Put a note in your diary, set your recorder, make sure you don’t miss Countryfile on BBC1 on 20th May.

We have recently had the Countryfile team from the BBC filming in Dumfries and Galloway.

Matt Baker was in Wigtown filming the day before the booktowns spring weekend started. He enjoyed a few performances before the spring weekend festival and researched why Dumfries and Galloway is such a great location for films – “TheWickerman” , “The 39 Steps” and lots more were filmed here. The BBC also filmed the fantastic series “2000 acres of sky” here too with Michelle Collins and Paul Kaye – well worth buying on DVD.

John Craven visited the Mull of Galloway filming the Black Guillemots. The Mull of Galloway is Scotlands most southerly reserve and has excellent views of these fine birds (along with Fulmars, Kittiwake and Razorbills). Apparently, 95% of the uk population of black guillemots are found here in Scotland. You find a lot around the harbour area in Portpatrick too.

John Craven also filmed in Portpatrick, where he caught up with a local man and filmed a piece about lobster fishing. (I hear he had lunch at my favourite restaurant too, Campbells!).

Ellie Harrison visited RSPB Mersehead  filming the natterjack toads, which have a strong presence in the area. I have never visited Mersehead – must add it to my to do list!

I can’t tell you any more or it would spoil it! just make sure you are tuned in, I know I will be – the BBC showcase the beauty of Dumfries and Galloway to the rest of the UK.