Countryfile viewers have expressed outrage following the broadcast of what many described as 'distressing' footage involving birds in the latest episode of the long-running BBC series. The show, which delves into rural, agricultural, and environmental topics across the UK, aired on Sunday, January 25, featuring hosts John Craven, Charlotte Smith, and Adam Henson at the Menai Suspension Bridge in Wales.
Controversial Bird Capture Segment Sparks Fury
One segment of the episode focused on a specialist team from the British Trust for Ornithology employing cannon netting to capture wading birds. This technique is used to gather data for monitoring bird populations, but the visuals proved highly contentious. The footage showed a flock of hundreds of birds on the shore moments before being ensnared by the net, leading to a wave of criticism from the audience.
In a voiceover, Charlotte Smith explained the process: 'As the name suggests, small cannons fire projectiles that are attached to a net, gently capturing the birds that are on the ground.' However, the explosion startled the birds, causing them to react with visible shock and frantic wing-flapping. Smith added, 'This may look a bit worrying, but it is a highly regulated routine technique, used to track bird health over time.'
Viewer Backlash on Social Media
Despite the explanation, many viewers were left unimpressed and took to X to voice their concerns. One user wrote: '#countryfile can't we let birds be birds fgs. How do they know they're not stressed! Explosions, nets, getting tangled in nets, ringing, re-ringing, measuring head.'
Another commented: 'Not been funny but I don't think that letting off a massive explosion and then covering them with a net is the best way to help these poor birds. Why can't these lefty do-gooders stop messing with animals and leave them alone #countryfile.'
A third shared: 'Totally agree. Catching them with nets and shoving them into small boxes is highly distressing. Just leave them alone.' A fourth chimed in: ''The birds have been great.’ Well, you captured them and imprisoned them. What choice did they have? Leave the birds alone. #Countryfile.'
Recent Political Controversy Adds to Viewer Discontent
This incident follows recent criticism of Countryfile for what some viewers perceived as political bias. Earlier this month, fans blasted the BBC for turning the agricultural show into a 'Labour Party political broadcaster' when Jess Phillips made her debut on the programme. The MP for Birmingham appeared in an episode investigating domestic abuse in rural communities, leading to complaints about the show being 'politicised.'
One viewer penned: 'Watching Countryfile to look at nature in the UK and I’ve got bloody Jess Phillips gob spouting off at me...' Another added: 'Turned over,' while a third stated: 'Thought I was watching a Labour Party political broadcast. Turns out, it's just Countryfile.'
Countryfile continues to air on Sundays at 6pm on BBC One and iPlayer, but these episodes highlight growing viewer sensitivity to both animal welfare depictions and political content in the series.
