Who is Robert Macfarlane? Everything you need to know about the writer – including his famous mountaineering grandfather
Robert Macfarlane is known for his nature writing – but did you know he's also written for films and songs, as well as books?
Why do dogs lick you? What on Earth are they trying to tell you...?
Why do dogs lick you? Is it normal for dogs to lick you? Can it be a sign that something is wrong? PSDA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh explains
The last castle to be built in England looks like it was created on Minecraft: Castle Drogo, a modern medieval oddity
Castle Drogo is a curious blend of modern engineering and medieval fantasy – a granite castle with flat roofs, hydroelectric power, and a story as surprising as its architecture
Inspired by the London Marathon? You could take part next year – here's how to get a head start on training
What's the most common fish in Britain? You might be surprised by the answer
From shimmering shoals at sea to flickering fins in rivers, these are the most common fish species found in UK waters
Is this the prettiest long distance walking trail in the UK? Spot up to 16 counties from one stunning viewpoint
As it's surprisingly hilly, there are plenty of scenic spots along the Cotswold Way.
Badminton Horse Trials 2025 in pictures: Spectacular photos from the world's greatest equestrian event
All the action for the world's greatest three day event
Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker: You can now stay in the famous farmhouse from the hit TV show
The 'dream' farmhouse is located in one of the most picturesque national parks in the UK and is dog-friendly too.
Massive moggies: These are the 6 biggest pet cat breeds in the world
From gentle giants to wild-looking felines, these are the biggest domestic cat breeds that bring both beauty and bulk to homes around the world
Pets make you as happy as a £70,000 pay rise, new research suggests
A pet companion is worth up to £70,000 a year in life satisfaction, compared to equal happiness obtained by meeting with friends and relatives on a regular basis
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.
Running on a budget? Here's how to score up to 50% off at New Balance this week
Your favourite New Balance trainers, now for less
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
"Global first" as England’s peatlands mapped in extraordinary detail, offering hope for restoration
Data reveals that 80% of England’s peatlands are dry and degraded – experts hope the new mapping will help their recovery.
Who is Alison Hammond? All you need to know about the Bake Off presenter and dog lover
Alison Hammond's infectious laugh and entertaining interviews means she's a regular face on our TV screens – but how did she get her big break?
Rare photos of wartime filmmaking released to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day
Historic England releases collection of behind-the-scenes photos of female photographers in action at Pinewood Studios during the Second World War.
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: 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
This epic, unmarked long-distance route climbs the equivalent of Everest and navigates three stunning national parks
Alfred Wainwright’s breathtaking Coast to Coast walk is largely unmarked and surprisingly tough, but it's a route worth taking.
54 greatest walks in the UK
We picked our favourite single-day routes, suitable for hikers with varying levels of experience. Pull on your boots – it's time to get walking.
It's closer to the Arctic Circle than London and completely unmarked – is this the UK's toughest long-distance walking trail?
The Cape Wrath Trail covers 230 miles of unforgiving terrain and is relatively remote – making it a challenge for experienced hikers and navigators.
Inspired by The Salt Path and want to walk the South West Coast Path? Here’s everything you need to know
The South West Coast Path is one of the toughest long-distance walking trails in the UK. Find out everything you need to know to take it on.
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
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
Decathlon ITIWIT Packraft 100 Inflatable Kayak review: 'this watercraft has lightweight fun written all over it'
Looking for an inflatable kayak for portable adventures? Fi Darby takes to the water with Decathlon's ITIWIT Packraft 100.
Aqua Marina Steam 412 Inflatable Kayak review: a spacious, two-person watercraft
Find out how the Aqua Marina STEAM 412 Inflatable Kayak fares on the water in Fi Darby's review
Subea Aquashoes 120: a budget-friendly water shoe for general aquatic wanderings
You're looking for an affordable pair of water shoes, for casual use in the summer months. Could the Subea Aquashoes 120 from Decathlon fit the bill?