Sarah Beeny, the well-known TV presenter and property developer, has come under fire from viewers of her latest show, New Country Life, for pouring large amounts of concrete into a field in the beautiful countryside of Somerset. The decision to pour so much concrete has been seen by many as contributing to the destruction of the very countryside that the show is supposed to celebrate.
Viewers have taken to social media to voice their concerns, with one writing: "I watched this show expecting to see the beauty of rural life, only to be faced with the destruction of nature at the hands of Sarah Beeny." Many have expressed their frustration that Beeny seems to have prioritised her own vision for the land over the preservation of the natural beauty of the area.
The field in question is located in Bruton, Somerset, and had previously been home to a small number of trees and shrubs. However, Beeny decided that the area would be better suited for a concrete pouring arm of a fixed tower, and began work on the project earlier this year.
Critics argue that not only has Beeny destroyed important natural space, but she has also disregarded the potential effects of such a large amount of concrete on the surrounding environment. Concrete is known for its heat retention properties and can lead to the drying out of soil and other negative impacts on wildlife and vegetation.
Furthermore, the critics have questioned Beeny's motivation for pouring so much concrete into the area. Some have speculated that she is simply looking to expand her property empire at the expense of the environment, while others believe that she is trying to cater to the demands of an urban, tech-focused audience who are more concerned with automation and efficiency than the preservation of natural spaces.
Whatever the motivation behind Beeny's decision to pour concrete into the Somerset countryside, it is clear that many people are unhappy with the outcome. Some have called for stricter regulations on the destruction of natural spaces, while others are looking to boycott Beeny's show in protest.
In the end, it is up to all of us to decide how we want to treat our natural environment. While the convenience of modern technology is certainly tempting, it is important to remember that we cannot continue to sacrifice our natural world for the sake of progress. Whether Sarah Beeny listens to the criticisms of her viewers and changes her approach remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the debate over the preservation of natural spaces in the face of rapid technological change is far from over.