On Sunday, July 12, BBC’s Countryfile returned with presenter Anita Rani visiting the historic oyster farming community of West Mersea in Essex. With over 2,000 years of oyster harvesting heritage, the creeks surrounding Mersea Island offered a fascinating backdrop for the show.
Anita met with ecologist Tom Cameron from the University of Essex and researchers Lola and Kristina, who are investigating how the non-native Atlantic rock oyster affects the local ecosystem and whether oyster reefs could help coastal habitats adapt to rising sea levels.
When the group traveled to Brightlingsea to view a rock oyster reef, Anita eagerly joined in the hands-on work. However, she soon realised the tide was coming in rapidly—and crucially, she had forgotten her wellies, a vital piece of footwear for wading in the coastal waters.
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She nervously asked, “Someone keeping an eye on the tide, right?” before admitting with a smile, “Doesn’t help that I’ve broken Countryfile Rule 101 and forgotten my wellies.” The rising water quickly surrounded her walking boots as the tide advanced.
Seeing the situation, a fellow Countryfile contributor jumped in to help, carrying Anita on his back back to their boat. Amused by the rescue, she joked to the camera, “I know. Demanding.”
Later in the programme, Anita explored the Countryfile archives, highlighting the people and initiatives shaping coastal communities.