Sammi Kinghorn was in South Wales(Image: BBC)
During Sunday’s (May 24) episode, presenters Matt Baker and Sammi Kinghorn ventured into the forests of the Welsh valleys at a pivotal moment, as the threat of wildfires intensifies with the transition from spring to summer.
The pair met those shaping the future of these landscapes, spanning fire prevention, recreation, conservation and training the next generation of woodland professionals. Meanwhile, Tom Heap travelled to Devon and Cornwall to examine the current state of the UK’s seaweed farming sector.
At the start of the programme, Sammi arrived at Gethin Forest in Merthyr Tydfil, where steep, wooded river valleys sit beneath the shadow of Bannau Brycheiniog.
It’s a region celebrated for its wildlife, natural splendour and adrenaline-fuelled pursuits, yet one where wildfires remain a recurring seasonal hazard.
Countryfile returned to screens on Sunday(Image: BBC)
“The steep, wooded valley of South Wales is often an overlooked natural asset, but its topography and the way the land is shaped adds to an already serious problem,” Sammi began.
As the Welsh valleys transition from spring into summer, the wildfire risk escalates rapidly. Last year alone, more than 3,000 wildfires were recorded across South Wales.
The vast majority are believed to have been started deliberately, although some have been attributed to the careless use of barbecues.
Functioning as a natural funnel, the valley’s sheer slopes can amplify wind speeds, supercharging wildfires and enabling them to advance rapidly. As the manager of more than 8,000 hectares of woodland, Geraint Price has devoted decades to safeguarding these landscapes, and has direct experience of the destruction wildfires can cause.
During her conversation with Geraint, Sammi remarked: “I’m so shocked to hear about how often wildfires happen in South Wales.”
The forester responded: “It’s devastating. With climate change and global warming, at this time of year, it’s quite often, really. We had one last night… Yeah, and just the other week.”
A forester shared heartbreaking news(Image: BBC)
Geraint then shared drone footage capturing a recent wildfire in progress. “Oh wow! It just kind of, like, takes off, doesn’t it?” observed Sammi, to which Geraint replied: “It’s terrifying, isn’t it?”
He continued: “Decades seeing these trees grow, and to see them burn is just heartbreaking for me as a forester. And the environmental impact to wildlife, and recreation, you know, conservation – it’s huge.”
Geraint further revealed that numerous wildfires are deliberately started, commenting: “It’s crazy, I know, but it does happen, unfortunately.”
Regarding preventative measures, the forester explained: “Basically, for me, the key is monitoring and surveying. I’m planning today now to deploy a drone, so we’re going to go and check the firebreaks.”
Later, Sammi joined the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to discover how they gear up to confront the forest’s “greatest threat”.
