BBC Radio 4 Extra

Down By The River

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Down By The River

From the source to the estuary, Laura Barton explores how rivers have shaped us.

From the source of the Tyne to the Severn estuary, Laura Barton travels the rivers of Britain, and explores how they've shaped our stories and lives.

From the squelchy trickle at the source of the Tyne, to the vast expanse of the Severn estuary, follow the writer Laura Barton as she explores the rivers of Britain to discover how they've shaped our stories and lives. Through the BBC Radio archives, and brand new interviews, she will follow these rivers closely to hear the tales they share. Laura will be mud-larking along the Thames with the artist Marie-Louise Plum, canoeing the Granta with nature writer Matt Gaw, and swimming in the Isis with journalist Nell Frizzell. She will also be speaking to the author Olivia Laing about walking the Ouse, and hearing from the writer Michael Malay about being drawn to the river. 
Archive programmes will include Bernard Cribbins 1983 reading of 'The Wind In The Willows', Roger Deakin's canoe adventure 'Cigarette on the Waveney', Stella Duffy's cautionary tale 'From The Rivers Mouth' and John Betjeman's 1969 celebration of river people 'Scenes That Are The Brightest: Upstream'.

Presented by Laura Barton

Produced by Luke Doran

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Down By The River

Genres

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra