The Countryfile crew, including presenter Matt Baker, filmed at the Essex nature reserve during October to learn about and get involved with the important fish surveys that the Trust has been carrying out across Essex in partnership with the Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM). The conservation charity has been celebrating five years since the sea wall was deliberately breached at their Fingringhoe Wick nature reserve and has been eager to identify which species are using the newly created saltmarsh habitat during different times of the year. Wading deep into the chilly Colne Estuary, this was the first time a winter survey had been carried out at the reserve.

As well as getting involved with the fish survey at Essex Wildlife Trust’s Fingringhoe Wick nature reserve, Matt Baker met with the Trust’s volunteer River Wardens at a river stretch in Chappel to discuss the extensive river catchment work the charity has been carrying out and the innovative research that is now being used to identify the species that use the rivers in Essex, highlighting the importance of citizen science.

The show, which broadcasts to audiences of around 9 million people, will be aired on BBC One this Sunday at 5.20pm. Make sure to tune in to see what the team catch during the fish survey and which elusive species the River Wardens manage to capture on their camera trap.