For almost 120 years, Country Life magazine has been aspiring to capture the elusive soul of the British countryside from muddy fields to stately homes. Jane Treays spent a year filming with the magazine exploring the lives of those who've been bred into the land, inherited it or have simply bought into its dreams.
From a 'girl in pearls' shoot in Yorkshire, to a historic mansion in Dorset, via Lindisfarne castle and a family farm in Somerset, this series captures the glory and eccentricity of the men and women who live the rural life.
The countryside is under threat from urban values... Rural dwellers are asking who runs the countryside and what can be done to protect it?
The documentary features the following people and interviews in episode one.
- Ella and Ian Fortune in a classic frontispiece shoot for the magazine
- History of Country Life
- Simon Jenkins, interviwed about his time at the magazine
- Rupert Uloth, Deputy Editor visits the Bath & West Show
- Maurice Durbin, dairy farmer is struggling with TB in his herd in Somerset
- Iain Whyte, vet to Mr Durbin's cows
- Phillip Mansel at his home, Smedmore House with Architectural Editor Dr John Goodall and Jeremy Musson
- Clive Aslet goes Swan UPping and David Barber, Master of the Swans - need pub date
- Judith Hussey at her home Manston, in Dorset is preparing to open her garden for an NGS Open Day
- Editor Mark Hedges visits Lindisfarne, which has strong links to the history of Country Life
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Merlins: Britain's smallest bird of prey is a 'swerving, zigzagging, 240mph weighted missile' that's gutsy enough to chase off a golden eagleSize doesn’t matter when it comes to the fighting spirit of the tiny merlin, a fierce parent and favoured hunting accessory of Mary, Queen of Scots.
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The greatest moment in the life of Jessie Owens: Country Life Quiz of the Day, June 13, 2025Breathtaking athleticism and Shakespeare's birthday are among the questions in the final quiz of the week.
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Land of Hope and Glory: British Country Life Episode 3Land of Hope and Glory: British Country Life Episode 3
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Countryside shows in 2016Country shows are a chance for the local farmers to show off their best bloodlines, and for the whole county to get together in the summertime.
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Filming for Land of Hope and Glory: British Country LifeA television crew followed Country Life journalists going about their work over the course of an eclectic 18 months, from North Uist to Dorset.
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Country Life talks to Maurice DurbinMaurice Durbin once had the world’s largest herd of Guernsey cows, but, now, his ‘friendly creatures’ are losing their lives
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Country Life in major BBC documentary seriesA major new documentary series, starring Country Life, is to air over three Fridays in March on BBC 2.
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Fabulous feathers: 14 chicken breeds from around the worldThere are breeds of poultry so spectacular they scarcely seem real.
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How to make buntingMaking bunting for the village fete or just a summer party is easier than you think when you follow our top tips.
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Top native pig breedsOur traditional pig breeds are a delight to look at and tasty to eat - which is your favourite?
