Countryfile

Sean Fletcher and Margherita Taylor travel to Rutland, historically the smallest county in England. Despite its size, it is home to the largest man-made body of water in the country - Rutland Water. This reservoir was created as a much-needed oasis for the driest region of the UK, covering over four square miles and containing 110 billion litres of water, which supplies much of the East Midlands. Rutland Water has also transformed the area into a wildlife haven, and spring is when returning migratory birds really make this place come alive. Sean discovers the area is now a stronghold for migrant bird species, including ospreys, once a common site across the country. These birds were driven to extinction in England in the 19th century, but now, thanks to a successful breeding programme, they are back and can be found at Rutland Water. Sean joins an 11-year-old osprey enthusiast in a nearby hide to hopefully see the return of a star-breeding female who has occupied a nest here since 2010. Sean also gets up close with some of our rarest mammals, bats as they rely on Rutland as a welcome break during their spring migration. Meanwhile, Margherita takes to the water to learn about the history of the submerged landscape which was flooded when the reservoir was built. Charlotte heads to Devon to investigate the increasing number of ticks in our countryside - parasites that carry several diseases, which they can pass on to animals they bite. Charlotte discovers the consequences this can have on livestock, humans and our pets. Adam is looking at how one of the wettest winters on record is impacting farming.