Countryfile Calendar Competition Sparks Viewer Backlash

BBC's flagship nature series, Countryfile, faced criticism from viewers on Sunday evening (25th August) after a segment focusing on the annual calendar competition. Despite showcasing stunning photographs from viewers, the programme attracted a flurry of negative reactions online.

The episode, which also explored the challenges facing bees and the conservation efforts at Wakehurst's Nature Reserve, featured presenters John Craven, Charlotte Smith, and BBC Radio 1 DJ Vick Hope judging the Countryfile Photographic Competition. The competition, held at Kew's Botanic Gardens, aims to choose the images that will feature in the 2025 calendar, raising millions for BBC Children in Need.

While the presenters were visibly impressed by the quality and quantity of submissions, many viewers expressed disappointment with the segment. Some found the judging process, involving a vast selection of over 20,000 entries, to be excessively time-consuming and lacked engagement.

One viewer commented, "What a disappointment tonight's episode is. Just print the calendar," highlighting the perceived lack of interest and depth in the segment. Another sarcastically quipped, "So 20,000 pictures. If they did this solidly for 12 hours between the 3 of them it's 9 pictures a minute."

The focus on showcasing a large number of images was also criticised, with some viewers questioning the authenticity of the amateur photographers and suggesting the images were excessively edited. One bemused viewer wrote, "The competition of over-edited photos that are definitely by amateur photographers".

However, not all viewers were negative in their feedback. Several expressed appreciation for the beauty of the photographs and the challenging task facing the judges. One viewer wrote, "Wow, some amazing photographs! Tough job for the judges," acknowledging the quality of the submissions. Another commented, "Such amazing photos this year. I don't envy them deciding which ones to pick."

Despite the mixed reactions, the presenters were unanimous in their praise for the quality and creativity of the photographs. John Craven, a veteran of the show, remarked, "Well I have been looking at these pictures that our viewers have sent in for 25, maybe more, years. I have never failed to be impressed with how much better they seem to be quality wise each year." Vick Hope echoed his sentiment, adding, "I have been so impressed with how much talent is out there."

The segment concluded with the presenters highlighting the passion and talent of the photographers and the love viewers have for the British countryside. Whether the viewers were ultimately satisfied with the episode, one thing is certain: the Countryfile calendar competition continues to inspire and showcase the beauty of the British landscape.

Countryfile airs weekly at 7pm on BBC One.