News
“Astonishing” and “rare” explosion of small blue butterflies recorded in Scottish Highlands
Over 500 small blue butterflies were spotted at a single site in Scotland, more than doubling the previous year's count.
A new Royal favourite: how the Jack Russell Terrier has seen a surge in popularity, boosted by Queen Camilla's love for the breed
Why the loveable Jack Russell has become the most popular royal dog breed.
Scientists solve the decades-long mystery of what makes cats orange – and why ginger cats tend to be male
Scientists have solved the mystery of why ginger cats are orange and mostly male, with new evidence suggesting that their colour comes from a genetic mutation in the X chromosome.
This Roman massacre is a myth, say scientists. Here's what actually happened
New research has debunked a legendary Roman massacre at Maiden Castle in Dorset. So, who were the true killers?
'Sea parrot' cam: heartwarming livestream offers intimate glimpse inside puffin colony on remote Farne Islands
In celebration of caring for the Farne Islands for 100 years, the National Trust has shared a puffin livestream so people can watch the sweet birds from home.
What's new?
“As I got closer, I saw its tail": astonished gardener finds large animal in pond
Kerry Irwin-Hall had snuck out at dawn in the hope of seeing ducks nesting, but what she spotted was even more amazing.
Raccoons, pink salmon and purple clams: these are the latest invasive threats to British wildlife, say experts
UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology updates watchlist of invasive non-native species that could threaten British wildlife in the next 10 years.
Sarah Ruggins smashes UK end-to-end record, becoming the fastest person to cycle the length of Great Britain and back
Beating the previous overall record by nearly seven hours, Sarah Ruggins is now the fastest person to ride from John o’ Groats to Land’s End — and back again
Gloucester Services crowned UK's finest motorway stop – find out where your favourite ranks
Local farm produce and countryside charm put this M5 pitstop in pole position.
Supreme Court ruling says wild camping can continue on Dartmoor
The future of wild camping in the national park has now been decided by the Supreme Court
Blog
British fava beans – history and recipes
The majority of the pulses we eat in Britain are imported from farms across the world - except the humble fava bean which is making a bold comeback. Here is our guide to the history of British fava beans, where to buy them and recipe ideas.
My Countryside interview: Anita Rani
Countryfile presenter Anita Rani talks about wild walks, hair-raising holidays and the importance of inner-city access to the great outdoors
The Island Diary Part 1: finding a home on Seil
Poet Kenneth Steven and his partner Kristina Hayward yearned for the sea – and where better than an island in the Western Isles that so nourished Kenneth's childhood. But could they make a life there? Find out in our new blog series