Rural campaigners have called for the BBC to create 'rural programming for the countryside, not just about the countryside', after a recent survey found 94% of respondents rejecting the claim that the broadcaster covers rural issues fairly and impartially.

In a survey of 3400 people – run by the Countryside Alliance – Springwatch and Autumnwatch were deemed to be among the worst shows for representing rural issues, with more than 90% of respondents saying that they did not do so adequately.

The BBC’s national news was also found by 92% of respondents to be failing to represent rural issues. It was closely followed by Countryfile, which 89% of viewers surveyed did not feel 'adequately' covered the issues that mattered to them.

Farming Today only performed slightly better, with just under half believing it properly covered the issues that mattered to them.

CA chief executive, Tim Bonner, said: “The BBC must appreciate that the minority rural audience does not feel fully represented.

“There is a desire for rural programming for the countryside, not just about the countryside. In short, rural programming should not only take into account what urban viewers may find of interest and it needs to showcase the value of important rural activities like farming, shooting, hunting and angling."

A BBC spokesman responded: “We always welcome feedback and we’re very proud of the range of programming we provide. Programmes such as Countryfile and Farming Today cover a range of topics and views when reporting on farming and rural life across the UK as well as within our news coverage."