
Crucifying, stabbing, pillaging... These brutal hunting methods used by British birds show nature at its fiercest
Discover Britain’s most brutal bird hunters and their shocking, deadly and incredibly clever hunting methods

A grizzly bear escaped and was loose on a remote Scottish island for 24 days. What happened next shocked bear experts
In 1980, Hercules the bear went ‘on the run’ on the island of Benbecula, attracting worldwide attention

This long-legged animal makes mincemeat of big hairy house spiders. And it's probably in your home right now
This ubiquitous creature also spins in circles to scare off attackers...

Here's how firm your mattress needs to be, according to sleep experts

Where is Countryfile visiting this week and what time is it on BBC1?
Charlotte Smith and Adam Henson meet the communities working tirelessly to protect Devon’s Exe Estuary.

14 facts you didn't know about Princess Diana – including her adorable nickname for Prince William
Did you know that Diana had many royal connections before marrying Charles? Or that she was a big fan of a certain Swedish pop group...

A spirit medium, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and a shopping trip at Harrods: The unexplained disappearance of the Queen of Crime remains unsolved
On Saturday 4 December 1926, acclaimed murder mystery author Agatha Christie disappearance - and to this day, no one knows why.

Chris Packham is moving his dogs to a plant-based diet – should you? Here’s what the research says
Chris Packham has explained why he's transitioning his dogs onto a vegan diet

They’re tiny. They’re fast. And they’re deadly - meet Britain's smallest birds of prey
They may be little, but they are mighty hunters when it comes to small mammals and birds. Here are the UK’s five micro birds of prey.

Where is The Great American Baking Show filmed – as it surely doesn't look very American? Here's the surprising location
Despite its name, The Great American Bake Off isn't actually filmed in the USA...

Seasonal inspiration

Divine spring walks: 23 of the best UK trails to enjoy right now
The countryside is awash with the sights and sounds of spring – it's time to get outside. From magnificent meadows and wildflower woodlands to gorgeous springtime hills, here is our guide to the UK's best spring walks.

Are you related to an infamous Scottish or Irish clan? This gift can unlock your family's fascinating ancestry

Guide to tit species in the UK: how to identify and where to see these charismatic birds
Learn more about the different types of tit species in Britain and how to tell them apart with our ID guide, which includes blue tits, great tits, crested tits, willow tits, long-tailed tits, marsh tits and coal tits

Best bluebell woodland walks in the UK
Explore a selection of the best bluebell woodlands in the UK with our pick of stunning walks.
News and opinion
The latest environment and wildlife news, comment and interviews

"Extraordinary" Iron Age war trumpet discovered in Norfolk
The musical instrument is one of numerous remarkable items found during a dig in the English county.

Dramatic photos show Britain blanketed in snow and ice
As freezing temperatures sweep across the UK, we look at some of the most striking winter scenes.

Government raises inheritance tax threshold for farmers to £2.5m
The UK government has raised the inheritance tax threshold for farmers after months of protests
Countryfile Calendar 2024
Find out how to enter this year's competition, plus photography tips

Countryfile Calendar competition 2024: view the winning and shortlisted images
Discover who won the Countryfile Calendar competition 2024.

Who is Hamza Yassin? Everything you need to know about the BBC presenter and wildlife cameraman
From humble beginnings living in a car in Scotland to dazzling the nation on Strictly Come Dancing and being a judge in the Countryfile Calendar competition, 'Ranger Hamza' is fast becoming a national hero. Here's all you need to know about the wildlife presenter and photographer.

Wildlife photography tips: how to take great photos of animals
Our expert-written photography guide explains how capture the perfect wildlife shot.
Popular walks
See our most searched for walks and find new routes

Best autumn walks in the UK: discover stunning trails through golden forests and scenic countryside
The arrival of autumn sees the British countryside transform into a spectacular display of oranges, reds, yellows and golds – experience this seasonal splendour with our pick of the best autumn walks in the UK.

Best walking holidays for families
Bringing children on a multi-day walking trip is easier than you think — well-marked trails, short distances and plenty of snacks are essential for all-round enjoyment

England's record-breaking new National Trail is opening soon: Walk the King Charles III England Coast Path
Stretching 2,700 miles around England’s coastline, the King Charles III England Coast Path will soon become the world’s longest managed coastal walking route

“Nicknames for the island included the Madeira of Scotland, the Costa del Clyde and the Naples of the North.” This unsung isle is Scotland’s best-kept secret
Less than two hours from Glasgow, the Isle of Bute is a peaceful haven of sweeping bays and dramatic views. A smitten Ben Lerwill enjoys quiet solitude along the West Island Way

Dorset's dramatic Jurassic coast, vast pebble beaches and bird-rich moorland and marshes are a hiker's dream – here are the county's top 6 walks
Dorset is on eof the UK's most beautiful counties with a stunning coastline. Check out the best walks in Dorset

Say goodbye to your dog behaving badly on walks with these expert tips from renowned dog behaviourist Gwen Bailey
A long dog walk in the countryside should be a relaxing activity for both you and your dog. Unfortunately, not all dogs are well-behaved on country walks, which can be both stressful and dangerous. Our expert dog walking guide offers training tips to ensure your dog behaves beautifully – allowing you to enjoy yourself more, too!
British wildlife
Learn how to identify, where to see and species facts with our expert guides

British wild mushroom and fungi guide: how to identify and where to find
The UK's woods, riverbanks and meadows are home to roughly 15,000 species of wild mushrooms. Find out how to identify the most common species found in Britain, plus essential safety tips on which mushrooms are edible or poisonous with our British fungi guide.

British hedgehog guide: where to see and how to help hedgehogs
Sadly, the UK's hedgehog population is in decline, but there are plenty of ways you can help these charismatic mammals. Here is our expert European hedgehog guide, including where to see them, what they eat and how to help hedgehogs in your garden.

Guide to Britain's geese species: how to identify and where to see
Geese are a familiar sight in the UK's estuaries, marshes and wetlands, particularly in autumn and winter. Learn all about these majestic birds, including identification tips, migration patterns and the best places to see them in the UK.
Recipes
Find inspiration for this season's stars – both shop-bought and foraged

Apple and blackberry crumble squares
These easy-to-make crumble squares are perfect for a summer picnic.

Homemade apple swirls recipe
This homemade apple swirls recipe is easy to make and is a perfect treat on chilly autumn days.

How to make cider: a simple recipe to try at home
The end of summer and the beginning of autumn are prime apple-picking season – make the most of it with this simple and revolutionary cider recipe.

The perfect crab apple jelly recipe
Learn how to make crab apple jelly with this simple recipe by forager and chef Rachel Lambert.
BBC Countryfile Magazine Podcast
Join us on a countryside escape in each episode of the award-winning Countryfile 'plodcast'

Listen: delight in the last birdsong of the summer woodland
In this Sound Escape, we take you on a mindful stroll through a lush woodland after rain.

Explore a fairy glen on the St Patrick's Way in Co Down
Explore a fairy glen of birdsong and pure waters in fabled Tollymore Forest on the edge of the Mourne Mountains in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast

Walking St Patrick's Way: The wildlife of the Newry Canal
Enjoy a gentle stroll along the abandoned Newry Canal in Armagh, Northern Ireland, with fascinating history and brilliant wildlife encounters – in episode 14, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast

A quest for one of Britain's rarest birds in the Cairngorm mountains
Join naturalist and author James MacDonald Lockhart walking and camping deep in the Cairngorm Mountains in search of the dotterel, a bird that breeds on remote peaks – in episode 14, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Outdoor kit reviews
Our pick of the best walking and camping gear for outdoor adventures

Coros Pace 3: The affordable running watch that actually delivers
A great all rounder smart watch for those starting out or more established runners, with a great battery life and reasonable price tag.

Their siblings are probably my favourite trail-running shoes of all time, but these are too firm to be contenders

These are the ideal entry point for trail runners who are new to Hoka

I went into the Amazon jungle and this is the one piece of kit I wouldn’t have been without

Regatta Montegra 2-Person Backpacking Tent review: a neat and nifty model for multi-day trips
Backpacking in a pair and in need of a spacious, yet packable tent? The Regatta Montegra two-person model could do just the trick.

Hydro-Force Ventura Inflatable Kayak review: a lightweight all-rounder for all levels
Find out how the Hydro-Force Ventura Inflatable Kayak fares on the water in Fi Darby's review