Countryfile viewers last night (December 1) were treated to a special look at a historic Hertfordshire farm as Woodoaks Farm was featured on the popular BBC programme.

Presenters John Craven and Margherita Taylor visited the site in Maple Cross, speaking to volunteers and farmers, as well as pupils at the nearby primary school.

The farm was featured on this week's BBC Countryfile.The farm was featured on this week's BBC Countryfile. (Image: Soil Association) The pair looked at its history and looked ahead to the future.

John spoke to historian Fabian Hiscock about the recently discovered diaries of a Victorian farmer from Rickmansworth, which mention Woodoaks Farm, as well as other nearby sites that no longer exist.

Margherita met with members of the farm's community, including its volunteers and bird enthusiasts.

The farm came into the possession of the Soil Association Land Trust in 2020 after being donated by previous landowner Sally Findlay.

The trust's Rose Lewis now manages the farm, which she describes as an "outdoor classroom".

She said: “Woodoaks Farm is a special place, and we have been on an incredible journey here for the last four years.

"As part of our organic conversion we have shifted to practices that allow us to farm in harmony with nature and we are now producing more food directly for the local community, who we have brought back onto the farm as customers, pupils and volunteers."

Sally Findlay and Woodoaks farmers, workers and volunteers, alongside pupils from Maple Cross Primary School.Sally Findlay and Woodoaks farmers, workers and volunteers, alongside pupils from Maple Cross Primary School. (Image: Soil Association)

The "outdoor classroom" aspect of the school was highlighted by the visit of pupils from Maple Cross Primary School.

The school's headteacher Hannah Trickett said: "Visiting Woodoaks is more than time outside the classroom, it nourishes our children's souls and provides opportunities to develop learning in an imaginative and creative way."

Feedback to the programme online has been positive, with many locals delighted to see the farm featured on such a prominent programme.

One wrote: "It was brilliantly represented on Countryfile! Loved watching all the progress the farm is making. How great for Woodoaks's profile!"

Another added: "It was wonderful to see Woodoaks Farm on the television this evening, well done to all for the great work being done."