Voices of the Countryside

Patrick Galbraith goes out in search of the mysterious woodcock, a beloved bird of hunters, chefs and nature lovers the world over. Patrick's journey begins in Suffolk with farmer, conservationist and writer Sam Carlisle, and Sam's Hungarian Vizsla, Merlin. The trio head into the woods in an attempt to bag a couple of birds for their lunch. Later, Tim Maddams, the former River Cottage chef, offers...

Patrick Galbraith explores how writers depict the countryside.  Who are the very best writers on the countryside today and what’s the difference between “rural writing”, “nature writing” and “sporting writing”? Why do so many so-called “nature writers” dislike the term?  To help him to understand the subject, Patrick enlists the help of some old-hands. First he heads to Hampshire to speak to Jonat...