A BBC presenter and film crew dropped in at a York college to learn about it’s role in shaping the future of rural life.

Anita Rani and the Countryfile team visited Askham Bryan College on Tuesday to learn about how they are teaching students to preserve and improve North Yorkshire’s wildlife.

She tried a variety of activities including tree climbing, which was led by the colleges head of horticulture, Jessica Herbert.

The presenter also planted a critically endangered tree in the wildlife park, a Wollemia Nobilis, which was previously thought to have become extinct in 1944.

College chief executive, Catherine Dixon, said: “We were delighted to showcase our college and the amazing work our staff and students do.

“Agricultural practice is vital in securing food production, sustainability and animal welfare.

“We are training the farmers of the future who require strong technical and IT skills, extensive knowledge, and the ability to plan meticulously.

“We aim to ensure that opportunities to work in and shape our rural communities are available to all, irrespective of their background."

The show, which is due to air on Sunday, December 30 on BBC 1, will also be looking at how to get more women into work in the environmental sector.

Mrs Dixon said that the college also wants to highlight the important role of women in defining our countryside.

She said: “Championing the incredible contributions that women make to the countryside should be celebrated and I do hope the programme on Sunday inspires more young people to think about a career in the rural sector.

"Many of our most senior staff are women and we have many female students which demonstrates the massive contribution women making in shaping the future of our rural communities.”

As part of the programme, which goes out at 6pm on Sunday, December 30, Wildlife Specialist Sarah Yates can be seen creating a Swaledale sheep mural for the college. Countryfile reports on rural, agricultural, and environmental issues.