Performer credits country childhood for success that sees her supporting pop idol; winery pairing wines with insects for unique cellar door experience; volunteers uncovering local history in pioneer graveyard clean-up; farmer earning a following for goat meat salamis and smallgoods.

Timorese migrant workers go from abattoir kill floor to festival stage after striking up friendship with country musician; floodwaters in the north wash through channel country turning red dirt plains green; cool climate farmer growing juniper berries for local gin production; country's oldest running textile mill marking 150 years of operation.

Researchers study 'living fossil' mountain shrimp; cooler climate lures mainland winemaker to island state; strawberry growers retire after three decades of sweet success; female competitors giving men 'the shakes' in speed shear competition.

Milk from New South Wales camel dairy in high demand; grower turns to niche Italian grape varieties to survive industry glut; stone workers needed to preserve ancient walls for future generations; organic farmer growing tropical spice crop in dry climate.

Remote cattle station using wireless connectivity to keep things running smoothly; turning to the forest for therapy; working dog community turns out to honour legend of the sport; the program connecting generations through friendship.

Sand artists bringing joy to local beaches; beauty of Daintree River shines through flood destruction; Country Womens Association considering men members as it celebrates centenary; harvest time for hops prized by brewers.

Outback residents finding solace in swimming, poetry, candle-making to overcome struggles; cousins reopen historic pub in tiny town; record-winning racehorse's first foal attracting attention of global industry; the grape grower who juggles farming life with music career.

Country vet clinic creating flexible family-friendly workforce for all female staff; diverting cafe waste from landfill is creating gold for gardens; fig season is this fruit grower's favourite time of year; talking tuna with Queensland mum who is giving consumers a local alternative to imports.

Baby lobster count helping to monitor health of fishery; memories of Mungo Man's discovery 50 years on; music lovers flock to Port Fairy's friendly festival; W.A mum pursuing country music dream in Nashville.

The beautiful game bringing together workers from rival berry farms for fun competition; Japanese citrus fruit yuzu in hot demand from chefs, outback helicopter mustering pilot living out dream in the air; new home for much loved river red gum tree stump attraction.

The iconic instrument that bought a musician and craftsman together; escaping the humdrum of daily life through magical mermaid make-believe; gardening group helping women find connection; the couples making a new life in the country.

Twenty-something saves local CWA; berry farm growing rare varieties; meet the outback educators helping station kids learn from home; Alys bought what she believes is Australia's cheapest house in outback W.A.

Freediver overcomes fear of ocean to help others in time of need; land management with fire getting harder as seasons change; community restores old butter factory; Pacific women filling farm jobs in Tasmania.

Remembering bush boxer who represented Australia at 1924 Olympics; calling time on fancy fungi business; tale of two turtles as one is released back to sea, another treated after suspected animal cruelty; the aviation pioneers who started a trucking company in outback WA.

Bowls club welcomes campers; marine debris becomes work of art;  young rodeo stars with big dreams of international careers; history of Queensland's gemfields.

Teen angler pursuing his catch and raising awareness of painful condition; closing the curtain on long career playing the organ for silent films; teachers learning lessons as school embeds a first nations' perspective into curriculum; artist returns to Tamworth with painting of Aussie nostalgia.

From tractor to tennis court, new chapter for sporting club that's been the glue of farming community for more than a century; natural burial site allowing people like Mary to plan for an environmentally friendly end of life; award-winning artist painting the streets where he once lived rough, before turning life around; passing food traditions down through generations.

Ruby is pursuing her passion for mustering alongside getting a law degree; female farmers dominating goat industry in northern Queensland; changing the pace of netball pays of for sports lovers who are laughing their way through the game; from dealing with drought to serving up strawberries, farmer reflects on career change.

Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.

Chasing bioluminescence as firefly mating season gets underway; how saltmarsh and oyster reefs are protecting low-lying coastal town from erosion; postal pilot making sure mail gets through to remote farming properties; candle business allowing Sarah to tap into creativity from the farm.

The retired couple on a mission to 'unabandon' a former hydro town in Tasmanian highlands; horse show proving wild brumbies have ability to be tamed and trained; how a love of huskies introduced South Australian woman to little known sport of dog mushing; months on from brain tumor, Corey the shearer is back doing what he loves.

Preserving the habitat of a threatened swamp bird; koala colony re-established in 1970s serving as a model of how to translocate animals; artists exhibiting works in book form at regional gallery; the hidden WW2 bunker serving as the ultimate man-cave.

Custodian ensuring remaining King Billy pine is put to good use; Indigenous farmer harvesting native yams as part of plan to reintroduce traditional crops; grower calls for research on quandongs as Central Australia records dismal harvest; dressage honour for double amputee horse-rider.

The bold plan to aid the migration of threatened eucalyptus species in the face of climate change; an exhibition of paintings reveal brilliant mind of reclusive country artist; whale numbers booming on Australia's east coast; flower farming proving to be a perfect fit for working mum's raising families and pursuing passion project.

Ukulele clubs proving to be a weapon in fight against loneliness; farmers breeding dung beetles for their environmental benefits; chefs sharing skills to help home-cooks cater for cost of living pressures; grazier's lifelong passion for goats is what gets her out of bed in the morning.

Cowgirl catch-up helping rural women build camaraderie and resilience; artist crafting canoe in the same way ancestors would have thousands of years ago; bird lovers calling for better protection for endangered species; training for the tricky job of working with power tools underwater.

Droving team spending days on dusty stock route ahead of dry summer; the inmates getting an opportunity to turn their lives around by learning how to ride bulls and compete in rodeo; ladies learning skills for life on the land; the unique pet cemetery that's put a tiny town on the tourist map.

Before COVID, ballet dancer Douglas Stewart enjoyed stage success in Romania, but has returned to teach ballet in central Queensland. On A Big Country we also meet Wombat Guy, treating mangy wombats in the Hawkesbury.

Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.

Meet two winners of the Rural Women of the Year Award; Artistic Director of Moorambilla Voices choir Michelle Leonard, and pet food entrepreneur Emma Gibbons from the Sunshine Coast

Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.

How moving to an ancient gorge brought this family closer together; farewelling family farm after 130 years; the challenges of motherhood living and working on a remote cattle station; teens collecting native seed for regeneration project.

Taking tiny marsupials back to island part of a plan to restore pre-colonisation native wildlife; rare penguin nursed back to health and released to the ocean a long way from home; tapping into trauma of Black Summer bushfires for artistic inspiration; teens with gift of the gab give livestock auctioneering a red hot go.

How a lifelong love of horses led Elaine to help others; maturation on the high seas, meet the distillers using the 'slosh method' to produce a special whisky; farmers on small acreage find the perfect small livestock - breeding snails; meet Benji the pet goat whose regular beach walks bring joy to many.

How reporting on the wine industry led to a new career making wine for former ABC presenter; artists beachcombing for seaweed to inspire creative works; Julie, the lifelong clown has settled in a small country town, after a career on the road as a traveller performer, but she still has some tricks up her sleeve; the couple who swapped lucrative mining salary for setting up a saddlery in regional Queensland.

How reporting on the wine industry led to a new career making wine for former ABC presenter; artists beachcombing for seaweed to inspire creative works; Julie, the lifelong clown has settled in a small country town, after a career on the road as a traveller performer, but she still has some tricks up her sleeve; the couple who swapped lucrative mining salary for setting up a saddlery in regional Queensland.

The desert tree that can serve as a compass; wool producer selling her fleece by the skein, direct to knitters from farm shop; four-legged furry friends trained as assistance animals helping war veterans with PTSD deal with daily demands of life; how Liam is sharing his Aboriginal culture with next generation through music.

The desert tree that can serve as a compass; wool producer selling her fleece by the skein, direct to knitters from farm shop; four-legged furry friends trained as assistance animals helping war veterans with PTSD deal with daily demands of life; how Liam is sharing his Aboriginal culture with next generation through music.

Family ties keeping traditional bush two-up game going in the WA goldfields; young women carving out a career working with leather and taking the reins of saddle industry; adventure on the high seas aboard replica tall ship helping teens detox from devices; hair dyers, clippers and glue at the ready as junior cattle handlers take their heifers into the show ring.

Family ties keeping traditional bush two-up game going in the WA goldfields; young women carving out a career working with leather and taking the reins of saddle industry; adventure on the high seas aboard replica tall ship helping teens detox from devices; hair dyers, clippers and glue at the ready as junior cattle handlers take their heifers into the show ring.

Meet the publican keeping the heart of her outback community beating; floodwater brings green oasis to desert landscape; horse lovers enjoying challenge and fun of extreme cowboy racing; cattle station training teaching skills for a job in the pastoral industry and changing young lives.

Meet the publican keeping the heart of her outback community beating; floodwater brings green oasis to desert landscape; horse lovers enjoying challenge and fun of extreme cowboy racing; cattle station training teaching skills for a job in the pastoral industry and changing young lives.

Meet the publican keeping the heart of her outback community beating; floodwater brings green oasis to desert landscape; horse lovers enjoying challenge and fun of extreme cowboy racing; cattle station training teaching skills for a job in the pastoral industry and changing young lives.

Power of the paintbrush helping rural community heal from bushfire trauma; traditional owners collecting green ants struggling to keep up with demand from restaurant trade; students getting a feel for the wool industry through shearing school; Western Australia's most inland winery growing grapes in challenging conditions.

Power of the paintbrush helping rural community heal from bushfire trauma; traditional owners collecting green ants struggling to keep up with demand from restaurant trade; students getting a feel for the wool industry through shearing school; Western Australia's most inland winery growing grapes in challenging conditions.

Female artists telling outback stories one brush stroke at a time; perfect and precise tiny models of planes crafted by hand; plant breeders and farmers working on breeding next generation of fruit; entertainer using his whip to put on a cracking show for tourists.

Female artists telling outback stories one brush stroke at a time; perfect and precise tiny models of planes crafted by hand; plant breeders and farmers working on breeding next generation of fruit; entertainer using his whip to put on a cracking show for tourists.

Taking high tea in the bush, 1900s style; rusty old truck with rich history set for restoration ahead of becoming museum exhibit; celebrating 60 years with a lap of the country in beloved truck; couple discover big business in tiny animals as pygmy goats take off

Taking high tea in the bush, 1900s style; rusty old truck with rich history set for restoration ahead of becoming museum exhibit; celebrating 60 years with a lap of the country in beloved truck; couple discover big business in tiny animals as pygmy goats take off

Students gaining skills and helping the hungry with hands-on-learning in the veggie patch; olive growers helping others turn fruit to oil; replanting native trees to protect vulnerable parrot species; midwife taking skills into the paddock pregnancy testing on sheep.

Students gaining skills and helping the hungry with hands-on-learning in the veggie patch; olive growers helping others turn fruit to oil; replanting native trees to protect vulnerable parrot species; midwife taking skills into the paddock pregnancy testing on sheep.

Community spirit epitomised in co-operative tool library helping residents rebuild after fire; conservation project teaching preschoolers to care for country and koalas through sounds and song; truffle grower flat-out unearthing winter black truffle variety to feed festival goers; nifty contraption helps with rolling harvest of toughest nut to crack.

Community spirit epitomised in co-operative tool library helping residents rebuild after fire; conservation project teaching preschoolers to care for country and koalas through sounds and song; truffle grower flat-out unearthing winter black truffle variety to feed festival goers; nifty contraption helps with rolling harvest of toughest nut to crack.

Camels come to the saviour of graziers battling invasive weed; community pooling picked olives to press for oil; flying doctor taking to the sky to see patients in rural town; cheese lover connecting consumers with farmers through new dairy range.

Camels come to the saviour of graziers battling invasive weed; community pooling picked olives to press for oil; flying doctor taking to the sky to see patients in rural town; cheese lover connecting consumers with farmers through new dairy range.

Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.

South American tropical fruit thriving in Australia's north; exhibition of Bangladeshi quilts telling the story of family, history and culture; breeding small cows for small farms; sheep farmer's passion project collecting historic shearing handpieces.

South American tropical fruit thriving in Australia's north; exhibition of Bangladeshi quilts telling the story of family, history and culture; breeding small cows for small farms; sheep farmer's passion project collecting historic shearing handpieces.

Woolgrowers turning fleece into family keepsakes; virtual reality changing lives in regional aged care; inside the niche sport of competitive ploughing; birdwatchers counting birds on farms to boost biodiversity.

Woolgrowers turning fleece into family keepsakes; virtual reality changing lives in regional aged care; inside the niche sport of competitive ploughing; birdwatchers counting birds on farms to boost biodiversity.

Outback race meet bringing remote community together; learning the skills for a career change into the crocodile cage; how a nut orchard is providing a place of healing; the community collaboration that saved historic riverside boat house.

Outback race meet bringing remote community together; learning the skills for a career change into the crocodile cage; how a nut orchard is providing a place of healing; the community collaboration that saved historic riverside boat house.

New generation of farmers supplying top restaurants; meet the winemakers playing a soundtrack to fermentation; choirs celebrating friendship through song; flower grower working round the clock to deliver for mums.

New generation of farmers supplying top restaurants; meet the winemakers playing a soundtrack to fermentation; choirs celebrating friendship through song; flower grower working round the clock to deliver for mums.

The mail plane delivering to remote communities and cattle stations; sculptor burning through power tools as she carves legacy piece from granite block; from riding his family pet pig to riding bulls on world stage, teen takes on rodeo champs; father and son team in the business of breeding queen bees.

The mail plane delivering to remote communities and cattle stations; sculptor burning through power tools as she carves legacy piece from granite block; from riding his family pet pig to riding bulls on world stage, teen takes on rodeo champs; father and son team in the business of breeding queen bees.

Breeding for cute factor with the 'labradoodle of sheep'; refugees gaining confidence through sewing lessons; growing beans from around the world and riding into town on a horse-drawn cart.

Breeding for cute factor with the 'labradoodle of sheep'; refugees gaining confidence through sewing lessons; growing beans from around the world and riding into town on a horse-drawn cart.

Outback charity horse trek aiming to raise funds for horse rescue and mental health programs; a record hop harvest caps off 50 years in the industry for third generation hop farmer Allan Monshing; combining old hops with old yeast for unique beer with a nod to the past; how dogs in the classroom are helping instil confidence in junior readers.

Outback charity horse trek aiming to raise funds for horse rescue and mental health programs; a record hop harvest caps off 50 years in the industry for third generation hop farmer Allan Monshing; combining old hops with old yeast for unique beer with a nod to the past; how dogs in the classroom are helping instil confidence in junior readers.

Celebrating threatened frog and keeping its traditional stories alive; island residents share culinary tips for eating fishy, oily bird; long-time shearer still going strong at 75; converting classic cars from petrol to electric engines comes at a cost, but with no regrets for EV enthusiast.

Celebrating threatened frog and keeping its traditional stories alive; island residents share culinary tips for eating fishy, oily bird; long-time shearer still going strong at 75; converting classic cars from petrol to electric engines comes at a cost, but with no regrets for EV enthusiast.

Bus service for one of the country's most remote schools boosts student numbers; community group reaches milestone in mission to create wildlife corridor for koalas; patient farmer waiting for harvest of first crop of world's most expensive nut; Ancient Viking alcoholic drink gets a modern makeover.

Bus service for one of the country's most remote schools boosts student numbers; community group reaches milestone in mission to create wildlife corridor for koalas; patient farmer waiting for harvest of first crop of world's most expensive nut; Ancient Viking alcoholic drink gets a modern makeover.

Special family connection behind volunteer's drive to resurrect historic mountain hut; farmer swaps shearing for distilling; hot and sweaty past-time of sword play in the tropics; mystery artist has rural community bemused and delighted.

Special family connection behind volunteer's drive to resurrect historic mountain hut; farmer swaps shearing for distilling; hot and sweaty past-time of sword play in the tropics; mystery artist has rural community bemused and delighted.

Musicians experimenting with sound in unique tin lighthouse; young students learning through distance education from island classroom; how a dive instructor became a rum distiller and blacksmith sharing skills of the trade.

Musicians experimenting with sound in unique tin lighthouse; young students learning through distance education from island classroom; how a dive instructor became a rum distiller and blacksmith sharing skills of the trade.

Brewery's hop harvest brings community together for day out in the sun; back to back flooding on the Darling River bringing back birds, fish and life; country women cook up a plan to cut through pineapple glut; martial arts world champ, sharing her love of the sport in country Queensland gym.

Brewery's hop harvest brings community together for day out in the sun; back to back flooding on the Darling River bringing back birds, fish and life; country women cook up a plan to cut through pineapple glut; martial arts world champ, sharing her love of the sport in country Queensland gym.

Central Australian garlic crop offers pathway out of poverty; outback retreat providing veterans and first responders with a place of peace; planting native trees to attract birds, butterflies and bugs; gay graziers breaking stereotypes.

Central Australian garlic crop offers pathway out of poverty; outback retreat providing veterans and first responders with a place of peace; planting native trees to attract birds, butterflies and bugs; gay graziers breaking stereotypes.

Saltwater women reviving traditional cultural practices with camp on New South Wales far south coast; support donkey helping staff and students at high school in flood affected region; wet season burns helping rangers and traditional owners stamp out weeds in Kakadu National Park; self-taught artist uses chainsaw skills to carve out wood spirits.

Saltwater women reviving traditional cultural practices with camp on New South Wales far south coast; support donkey helping staff and students at high school in flood affected region; wet season burns helping rangers and traditional owners stamp out weeds in Kakadu National Park; self-taught artist uses chainsaw skills to carve out wood spirits.

Piano playing publican brings life to country pub; meet the Tassie grannies devoted to caring for rescued dogs; robot fruit pickers helping out with harvest; garden oasis on top of concrete car park providing a sanctuary for native bees.

Piano playing publican brings life to country pub; meet the Tassie grannies devoted to caring for rescued dogs; robot fruit pickers helping out with harvest; garden oasis on top of concrete car park providing a sanctuary for native bees.

One hundred years after Italian ancestors bought grapevines in suitcases, family celebrates winemaking history; farming earthworms proving perfect lifestyle job for young family; horse riding lessons building confidence and character; nature school expands to secondary education as demand grows for outdoor learning experience.

One hundred years after Italian ancestors bought grapevines in suitcases, family celebrates winemaking history; farming earthworms proving perfect lifestyle job for young family; horse riding lessons building confidence and character; nature school expands to secondary education as demand grows for outdoor learning experience.

Catching feral cats to protect native species; family's unique business harvesting kelp on Tassie's wild and windy west coast; the couple who loved dragon fruit so much they decided to grow their own; life of an iron-ore train driver taking mineral to port in the Pilbara. 

Catching feral cats to protect native species; family's unique business harvesting kelp on Tassie's wild and windy west coast; the couple who loved dragon fruit so much they decided to grow their own; life of an iron-ore train driver taking mineral to port in the Pilbara. 

Researching native crops for drought resilience; saving saltmarsh eco-systems that serve as carbon sinks; flower farmers selling direct to public with 'pick your own' open days; filmmaker and traditional owners collaborate to tell story of central Queensland history.

Researching native crops for drought resilience; saving saltmarsh eco-systems that serve as carbon sinks; flower farmers selling direct to public with 'pick your own' open days; filmmaker and traditional owners collaborate to tell story of central Queensland history.

Publican and distiller create urban farm on old car wash and gravel car park; mine reopening reviving rural town; swapping surfboard for tractor as harvest workers head west to help with farm work; scientists studying migrating whales to gauge what they can hear.

Publican and distiller create urban farm on old car wash and gravel car park; mine reopening reviving rural town; swapping surfboard for tractor as harvest workers head west to help with farm work; scientists studying migrating whales to gauge what they can hear.

Collector's decades-long thrilling hunt for rare trees; brewery powering on renewable energy; remote community turning dead wood into valuable resource; female apprentice butcher following in mum's footsteps.

Collector's decades-long thrilling hunt for rare trees; brewery powering on renewable energy; remote community turning dead wood into valuable resource; female apprentice butcher following in mum's footsteps.

The French connection helping to grow beautiful roses in Tasmania's Tamar Valley; youth workers turned beekeepers plan to share their joyful job in remote communities; retiring fisherman reflects on dangerous and adventurous life at sea; giving a voice to the experience of young flood survivors.

The French connection helping to grow beautiful roses in Tasmania's Tamar Valley; youth workers turned beekeepers plan to share their joyful job in remote communities; retiring fisherman reflects on dangerous and adventurous life at sea; giving a voice to the experience of young flood survivors.

Family restores pub that holds a special place in their history and hearts; farmers' role in saving world's largest freshwater invertebrate; long-time bird watcher tracking migratory species; buddy program linking generations and bringing joy to old and young.

Family restores pub that holds a special place in their history and hearts; farmers' role in saving world's largest freshwater invertebrate; long-time bird watcher tracking migratory species; buddy program linking generations and bringing joy to old and young.

Tiny country school prepare to harvest first wheat crop; community food swap takes off with edible produce exchange; couple's passion for horses leads them to establish brumby rescue clinic; why agriculture is a favourite subject for these high school students.

Tiny country school prepare to harvest first wheat crop; community food swap takes off with edible produce exchange; couple's passion for horses leads them to establish brumby rescue clinic; why agriculture is a favourite subject for these high school students.

Young mum bringing creative colour to cow paddock; award-winning buffalo farmers swap research roles for working with animals;  pet emus helping out on berry farm; enthusiastic whale watchers taking part in community day connecting to country and culture.

Young mum bringing creative colour to cow paddock; award-winning buffalo farmers swap research roles for working with animals;  pet emus helping out on berry farm; enthusiastic whale watchers taking part in community day connecting to country and culture.

Farmer working with tea blender to turn fig leaf waste into a herbal tisane; family growing plants for essential oils to make soap; former nurse, police officer gearing up for first harvest as mango farmers; the sheep breeder producing what could be the country's cutest farm animals.

Farmer working with tea blender to turn fig leaf waste into a herbal tisane; family growing plants for essential oils to make soap; former nurse, police officer gearing up for first harvest as mango farmers; the sheep breeder producing what could be the country's cutest farm animals.

Kangaroo paw flowers prized for anti-wrinkle properties; turning seed collecting hobby into full-time job; 12-year-old's booming chicken business; bike appreciation group celebrating older and unusual rides.

Kangaroo paw flowers prized for anti-wrinkle properties; turning seed collecting hobby into full-time job; 12-year-old's booming chicken business; bike appreciation group celebrating older and unusual rides.

Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.

Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.

Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.

Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.

Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.

Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.

Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.

Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.

Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.

Stories from around Australia by the ABC's rural reporters.

Hunting for heritage fig trees; rural fire brigade restoring old truck used by the first all Indigenous fire crew; farmers digging into the power of dung eating beetles; ranger caring for country from the sky.

Research aiming to halt spread of invasive starfish; tips on growing your own greens to reduce grocery bill; breeding Highland cattle with shaggy locks and distinctive horns; poultry club comes together for bird show after Covid hiatus.

Meet the tree-changers harvesting truffles in Tasmania; a winemaking family embracing an old-fashioned way of growing grapes; wildlife carers who spent their house deposit on looking after injured animals; and the young women taking the driving seat in motorsport racing.

Meet a woodchopping legend, come on a fossicking family trip around Australia and join the crowd gathered to meet some famous Muster Dogs.

Three generations of family keeping tourist railway on track; remote worker survives weeks alone in the outback with the help of his guitar; Tassie devils adjusting to life in tropical north as part of conservation project; breeding Boer goats for meat and weed munching.

Unwanted passionfruit pureed to make funky beer flavouring; relocating and restoring historic homestead in outback Queensland; turtle research focussed on keeping nests cool to prevent male drought; celebrating the rosella with plans to crank up jam business.

A gap year with a difference for teen horseback adventurer; environmental project helping to restore river; family reunion to remember Italian forbears who made a new life in the cane fields of northern Australia; talking tea cosies over a cuppa with an expert in the craft.

Appreciating biodiversity in the Capricorn Cays; photographer aiming to smash stereotypes of what a farmer looks like; lambs that love mangoes are helping farmers manage their orchard; growing rare varieties of bananas has kept this farmer in business.

Demand growing for unusual autumn fruit; cast and crew of Castaway series return to filming location nearly fifty years later for history project; adventurous tree changers swap beachside apartment living for farm life; after 21 years of tending to their olive grove couple pick final harvest.

Making beer with fresh, locally grown hops; accolades for century old wine; ambitious attempt to circumnavigate Australia in record speed; pony time helping with learning and relaxation.

Busy saffron harvest has bees in a flop; maritime restoration a labour of love; yachtsman finds connection to land through farm work; scientists make most of extraordinary breeding season to study pelican population.