Hen harrier numbers up in Scotland but "persecution continues", according to new RSPB survey
Your chances of catching a glimpse of a hen harrier in the Scottish countryside are improving, according to a new report by the RSPB. But this recovery needs to be sustained in the long term to meet biodiversity goals, says the charity.
A Somerset schoolgirl has discovered what may be the largest marine reptile ever found
The remains of an enormous jawbone more than two metres long have been found on a beach at Blue Anchor in south-west England. Scientists believe the bones belong to a new species of giant ichthyosaur that was the size of a blue whale.
5 famous writers' homes you can holiday in, from Roald Dahl's childhood holiday home to the Queen of Crime Agatha Christie's house
Fancy sleeping where your favourite writers lived, worked or holidayed? Explore Agatha Christie's Devon retreat and follow in the footsteps of Roald Dahl with our top five literary lodgings.
How could switching to cleaner energy help protect the environment?
Nature in the UK is at risk from the effects of climate change. Harnessing renewable energy is one of the ways we can preserve it.
Irish red and white setter: Dog characteristics, photos and facts
Energetic, affectionate and forever happy, the Irish red and white setter is the ideal breed for country living. We spoke to The Kennel Club to find out more about this charismatic dog.
Where is Midsomer Murders filmed?
Featuring elaborate plots and beautiful settings, Midsomer Murders has been hit with viewers since 1997. But where is it filmed and which are its best-known locations?
Where is Father Brown filmed?
Join us as we go behind-the-scenes to discover the real-world settings that bring this charming detective drama to life.
How dangerous are cows to walkers?
Calm, cud-chewing bovines or a serious threat to walkers – just how dangerous are cows in Britain's countryside?
Hay fever: symptoms, causes and how to beat it
Tackle seasonal hay fever with these simple tips
Britain's best spring walks: 23 beautiful trails
The countryside is awash with the sights and sounds of spring – it's time to get outside. From magnificent meadows and wildflower woodlands to springtime hills, here is our guide to the UK's best spring walks.
Seasonal inspiration
Britain's best spring walks: 23 beautiful trails
The countryside is awash with the sights and sounds of spring – it's time to get outside. From magnificent meadows and wildflower woodlands to springtime hills, here is our guide to the UK's best spring walks.
Guide to tit species in the UK: how to identify and where to see these small 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.
Spring wildlife guide: what to look for and where to see it
From the fragrant aroma of wild garlic to the delightful song of the chiffchaff, the British countryside comes to life in the spring months. Our expert spring wildlife guide explains how to identify the season's best wildlife spectacles and best places to see.
News and opinion
The latest environment and wildlife news, comment and interviews
Pool frog: A quick guide to the UK's rarest amphibian
Once dismissed as an invasive species, Britain's rarest native amphibian is finding its place once more in the countryside. Find out how to identify a pool frog, species facts and what's being done to safe it with our expert guide.
Scottish grouse shooting faces shake up as new law introduced to stop raptor persecution
The new Scottish law to regulate the grouse industry could provide a blueprint for England.
Beavers have been recruited to reduce flooding in an ancient English village. And it's working
Five years after being released on Spains Hall Estate in Essex, beavers are rewriting the landscape and reducing the risks of both drought and flooding.
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, view all the shortlisted images, and find out where you can buy this year's calendar
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
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
Scafell Pike walk, Lake District: how to scale England's highest mountain
Climb to the summit of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, on this challenging 5-mile route in the Lake District National Park
Wicken Fen walk, Cambridgeshire
An easy-going, 4.7-mile circular walk around one of England's most spectacular wildlife havens.
Get 10 issues for £20 - that’s just £2 per Issue!
Enjoy the best of the British outdoors with a subscription to BBC Countryfile Magazine, get your first 10 issues for just £20 saving 64% off the shop price!
Ludham walk, Norfolk
An easy walk along flat riverside paths, through quiet fields and over tiny bridges in the heart of the Norfolk Broads.
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
In autumn and winter, geese are a familiar sight in the UK's estuaries, marshes and wetlands. Learn all about these majestic birds, including identification, 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'
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
Podcast: Adventure into the Welsh hills on an electric bike
Follow an old abandoned railway line deep into the Welsh hills on an eBike – in search of ruins, wildlife and the perfect cup of tea – in episode 13, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Outdoor kit reviews
Our pick of the best walking and camping gear for outdoor adventures
Columbia Facet 75 Outdry walking shoe review
The Facet 75 looks good – but can it cope with a muddy Welsh trail? Rob Slade pulls on a pair to find out
Polar Grit X Pro Review
Find out how Polar's Grit X Pro fares on test
Apple Watch Ultra Review
Rob Slade tests the Apple Watch Ultra. How does the popular brand's sleek device fare as an outdoor gadget?
Polar Ignite 3 Titanium review
Find out how the Polar Ignite 3 Titanium fares on test in Rob Slade's review
Garmin Forerunner 955 Review
Looking for high-quality navigation without the weight of a hefty sports watch? Rob Slade reviews the Garmin Forerunner 955.
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Review
Is it possible to get a Garmin GPS watch on a budget? Rob Slade takes the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar for a spin.