British national anthem: What are the lyrics to 'God Save the King'? And does the King sing it?
'God Save the King' has been sung by British people on the international stage for centuries... but what is its history, who wrote it and what are the lyrics to the two verses?
Snake heads and bleeding hearts: These are Britain's weirdest flowers
The UK is home to some truly bizarre blooms, from eerie ghost orchids to flowers that look like bees. Some of these plants are rare and elusive, while others could even thrive in your garden
Does the King need a passport to travel?
While most of us can't set foot in another country without a passport, there's a different rule in place for our reigning monarch. Here's why
Want to participate in a Parkrun this year? Then you’ll need this beginner-friendly kit loved by runners
'Sky seeding' drones drop 75,000 tree seeds to restore England's lost rainforests
The seeds have been sown in Devon and Cornwall by high-tech drones in a new initiative by the Woodland Trust.
Fierce battle between seal and enormous sea creature filmed in Dorset
The huge eel – which measured around a metre and a half long – put up a good fight.
This imposter flicks parasitic maggots into bee nests and is often confused with a mosquito – meet this extraordinary insect
Despite appearances, the bee-fly isn't actually a bee – and it's developed a rather gruesome way to ensure its survival.
Hairless cats, tailless tabbies and wolf-like felines: These are the weirdest cat breeds
From hairless sphynxes to werewolf-like Lykoi cats, some feline breeds stand out for their unusual appearances and colourful histories
Forestry England is hiring for one of the UK's weirdest jobs – and it pays £42k a year
One of the Forest of Dean's most ancient jobs is now welcoming new applicants
Heron vs Egret: how to spot the difference between these two (very similar) leggy, graceful birds with elongated necks
These elegant waders seem almost identical, but a few fundamental differences stand out between the grey heron and its white-feathered relatives, the egrets
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 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
When is Gardeners' World back on TV? Everything you need to know about the popular gardening series
Gardeners' World returns for its latest series – but who will be presenting and where will they visit? We take a look.
New partnership set to establish wild camping across Britain
Collaboration between CampWild and Rewilding Britain to give wild campers access to previously private rewilding sites, including in England and Wales
"A new era for nature recovery": see "historic moment" beavers are released into wild
Wild beavers have been released into UK waterways, almost 500 years after they were driven to extinction.
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 secret Cornwall cove was once home to a formidable set of smugglers, who allegedly ran half of Britain’s brandy trade
Uncover the sandy beach once reigned over by a wayward family of pirates, says Sian Lewis
25 of the best walks in the Lake District National Park
Of all the national parks in Britain, the Lake District in North England is arguably the most celebrated – discover the area's fells, rivers, waters and towns with our guide to the best walks in the Lake District National Park.
Save over 30% on the shop price when you subscribe via direct debit, plus receive a Vango Stone 20L Rucksack
Cat Bells: a walker's guide to the most beautiful mini mountain in the Lake District
Explore the famous fell of Cat Bells in the Lake District with BBC Countryfile Magazine's 3.5-mile walking route.
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?