Hamza Yassin, the acclaimed wildlife cameraman from BBC’s Countryfile, recently shared a candid and emotional insight into his mental health, emphasizing the healing power of the outdoors.
At 35 years old, Hamza continues to captivate audiences with his deep connection to wildlife, as seen in the latest episode broadcast on June 15. In this edition, viewers joined him on a thrilling adventure searching for orcas off the coast of Caithness near John O’Groats. Along the way, he highlighted how citizen science efforts are enhancing our understanding of these majestic marine mammals.
The episode also featured inspiring stories of individuals dedicating themselves to nature conservation—a teenager campaigning for an endangered butterfly and a man who turned his garden into a refuge for terns.
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Amidst this, Hamza opened up about his own mental wellbeing. He shared with Gloucestershire Live that his work allows him to “clear my mind,” offering him a profound sense of calm. Reflecting on his role, he said, “I get asked all the time, ‘what’s it like being a wildlife cameraman?’ To me, it’s having the world’s best job. I get to go on safari, travel the world, and come back with memories both in my mind and on camera to cherish.”
He continued, describing how immersion in nature serves as a mental reset: “When I’m busy and my mind feels scrambled, I love just going out to places like this and observing wildlife. It clears my mind of all the clutter, and I feel truly at peace. It’s like meditation—being in nature stops time. Before I know it, the day ends with the sun setting, and I’ve had an absolutely fantastic day.”
In related news, fellow Countryfile presenter Adam Henson announced that the show is seeking a Young Countryside Champion for the BBC Food and Farming Awards 2025. Aimed at recognizing young people aged 16 to 24 who are making a positive impact on the British countryside, the competition encourages nominations of young farmers, naturalists, and volunteers dedicated to environmental and agricultural innovation.
Countryfile remains a beloved programme celebrating nature and farming, accessible on BBC iPlayer for viewers eager to discover more about the countryside’s wonders.