Countryside wishes and New Year's Resolutions from Countryfile
John Craven, Countryfile presenter
"The Brexit period is an uncertain time for our countryside but everyone who cherishes it (and count me in!) will wish for a positive outcome and that rural Britain and its people will thrive.
" I also plan to exercise more – a lot of walking is involved on Countryfile shoots so I’m quite fit, but I’m going to take up swimming again.”
Adam Henson, Countryfile presenter
"My Rural New Year wish is for an early warm spring to help the grass grow, so that the ewes produce lots of milk for the new born lambs and the crops get off to a good start. Spring is my favourite time of the year, when the countryside bursts into life.
"My New Year resolution is to spend more quality time with my family and keep in touch with my friends."
Ellie Harrison, Countryfile presenter
"My wish is for some moves towards rewildling and for some serious awareness and moves towards greater animal welfare in farming and slaughterhouses.
"I’m planning to get behind Vegan January, return to work and finish my to-do list!"
Image: Oliver Edwards
Tom Heap, Countryfile presenter
"I wish the government gives countryside and farming voices due weight in the Brexit negotiations. The EU is intricately involved with rural Britain and the non-metropolitan view should help shape the settlement.
"In 2017 I plan to drink more beer, especially craft ale. This helps to keep country pubs in business and if I ever get depressed about the plight of the world, thinking about the rise of independent small breweries always cheers me up."
Image: BBC Images
Charlotte Smith, Farming Today & Countryfile presenter
"Because of my role on Farming Today and Countryfile, I haven't actually expressed an opinion on the countryside since 1998! So all my wishes are entirely selfish. I wish that it would not rain where I am standing, for the entire year. It could rain in other places, or if all rain could be at night that would really improve my life!
"My New Year resolution is easy, it's the same every year - which is to get fit! For the past three years I've said that but this year I might actually do it. I walk a lot but that's it. I've decided yoga is the way forward. I can't run as I've had five knee operations. I need some muscles before I do anything else so I'm thinking yoga and pilates."
Helen Skelton
"I would love primary schools to teach at least one lesson a week outside. I don't want to put more pressure on teachers instead I want teachers to get the opportunity to be outdoors too and hopefully see their young pupils get excited about the countryside and blow off some steam.
"I plan to cook more in 2017. I love food but am terrible in the kitchen so I am working on my culinary skills. By the end of the year there will be a new mouth to feed so I think it's important I can cook."
Image: BBC Images
Anita Rani, Countryfile presenter
"There’s something so humbling and cleansing about being out and about in rural Britain, whatever the weather! My rural wish is to see more and encourage more people to get out there to experience it for themselves.
"I never make any New Year's resolutions because I never stick to them. I think if you want to do something just do it, don’t wait till New Year's day. However, I do have a plan for 2017. I generally want to be much better next year. Work harder, be healthier, do more, see more, in fact I can’t wait to get stuck into 2017."
Image: BBC Images
Keeley Donovan, Countryfile Diaries & BBC Weather presenter
"I wish for more trees to be planted, both rurally and in urban areas. With so many threats against our tree populations (from disease to pests etc) we need to keep replenishing our stocks or our landscape will end up looking very different.
"I intend to read more. I so often spend the last few minutes of the day sat in bed looking at my phone. I'd like to start spending this time with my nose in a book instead."
Image: BBC Images
Joe Crowley, Countryfile presenter
"I was so heartened by the news that the number of plastic bags littering our beaches seems to have halved since the 5p charge was introduced. So my New Year wish is that we go even further to protect our seas, rivers and beautiful countryside. From coffee cups and plastic beads to unnecessary packaging, what if this was the year we could take a giant stride in tackling litter and waste?"
"I love my fishing and I’m determined to become a fully fledged kayak fisherman but for various reasons it just couldn't happen this year. So my resolution for 2017 is to explore our wonderful coastline from the water and to (hopefully) bring home the occasional fishy supper."
Image: BBC Images (Joe Crowley on the right)
Naomi Wilkinson, Countryfile presenter
"I wish to see all our wonderful Green Belt areas continue to be treasured and safeguarded for future generations.
"I want to try and get in to the habit of picking up a book instead of my phone."
Image: BBC Images
John Hammond, weather forecaster
"My house backs onto an ancient Common and felling of trees is taking place to open up the woodland, old species such as Juniper are being re-introduced, and the ancient ponds are being preserved. I look forward to this initiative reaping rewards, as the natural balance of the Common is gradually restored. I'm also very pleased because I do a lot of running on the Common and I'm fed up with getting lost all the time amongst the overgrown pathways.
"My resolution is to get painting again. I've dabbled with oils for many years. I like to paint landscapes through the changing seasons - I guess it's a reflection of my love of weather and the countryside. I haven't returned to my easel for quite a while now. The hurly burly of life has got in the way. So this year, I'm determined to dig out my brushes again and find a new vista to paint (albeit with very amateurish results)."
Fergus Collins. Countryfile Magazine editor
"I’d like to see more public discussion about the importance of the natural environment for our mental and physical health – and also the essential services it provides: clean water, fresh air and all our food!
"My New Year’s resolution is to go camping more often – I have asked for a more comfortable sleeping mat for Christmas. My dream is to spend more time on the Pembrokeshire Coast – and have family foraging expeditions from the tent."
Image: Fergus on the left
Jules Hudson
"I want to plant more bulbs in the garden once spring has revealed where I planted last year's! I also want to finish my new book on Britain’s Walled Gardens, do a better job at planning my wife’s birthday for 2017 and get my son, Jack, his first ride in a John Deere tractor!"
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