Where can I buy the Countryfile calendar 2017 and how much goes to the BBC Children in Need Appeal?
This year’s theme was “From Dusk to Dawn” and the best 12 photographs have been chosen by previous winners and the final judging panel of John Craven, Deborah Meaden from Dragon’s Den, comedian Rhona Cameron, and wildlife cameraman Simon King.
THE BBC 2017 Countryfile Calendar for Children in Need is now available for purchase - here are some of the things you need to know.
Countryfile is a weekly television programme on BBC One that reports on rural and environmental issues in the UK, focusing on the people and the stories at the heart of the British countryside.
Last year the show frequently bested other shows, such as ITV's X Factor, and the annual photography competition, which makes up the calendar, has proven just a popular this year.
What is the Countryfile calendar 2017?
The Countryfile calendar brings the diverse English countryside into focus in a collection of photographs entered into the BBCs annual photography competition.
This year the winning photos were whittled down from more than 20,000 entries.
The winner of the competition takes the prestigious honour of their photograph gracing the front of the calendar and the 11 other finalists have their photos included inside.
This year’s theme was “From Dusk to Dawn” and the best 12 photographs of beautiful landscapes, wildlife and other rural scenes have been chosen by previous winners and the final judging panel of presenter John Craven, Deborah Meaden from Dragon’s Den, comedian Rhona Cameron, and wildlife cameraman Simon King.
This year’s winner was Dean Mason, for his photo ‘Berry Bruch’ which captured a water vole snacking on some blackberries.
Wildlife enthusiast Dean, from Kent, told Countryfile Magazine that wildlife photography has always been his passion.
To take the photo, which was shot three years ago, Dean sat in the water for 24 hours and waited patiently for a water vole to appear.
He said: “After 24 hours actually sitting in the water wearing a full set of chest waders I achieved the image, Berry Brunch. The one thing I never anticipated was the priceless expression on the water vole’s face. To say I was delighted would be an understatement.
“I don’t think my winning image was special at all. But I do believe it quite possibly appealed to the public due to the cuteness overload and priceless expression of the water vole”
Dean’s image will feature as the October photo as well as the coveted front cover.
Where can I buy the Countryfile calendar?
The calendar costs just £9.50, including free UK delivery.
You can place an order online on the Hallmark website: .
You can also order over the phone by calling 0330 333 4564, standard geographic and mobile charges apply.
Or if you would rather order through the post you can send your name, address and a cheque to BBC Countryfile, PO Box 25, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1ZG.
Make the cheque payable to BBC Countryfile Calendar.
The calendar is also available at selected branches of WHSmith, but only while stocks last.
How much goes to the BBC Children in Need Appeal?
The release of the wildlife calendar is a hugely anticipated event and the sales raise money for BBC Children in Need.
At least £4 from every calendar sold goes to Children in Need.
Last year the calendar sold over 450,000 copies and raising more than £2 million for the Charity.
Children in Need is the BBCs corporate charity and provides grants to UK projects that focus on children and young people who are disadvantaged.
Its vision is that every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood that allows them to reach their full potential.
What's featured in this year's calendar?
This year’s calendar is full of breath-taking wildlife images, from a mountain hair in the snow, to a Shetland pony calling out against a stunning backdrop.
Here are the 11 other incredible images captured:
John, from Winchester, was in the Cairngorms when he spotted a couple of hares on a snow-covered ridge and spent several hours watching and filming them, to great result.
Judge, John Craven said: "This was the unanimous favourite of the judges; dusk is falling on misty Rockland Marshes in Norfolk and Tony, in camouflage gear, is about 50 yards away when a barn owl spots its supper."
Jo and her husband, from Norfolk, were walking at Cley next the Sea when they saw this roe buck hopping through a field.
She took cover in a hedge with her Sony Cybershot and the deer stopped and even moved towards the camera.
Duncan was cycling on the South Downs Way in late June and stopped as the cows wandered up to take a drink from the pond.
The judges said Duncan's composition in this shot was "outstanding".
One of Paul's friends is a member of this Morris team, photographed at dawn on May Day in Worcestershire as they welcomed the sunrise.
National Park warden Victoria was on Pen-y-Fan peak in the Brecon Beacons very early one morning, surrounded by cloud, when there was a sudden break and, with the sun behind her, she got this amazing picture.
John Craven said it was "one of the most surreal images I have seen in the 20-odd years of competition".
The pony is quite a star – he’s called Socks and has appeared in commercials and even on Countryfile. Elaine knows how to handle him and took him to a high hill in the Shetlands for her photo.
She said "He yawns a lot and I just started clicking."
Bob went with his camera club to Devon Wildlife Centre and snapped these captive harvest mice in a glass tank.
They were darting about and hiding so Bob was elated when two appeared together, stayed still for a second or two and looked straight at his lens.
John Craven said: "Perhaps the most outstanding landscape among the many entered this year – the colours and dramatic light create a photograph that draws you into it.
"Gareth walked for an hour to reach the now-disused lighthouse which is only accessible at low tide. He took the photo as a Mother’s Day present but now we can all enjoy it."
Helen, from Cirencester, spent endless hours in a hide in the Cairngorms - starting at 3 am - before she got the picture she wanted of rare black grouse.
John Craven: "If you want to take pictures of deer go to Richmond Park – it has more than 600 roaming wild.
"But if you want to get a really memorable photo be like David and track them down when conditions are ideal for the image you’re seeking – he chose a cold morning, with the early sunlight shining through the breath of this red stag.
"I’ve seen thousands of deer photos, but this one stands out."
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