Fishing, running a country estate, life at a conservation centre, shooting and sheepdog trials are all subjects set to come under the spotlight over the next couple of months as Sky’s new channel, Horse & Country TV, hits the screen in early July.
Officially launching on Monday July 2, the programming promises to offer viewers 24/7 coverage of all rural and equestrian matters and, as the launch date nears, more details of what’s in store are being released.
The channel has commissioned a series of 12 x 30-minute documentaries featuring well-known fly fisherman John Bailey, a true countryman who chooses to work in harmony with the environment. The series will take viewers on 12 different fishing experiences around the UK.
A minimum of 20 x30 minute programmes will be shot at the Berkeley Castle and Spetchley Estates in Gloucestershire. These will go out weekly and follow the loose chronology of the year. Berkeley is the oldest family-owned estate in Britain, and the estate, the castle, the hunt and the staff will be followed throughout the summer and winter of 2007.
Six 30 minute features will star Hywel Morgan, who will teach viewers how to fly fish on some of the most beautiful waters of the UK. Having successfully competed for over 15 years in world and European casting competitions, Hywel has developed a keen eye for casting techniques. He will be filmed fishing a wide variety of waters in all sorts of weather.
Shooting coverage will include the British open skeet championships, and the Countryside Alliance launch of their national shooting week.
A special ‘one-off’ documentary will tell the story of the Aigas Field Centre in the Highlands of Scotland, brainchild of Sir John Lister-Kaye, one of Scotland’s foremost naturalists, conservationists and well-loved nature writers. Established 30 years ago, Aigas is based around Sir John’s Victorian Scottish-baronial house.
Plans are confirmed for 15 hours exclusive coverage of the National and International sheep dog trials, which will be preceded by one of the lauded One Man and his Dog series.
“We are very excited by the speed at which the rural community is supporting Horse & Country TV,†says head of production and program acquisition, T Watts. “As the launch date moves closer, we will have more to announce, but this support proves what interest there is in a channel that will be dedicated to covering the rural countryside.â€
Horse & Country TV goes ‘live’ at 12 noon on Monday July 2. For any further information go to the website www.horseandcountry.tv.
