COUNTRYFILE fans were left scratching their heads saying they ‘cannot understand’ a presenting decision in the latest episode.
The popular BBC rural news magazine programme airs weekly, reporting on environmental and agricultural issues.
However, viewers were left wondering why the episode broadcast on Sunday, August 4 featured clips from years ago.
Writing on social media, one fan questioned the inclusion of old footage as they referenced the show having a sizeable presenting line-up.
The fan wrote: “With such a large team of presenters, I cannot understand why Countryfile has to “delve into the archives” to fill the hour #countryfile.”
Another viewer was in agreement, as they added: “Amuses me that they don’t call it ‘repeats'”.
However, a third person had a much different outlook on the throwback footage, penning: “Old clips of Ellie are the only old clips i need #countryfile.”
One example included footage from 2022, which saw John Craven visit Naddle Forest in the Lake District in a segment focused on red squirrels.
Speaking at the time, John said: “Naddle Forest is full of fruiting trees, flowers, fungi and nesting areas which offer red squirrels the perfect home.
“Let’s hope we find some today.”
The feature highlighted population struggles faced by red squirrels, amid competition from their grey counterparts.
John, 83, is Countryfile‘s longest-serving presenter, having joined in 1989, a year after the programme’s debut.
The on-air team also includes Matt Baker, Anita Rani, Sean Fletcher, Adam Henson, Helen Skelton and Tom Heap.
Another example took viewers back almost a decade, all the way in 2015.
In the clips, Ellie Harrison fronted a segment on the European pine marten, described as one of “the UK’s rarest native mammals.”
She explained: “Pine martens were once widespread across the UK but in the 19th century, they suffered a massive decline.
“Loss of habitat and persecution pushed the pine marten to the brink.
“For more than 50 years, they were thought to be extinct in England.”
Meanwhile, Ellie, 46, announced her departure from Countryfile last year.
Having been part of the show since 2009, she cited her reasons as wanting to focus on her family, her business and new opportunities.
Countryfile airs on BBC and is available on BBC iPlayer.
