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Devotees of swimming outdoors in all weathers make great claims for its health-giving benefits. But how true are they? ÌýJules checks out the science at the University of Birmingham with physiologists Rebekah and Sam Lukas, then joins a group of hardy souls in Somerset to test the water.

ÌýKeeley is in the Peak District, getting to know the latest recruits to the local Mountain Rescue team, the search dogs. Volunteersand their pets have to be on their game to save lives during harsh winter weather conditions - could you and your family dog step up to the mark?ÌýÌý

Later, Keeley visits the Cairngorms, where the landscape is so harsh in winter it’s used to prepare for polar expeditions. She hears about the dangers of avalanches and learns how to dig in to survive a mountain blizzard.

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Photo: Credit to Damon Powell – SMR.

Rising prices, a population concentration in particular parts of the country and large deposits required by mortgage lenders have all contributed to the UK’s housing shortage.Ìý Margherita meets a carpenter and joiner who thinks she has the answer – in the form of straw-bales!

Helen meets the members of a study group who are monitoring the winter wildlife in their area, including one species that is completely new to science.

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Paul investigates the latest outbreak of bird flu, and how it could potentially affect our grocery bills. He catches up with leading Avian Influenza expert, Professor Ian Brown at the Animal and Plant Health Agency laboratory, to find out about the dangers of bird flu and what measures he needs to take to protect his own brood.ÌýÌýÌý