BBC2 - weekdays
The benefits to mind and body of getting back to nature is at the heart of this new series, which showcases the beautiful landscape of the North East of England. It’s something presenter Robson Green has enjoyed since childhood.
‘My dad was a miner who worked through the night and slept through the day, and the one thing he did for his escape was swim in the sea. He just went to the nearest place that gave him a sense of freedom, and that was the Northumbrian coast. My mum would sit on the beach and watch the world go by, but Dad would strip off to his red trunks and he and his mates would swim for miles in a very cold North Sea, in all weathers.
‘Like him, I’ve become a cold water swimming enthusiast. He also walked a lot and loved camping. Other people would be off on package holidays abroad and we’d be in Seahouses or Bamburgh, swimming.’
Robson explores on his own and with guests, including Euro-winning Lioness and Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott and TV presenter Steph McGovern. As well as walking, cycling, swimming and camping, he also paints with local artists, sails and watches birds of prey.
In the opening episode, Robson returns to the Northumbrian coastline to show former Newcastle United striker Les Ferdinand the magic of the place and recall happy holidays there. The pair then try paddleboarding. It’s not a great success, but it is fun!
‘It’s a love letter to the North East,’ says Robson. ‘Immersing oneself in the outdoors is very good for you.
There are people at home watching TV and we wanted to show, without hitting them over the head with it, other things to try outside which might make them feel a bit better. I think the series is life-affirming.’
