THE hosts of Countryfile visited the Malvern Hills for their latest episode this week.

The episode showed hosts Matt Baker and Anita Rani exploring the flora, fauna and community of Malvern.

The episode opened with Anita meeting Dr Bradley Wells of Malvern College to head up the hills with some budding poets.

They spoke about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein, writers of 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' and 'The Lord of the Rings', exploring the hills themselves to inspire their writing. 

Anita then interviewed Andy Stevenson, a local map maker, who is currently mapping new walking routes for 2022.

He plans to call them 'The Chronicles of Malvernia', inspired by C.S. Lewis.

The episode, which aired on Sunday, December 12. then followed Matt looking into the shooting industry. 

He spoke to Tony Whit, who defended the industry as it creates jobs and he claims not to ever waste any poultry. 

Matt also spoke to Liam Stokes, CEO of British Games Assurance, who is working towards shooters voluntarily phasing out led by 2025.

Returning to the Malvern Hills, Matt spoke to Mel Mason from West Midlands Butterfly Conservation.

Mel discussed his work to reintroduce a rare butterfly species to the Malvern Hills.

The West Midlands Butterfly Conservation are allowing bracken to grow so that they can keep caterpillars warm and sheltered underneath. 

The episode also covered a group of gas lamp technicians in Malvern who call themselves the 'gasketeers', a farm visit featuring a donkey fole at only ten days old and the rich history behind botany.

The episode is available to watch on BBC player.