‘What rubbish!’ rage Countryfile fans as they boycott ‘depressing’ BBC show for ‘putting their mental health in decline’
COUNTRYFILE viewers were left divided after the latest episode, which was dedicated to mental health and the countryside.
The BBC show saw hosts Sean Fletcher and Margherita Taylor visit the Sharpham Trust in South Devon.
It is an internationally recognised centre which has been connecting people with nature for more than 40 years.
The transmission came just ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week, which takes place between May 13 and May 19.
In the programme, Sean and Margherita explained how spending time outdoors has benefits for both physical and mental well-being.
The pair explored 550 acres of woodland, meadows, gardens and rivers while examining nature’s positive effect on the many facets of mental health.
One segment saw Margherita explore how working in the garden at the charity has alleviated stress burnout.
The presenter also met with a group of young girls who had found respite due to their woodland nature surroundings.
Farmer and author Adam Henson discussed the importance of farmers being open with their mental health challenges as a way to help the wider agricultural community.
He spoke about the sudden death of a friend, as well as pressures farmers face in their everyday line of work.
Charlotte Smith paid a visit to Warwickshire to examine the impact of inspections on farmers’ mental health.
Despite the episode’s important message surrounding the connection of mental health and nature, some viewers were not satisfied.
Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), one wrote: “I’ve switched channels, I could feel my mental health declining #countryfile.”
Another added: “What a load of utter RUBBISH, these fake meetings and little committees, groups etc will HELP NOBODY! #countryfile”.
A third viewer asked: “What is this on #countryfile” while a fourth described the episode as “very depressing.”
Despite this reception, not all Countryfile fans felt negatively about the episode, with one writing: “Wow, the lady explaining Mindfulness on Countryfile right now is spot on.”
Another agreed, writing: “I’m enjoying this mindfulness episode of #countryfile”.
A third chimed in: “#Countryfile gliding smoothly from mental health to mindfulness. Happy chickens.”
Countryfilr airs Sundays on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.