12/12/19: Bird flu, Dark sky park, Forest bathing, Forage Aid

A new outbreak of avian flu has been identified on a farm in Suffolk. As a result, 27,000 chickens have had to be culled. It's not yet known how serious the outbreak is, or how far the virus might spread. Charlotte Smith talks to an expert from Lincoln University.

Six years ago this month, part of Northumberland’s sky became the largest area of protected night sky in Europe. Northumberland International Dark Sky Park covers 579 square miles, and a new report suggests that, as well as reducing light pollution, the lighting controls in place in the park may also be helping the economy. We find out why.

'Forest bathing' is a new trend, originally developed in Japan but now happening in the UK. The idea is that you immerse yourself in a forest, with research showing that it could reduce blood pressure, lower stress levels and improve concentration. Sally Challoner tries it out in the Forest of Dean.

And continuing a week-long look at the relationship between the weather and agriculture, we hear from Forage Aid - a charity set up four years ago to help farmers who are short of animal feed and bedding because of severe weather.

Presented by Charlotte Smith
Produced by Emma Campbell