Countryside

This week on Countryside, Simon speaks with sheepdog trainer Richard Crowe from Bishopscourt Farm, about lambing, training and protecting sheep from dogs;  while Kirree speaks with Andree Dubbeldam about the Island's saplings and tree planting and also finds out about University College Isle of Man's agricultural courses with Alan Harrison and some of the students. 

Kirree heads to Billown Quarry to speak with people behind the University College Isle of Man Horticulture schemes and Simon visits the Managing Director of Manx Birdlife at the Point of Ayre, where a new nature reserve is being created.

Kirree speaks to Ian Hartley from Carrs Billington, a UK company that sells farming and agricultural supplies, who was the judge at the Manx Grassland Society Awards in January. Meanwhile, Simon's been to Ballakinnag Farm in Smeale to catch up with Dave Brew, who tells him the rising cost of fertiliser could have longterm effects on farmers and consumers alike.

Simon and Kirree are back with the first Countryside of the year. Kirree catches up with the organisers of the Young Farmers Concert and speaks with some of the famous faces queuing for the hottest tickets in town, while Simon finds out about the Isle of Man Ploughing Association's national event at their new venue in the North.

Kirree speaks to Peter Quayle, Simon visits a butcher in the North of the Island and Manx farmers have been receiving training in animal welfare standards. Plus, what will be on your table for Christmas dinner?

Simon catches up with Neil Young from Ronaldsway Met Office to discuss the impact Storm Barra had on the Island's agricultural and horticultural communities. Kirree speaks to Stephen and Ray Gawne at Pooil Vaaish. Then Simon finds out what the Isle of Man bloodhounds have been getting up to. Produced by William King for Manx Radio.

Kathleen Graham from the Curragh's Wildlife Park reflects on the life of Kush the Red Panda, the Young Farmers are preparing for the Christmas Tractor Run, and Kirree teaches Simon all 'ewe' need to know about sheep basics. Produced by William King for Manx Radio.

Kirree catches up with champions at the Christmas Primestock Show and the St Johns Honey Show and Simon visits the Ayre United Mhellia. Produced by William King for Manx Radio.

Simon and Kirree speak to Chris Gregory from Isle of Play, members of the Federation of Young Farmers, and Simon reflects on a recent helicopter trip around the Island. Produced by William King for Manx Radio.

Simon & Kirree explore Viking longhouses, lots of flowers and Dolphins too

Simon & Kirree discuss ploughing matches in the rain and getting crafty.

In this final episode of the series, Kirree is finding out how business is going at the mart, Simon is getting his socks soggy as he explores wetlands out west at Ballarhennie Estate, and with Marine Officer for the Manx Wildlife Trust, Lara Howe who has just returned from the Calf

This week Kirree is learning more about the new Agri-Environment Scheme, and Simon is looking to the skies with Howard Parkin who has just published his first book!

After a lovely spell of rain for the ground, the team are out in the wilds of the north this week, planting trees at the Lhen with The Woodland Trust, and exploring the grasslands of Andreas with The Grassland Society

This week, Simon is up at the Andreas Produce Show (or the Root Show, if you will!), and Kirree is out at Bishopscourt to see the first Manannan Sheepdog Trials

This week, the team are at the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival, getting a flavour of the event with exhibitors, organisers, and visitors

This week's Countryside has a vintage feel - Kirree is up at St Marks Village for the Vintage Summer Show and Simon ventures north to see a range of vintage machinery and some ploughing in action at Ballacrebbin Farm

In this final episode of the current series, Simon and Kirree look back once again on a successful Royal Show, and Kirree speaks to Conservation Officer for the Manx Wildlife Trust David Bellamy about how farmers are adapting to the new Agri-Environment Scheme

This week, Kirree and Simon look back on a very successful Royal Society Agricultural Show with some of the organisers, and the prize winners from the Grand Parade

This week, we're once again looking back at the Southern Show, taking a tour about the stands, and watching the Young Farmers cook up a storm in the cookery competition

It's a special episode of Countryside this week from the Southern and District Society Agricultural Show where Kirree and Simon speak to the big winners, organisers, and dignitaries in attendance

Clarky is up at the Queen's Pier in Ramsey this week and he also stops by the Southern Show field to see how everything's coming together for the weekend, and Kirree heads to The Mallards Botanic Gardens with the Southern Beekeepers

This week, Simon is up at Ballig in Jurby finding out about the Fletchers' South Devon Herd, and Kirree heads to St Marks Fair to enjoy some sunshine, Manx dancing, vintage tractors and traditional sports!

Kirree is up at Ballakillingan speaking to farmer Brian Brumby, the Manx Wildlife Trust, and a group of young people on a visit learning about agriculture and wildlife, and Simon is out at Jurby taking a tour of some gardens open for charity this weekend.

In the last of the current series, Kirree heads south to a tractor rally and Simon heads the opposite way - no change there then - to find out about farming in Smeale and how to count bats . . .