BBC viewers of Sunday's Countryfile episode (September 13) were handed a warning after a guest shared her unusual pastime of river snorkelling. Nicola Crockford appeared on the show, which visited Westacre in Norfolk to explore how a historic rural estate is adapting to modern times.
An unusual hobby on the estate
During the episode, presenters Joe Crowley, Datshiane Navanayagam and Adam Henson examined the estate's blueberry crop, wet woodland conservation efforts and a tenant brewery. Nicola Crockford, who pursues river snorkelling on the estate, described the activity as exhilarating and said she provides landowners with an alternative view of their property.
Footage showed Crockford gliding along the river with a camera, capturing fish, plant life and other underwater sights. She noted that landowners are often most concerned about discovering how abundant the trout population is in their waters.
'This is heaven'
Crockford said: "I love a mission. I love that the thing that gives me personal pleasure can also be useful and give other people pleasure. I feel so lucky, I feel so blessed to be given this treat in life." While submerged, she told the camera: "Worries? What worries? There's no worries, there's no aches, no pains, this is heaven."
She encouraged viewers to take up the pursuit but offered a caution: "Obviously, don't just get in the river without checking out on the website for health and safety. Getting landowners' permission as necessary and that way you can have a wonderful snorkel."
Remarkable finds
Over her years of snorkelling, Crockford claims to have unearthed skulls, a Second World War bomb and a cache of jewels, saying you never know what might turn up. According to the British Sub-Aqua Club website, river snorkelling ranks among the "UK's hidden gems", offering divers a chance to explore an entirely distinct environment from coastal waters.
Countryfile continues next Sundays at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
