns about the background of the dolphins from skipper Steve Hartley, who works at the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre. The Boat trips currently between April and late October. Please check their website for updated details.
Andrew Price travels to Monmouth to meet Kate Mobbs-Morgan and her working horses. Andrew finds out more about the traditional methods of working with the Ardenne horses. Carl Edwards visits the Bodnant Estate in the Conwy Valley. He takes a tour around the grounds with Estate Manager Stephen Dixon and visits the new National Beekeeping visitors' centre. Nicola Hendy goes in search of signs of spring with ecologist Laura Plenty along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal.
Andrew Price travels North to Nantmor to visit a family run business specialising in growing mushrooms. Ruth Wignall and her family begin their mission to find some of the best days out in Wales and Nicola Hendy continues her quest to find signs of spring.
Andrew Price travels to Waterfall Country. He finds out more about the industrial heritage of the area and taking a look at the natural beauty of the waterfalls and wildlife. Carl Edwards is in Denbighshire visiting the Rhug Estate and meets owner Lord Newborough. Carl also gets busy in the butchery and has a go at clay pigeon shooting. Nicola Hendy heads to the North Wales coastline in Aberdyfi. She meets kite buggying champion Karen Cartlidge before learning to kite buggy in tricky conditions.
Andrew Price visits Carreg Cennen Castle and Farm in Carmarthenshire, voted one of the top ten must see castles in Europe. Ruth Wignall and her family attempt the muddiest assault course in Wales and Hannah Thomas finds out how the lambing season is progressing.
Andrew Price travels to North Wales and discovers all about the brewing process at the Purple Moose Brewery. Hannah Thomas is at the National Plant Phenomics Centre and Ruth Wignall and her family witness a Red Kite feeding frenzy during a trip to the Brecon Beacons.
Andrew Price is cycling the Mawddach Trail. Nicola Hendy is looking at the plight of the red squirrel in Mid Wales and the efforts to revive their fortunes. Carl Edwards is at Glanusk Estate where he meets Harry Legge-Bourke to find out more about its history.
Andrew meets ospreys Monty and Glesni at Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve and takes a tour around the new 360 observatory. Hannah visits a farmer who has been using Glastir, a Welsh Government Scheme that offers farmers subsidies in exchange for completing work that benefits the environment. Nicola discovers all about the pioneering work done by the Glyncorrwg Ponds Co-operative. She also meets Welsh Youth Fly Fishing Champions Grant Davies and Lewis Rumble and has a go at fly fishing herself.
Andrew meets Jonathan from The Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company and they forage along Freshwater West Beach. Ruth and her family visit Llandudno. They go skiing and sno-tubing and take a ride on the Great Orme Tramway. Nicola investigates wildfires in the Rhondda Valleys and plans to curb their devastating impacts in the future.
Andrew travels to the Royal Welsh feature county of Radnorshire. He visits the National Cycle Collection in Llandrindod Wells, meets landscape historian Stewart Fry and tries his hand at dry stone walling! Ruth meets two inspirational female farmers, including this year’s Royal Welsh Lady president Rhian Duggan. Nicky visits the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh to meet Welsh Judge Tim Pritchard and the Tibbey family from Bala, competing with their Welsh ponies.
In this episode: Hannah brings us all the action from the Hill Radnor sheep competition and Ruth is looking at the best of the Welsh food produce at the show and Andrew visits the forestry section. The Llyndy Isaf scholarship is a partnership between National Trust Eryri and Wales YFC, which awards a YFC member the unique opportunity to become a farm manager for the year. Carl was at the winner’s announcement and chats to this year’s recipient. Finally, Andrew and Nicky go head to head in an epic Royal Welsh challenge.
The Coast & Country team bring you all the highlights from across the show ground at this year's Royal Welsh Show.
Andrew visits Skokholm Island, where he learns about the wildlife and history of this fascinating island. Hannah Thomas is in Swansea Bay investigating proposals to build a tidal lagoon. The £800 million project could provide electricity for thousands of homes, but is it right for the local environment? And Ruth Wignall meets a farmer concerned about the price he gets for his cattle, versus how much we're paying for our beef.
Carl Edwards begins his tour of the canals of Wales, starting on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.Carl learns how to drive a narrowboat on the stretch between Pencelli and Llangynidr. Andrew continues his visit to the fascinating Island of Skokholm. He hears how the island's buildings were saved by a group of determined volunteers from the Friends of Skokholm and Skomer society. Wardens and sea bird experts, Richard Brown and Giselle Eagle, take Andrew on a tour of the island's wildlife.
In this episode of Coast & Country Andrew Price visits Flat Holm island off the Cardiff coast, Carl Edwards is on the Montgomery canal with his dog Teggy and Ruth Wignall is at the Welsh National Sheep Dog Trials near Oswestry.
Andrew concludes his tour of Welsh Islands with a visit to Bardsey Island, known for its spiritual past and ancient history. Carl’s final canal adventure sees him pay a visit to Llangollen Canal and Nicky is in Pembrokeshire at the Seafair Haven Festival in Milford Haven and takes to the sea onboard the Earl of Pembroke tall ship.
In this episode (last of the summer series): Andrew is in Cardigan getting to grips with Seine net fishing, a traditional way of fishing. He also goes foraging with local wild food expert Jade Mellor, and cooks on Poppit Sands beach just over the border in Pembrokeshire. Ruth visits a Blaenavon Cheddar company to prepare their Pwll Mawr cheese. And this week we also have a guest presenter - Rob Shelley learns about the history of steam trains near Porthmadog
Andrew takes a look back at the winter storms of 2013/2014 that caused widespread damage across Wales and visits Aberystwyth and Pembrokeshire. Carl is testing out a new meditation technique that’s made its way across the pond from the celebrities of America, to North Wales. Nicola joins Cardiff Bat Group as they complete some trapping and monitoring in the city and attempt to track down the rare Nathusius Pipistrelle bat.
Andrew travels to Pandy near Monmouth to help 'Master Farrier' Nigel Brown with his work. After working up an appetite Andrew meets with Head Chef Simon King from Restaurant 1861 near Abergavenny to collect local wild ingredients before cooking up a tasty dish from their foraged finds. Ruth delves inside a fascinating historical house with essences of Downton Abbey, the beautiful Erddig Hall near Wrexham, where the servants lives were recorded in poems and paintings. Also tonight, Hannah Thomas looks at both sides of the argument regarding controversial plans to build a relief road south of the current M4.
Andrew Price explores Roman and Victorian gold mines in Carmarthenshire, Ruth Wignall is on Anglesey to delve behind the restoration of Wales’ only working windmill while Carl Edwards wings his way to Pembrokeshire to meet some beautiful birds of prey in the grounds of a 13th century castle. If you'd like more information regarding Dolaucothi Gold Mines and their re-opening dates please visit their website here: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dolaucothi-gold-mines During the programme Carl Edwards spent a day with Pembrokeshire Falconry. The hawk walk took place at Picton Castle and you can find out more regarding the castle and its grounds here www.pictoncastle.co.uk
Andrew Price is in north Wales discovering how an underground power station helps to keep the lights on across the UK. Ruth Wignall looks at a major revamp that’s taking place at the National History Museum of Wales on the outskirts of Cardiff and Nicola Hendy goes on a treasure hunt with a difference in Pembrokeshire.
Andrew Price joins South Wales Caving Club to venture into the deepest cave in the UK. He squeezes through some gaps in the rock and crawls through tunnels on his journey through Ogof Ffynnon Ddu in the Swansea Valley. For more information on caving you can visit the British Caving Associations website at trycaving.org.uk while further information on the South Wales Caving Club can be found at www.swcc.org.uk For many farmers, working the land is in their blood, its traditionally been a job passed down from generation to generation. But what happens when family members no longer want to run the family farm? Hannah Thomas visits a 150-year-old family farm near Oswestry to explore an innovative way of attracting a new generation of farmers into the industry. Also on the programme Nicola Hendy investigates the effects of a killer disease that has wiped out many of Wales' Larch trees. Phytophthora ramorum has led to the felling of nearly 2 million trees since it was first spotted in Wales in 2010. Nicky finds out exactly what the disease is and what makes it so deadly. She visits Cwmcarn Forest, who will be felling around 150,000 diseased trees over the next few years. She also visits nearby Wentwood Forest, Wales' largest remaining ancient woodland, which suffered greatly from the disease in 2013 but is now on the road to recovery
On this week's programme Andrew Price faces a winter mountain challenge. He's in the Snowdonia National Park with mountaineering instructor Dave Rudkin from The National Mountain Sports Centre. Dave puts Andrew through his paces on the mountain with handy hints and tips regarding map reading through to spotting the signs of hypothermia.
Andrew Price is on Gower finding out how to grow the perfect Christmas tree and feeds one of the largest reindeer herds in Wales. Carl Edwards explores a magical mansion with a Christmas tree in all 52 rooms while Hannah Thomas is at a turkey farm run by three generations of the same family gearing up for an important festive period.
Andrew Price is in the Vale of Glamorgan embarking on a fascinating walk from Monknash to Nash Point. Ruth Wignall travels to Amlwch in an attempt to spot harbour porpoise off the northern coast of Anglesey, while Nicola Hendy learns how to take the perfect picture with landscape photographer Neil Mansfield in the Brecon Beacons.
Andrew Price sets off on a walk from Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire and discovers how its beaches were used for D-Day training exercises. Ruth Wignall is in Flintshire tracking down some feathered winter visitors and Hannah Thomas meet a farming couple from Carmarthenshire hoping for a successful lambing season.
Andrew Price visits Wales’ first pub with its very own post office, The Bluebell Inn, Halkyn and embarks on a four-mile walk taking in Halkyn Mountain Common. Hannah Thomas visits a new saltmarsh being created on the northern edge of the Gower Peninsula – the first of its kind in Wales. And Ruth Wignall discovers more about the conservation work being carried out to attract the beautiful Lapwing at Parc Slip Nature Reserve.
Andrew explores a town steeped in history, from the story behind the creation of the Welsh national anthem to a regiment who fought on the Eastern Front of the First World War. Ruth travels to Anglesey on a quest to discover more about standing stones and Hannah Thomas is in Carmarthenshire, finding out what is happening at the National Botanic Garden of Wales 15 years after it first opened its doors.
Andrew visits Llandrindod Wells and discovers it’s origins as a spa town, where Victorians came to ‘take the waters’, for their purported health benefits. In North Wales, Rob Shelley visits the world famous Bodnant Garden. Nicola Hendy experiences a day in the life of dairy farmer Abi Reader, and with 180 cows to milk it’s an early start on the Vale Of Glamorgan farm.
Andrew is exploring the land surrounding the picturesque town of Chepstow. He embarks on a three and a half mile ramble accompanied by local walk leader Phil Mundell, which takes them along the cliff tops over looking the River Wye and finishes with spectacular views of Chepstow Castle. He discovers how the town’s iconic racecourse was put to use during the Second World War and uncovers the history behind some historic parkland, including a walk that was designed to excite and inspire18th century visitors. Hannah Thomas takes a look at the impact of Young Farmers Clubs on our rural communities and on Anglesey Ruth Wignall delves into the history of Beaumaris Courthouse & Gaol.
Nicola Hendy takes a ride on the biggest underground zip line in the world and Andrew shares his top tips on the holy trinity of surviving in the great outdoors.
Andrew goes in search of hidden treasure in Swansea and Carl Edwards looks at the past of Barry Island and discovers more about the plans for its future.
Andrew is in the seaside town of Llandudno finding out just what drew so many famous performers to the town in its heyday. He also meets the Codman family who first began performing Punch and Judy shows in the town over 156 years ago and have been entertaining generations of youngsters ever since. Andrew also goes underground exploring the spectacular Great Orme Copper mines and attempts the traditional art of copper smelting. With the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Home Guard this month, Hannah Thomas is in Carmarthenshire witnessing an exclusive reconstruction of Home Guard training exercises. Hannah visits the Tin Shed Experience, which has an extensive collection of 1940s memorabilia and meets 86-year-old Arthur Roberts, who recalls his memories of the Home Guard after signing up to join when he was just 15.
Andrew is in the picturesque town of Llandovery where he learns all about the ancient skill of hedge laying. He also discovers how vital hedgerows are to our wildlife and takes a closer look at the town’s droving history. Nicola Hendy visits one of Wales' largest Strawberry farms, a place which just two years ago became the first site in Wales to send their berries to the supermarket giants Tesco. They now they produce around a million punnets every year.
In this episode Andrew visits the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay. Carl Edwards has a crash course in wildlife photography and Hannah Thomas meets farmers living along the Welsh border and learns more about the unique challenges they face.
Andrew Price begins his epic kayak journey along the lengths of the River Cleddau in west Wales.
Andrew tries his hand at the centuries-old tradition of compass net fishing as he continues his travels along the River Cleddau. And Hannah's in the Ogmore Valley, where she meets shepherdess Katie-Rose Pugh and her border collie Scott.
Andrew Price explores an abandoned quarry on the banks of the river Cleddau that is now flourishing with wildlife while Rob Shelley looks at a project to protect freshwater pearl mussels in north Wales.
Andrew Price heads towards Pembroke Dock in his kayak and hears the story behind the collapse of the Cleddau Bridge during the 1970s, before going in search of a sunken flying boat with a team of local volunteers.
Andrew Price visits Milford Haven in his kayak, to go behind the scenes at Wales’ biggest port and Ruth Wignall's getting a taste for salt marsh lamb on the Gower Peninsula.
Andrew Price visits an ancient rainforest in North Wales where experts have discovered a celtic rainforest dating back 9,000 years and Hannah Thomas goes horse racing at the last Point-to-Point meet of the season.
In this episode of Coast & Country Andrew Price explores the wildlife and history of Gwent while Hannah Thomas meets the Chief Executive of the Royal Welsh Show. In Treorchy, South Wales, Ruth Wignall discovers what it takes to grow prize winning flowers.
Join Andrew Price and the team for highlights from the first few days of the Royal Welsh Show 2015. Andrew visits the forestry section of the showground, and Ruth Wignall meets a competitor and judge in the horticulture pavilion, while Hannah heads to the Highland Cattle ring. Nicola Hendy joins one young chicken breeder hoping to wing his way to success and Carl discovers what keeps the young farmers entertained at the young people’s village.
Join Coast & Country for more highlights from this years Royal Welsh Show. Andrew brings us the best from the sheep shearing competition while Ruth takes a look at the Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch display team. Carl meets a young pig handler competing at the show for the first time, Hannah takes a look at what it takes to be a judge at the show, and there's a tricky challenge to for Andrew and Nicky as they take on the quack pack.
In the first of two programmes Andrew Price takes a look back at some of the more memorable moments of Coast & Country so far. Andrew visits Flat Holm island off the coast of south Wales, while Ruth’s on the trail of some shy porpoises off the north Wales coast. Carl pootles along the tranquil waters of the Montgomery Canal, and Rob Shelley builds up a head of steam in Porthmadog. In Carmarthen Hannah looks into the formation of the Home Guard while Nicky takes to the high seas in a tall ship.
In this episode we take a second look back through the Coast & Country archives. Ruth visits Llynnon Mill, Anglesey's only working windmill, and Carl swoops into Pembrokeshire to meet some birds of prey. Nicky takes a crash course in landscape photography while in Carmarthenshire Hannah explores the colourful Aberglasney gardens. Andrew starts the programme with Welsh mountaineering legend Eric Jones, as they tackle a rock face together in the Llanberis Pass, north Wales.
In this episode of Coast & Country Andrew Price explores Monmouthshire and steps back in time to discover how Welsh bowmen played a part in one of the most significant battles in Britain’s history, the battle of Agincourt. Ruth Wignall discovers what it's like to open your garden up to the public as part of the National Gardens Scheme and Carl Edwards takes a trip back in time on the Balmoral cruise ship in the Bristol channel. Further information on the events held to commemorate the battle of Agincourt can be found here www.agincourt600wales.com For more information about the National Garden Scheme and for a list of open gardens visit their website at www.ngs.org.uk. A sailing timetable and ticket information for MV Balmoral sailings across Wales can be found here www.whitefunnel.co.uk
In this episode of Coast & Country Andrew Price discovers more about the Welsh coastline and in particular the Wales Coast Path. He goes rock climbing at the stunning Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula, and helps to repair the footpath near Strumble Head in Pembrokeshire. We also take a look back at Ruth Wignall's journey along the coast starting with Penmaenmawr in north Wales and finishing with an exciting Dolphin spotting trip in Newquay, Ceredigion.
In this episode of Coast & Country Andrew Price has a lesson in landscape photography in the Snowdonia National Park, and Ruth Wignall is in nearby Llanberis on a training day with the search and rescue dogs. In Ceredigion Hannah Thomas visits a farm to discover what makes the Teeswater & Cotswold fleece so sought after.
In episode 2 of the new series, Ruth samples the culinary delights of Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire, whilst Andrew explores the county on two wheels. Elsewhere In Wrexham, Rob Shelley meets an award winning wood sculptor and artist.
In the "Year of Adventure" Andrew Price goes rafting on the rapids of the River Dee in Llangollen and Ruth Wignall explores the connection between a Bala artist and the surrounding landscape. In Betws-y-Coed Carole Green meets farmers bringing a fresh taste to the dinner plates of north Wales.