Countryfile fans fume ‘lasted five minutes’ over ‘biased’ coverage

Countryfile viewers were left fuming following Sunday night’s episode, with one branding the BBC “biased” over the programme’s coverage.

One viewer even claimed to turn off the show within the first five minutes, while others were angered by the BBC “promoting climate change”.

During the episode, John and Margherita visited key locations of Ronald’s work and explored traditional crafts.

Margherita talked to nature writer Melissa Harrison, who was inspired to move to the region by Blythe’s works.

While John met a proud Suffolk speaker who explained how the dialect evolved.

John also spoke with project manager Max Bridger, who is leading an engineering project in Cornwall in the hopes of getting houses off gas onto renewable energy grids.

“One solution is to utilise natural heat sourced from underground,” John explained. “Heat the Streets led by Kensa, is connecting 250 homes in the village of Stithians to their very own heat pump grid.”

Max later said: “This is a world first and I feel quite privileged to be the project manager that’s leading this engineering project.

“You feel like you’re making a difference and you feel like you’re having a positive impact on what’s going on in the world.

“Climate change is something I am very passionate about and it’s definitely what led me to this job.”

However, fans were left outraged by the episode, with many taking to social media to share their frustration.

@exton_richard fumed: “I gave #countryfile another try tonight but only lasted 5 minutes. Sick of hearing the BBC trying to indoctrinate us all about effing climate change.” (sic)

@Poppyblew shared: “I remember when #countryfile was about farming and rural matters.”

While @MinistryofTweed added: “Let it be said #Countryfile has long been #Towniefile. Biased BBC. #Climatechange rammed down your throat at every opportunity.”

@danAndrews0 complained: “#countryfile what a con! I am all for reducing impact on the planet but I just googled how much ground source heat pumps cost to install – between £12000 and £45000 and the government think 6k grant would help haha but what an absolute disgrace.” (sic)

@yogafan007 added: “Pushing c****y (cold) heat pumps. Some of the young people flogging them are waffling and mumbling about climate change but don’t seem to have a clue what they are talking about. Also trying to sell useless insulation – leading to damp homes. Sod off. #countryfile #scam.” (sic)

“Did you see all that plastic making the heat pump and in the factory plus gas-fired soldering…so green eh #Countryfile,” @petermac68 pointed out.

As @hartlepooleylad penned: “It seems like the BBC are feeding us Heat Pump propaganda on #Countryfile.” (sic)

However, despite the criticism, @MarkBinnersley praised: “Great to see a peak time item on heat pumps in the media without the grubby climate delayers in the gas boiler industry wading in with misinformation about electrification of heating. Well done #Countryfile.”

Countryfile is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.