Was 'M' in James Bond real? Meet the real-life secret spy called 'M', who would have rubbed shoulders with Ian Fleming
Meet the animal-loving David Attenborough of the 1950s who had a secret life as a spy called M and the likely inspiration for ‘M’, James Bond’s spy chief.
"It's like therapy for me". Citizen scientists reveal the unexpected health benefits of whale and dolphin watching
Meet the army of volunteers helping marine life – and themselves.
Octavia Hill: The woman who rose to become one of the 19th century's greatest reformers and founder of the National Trust
Octavia Hill was a social reformer whose belief in the benefits of fresh air led to the creation of the National Trust.
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.
Bilberry guide: how to identify, where to find them and how they're different to blueberries
Bilberry: the little purple powerhouse you might not know about
Save 30% and receive a Stanley Go Quick Flip Water Bottle when you subscribe to BBC Countryfile Magazine
Enjoy the best of the British outdoors with a subscription to BBC Countryfile Magazine. Take out an annual subscription today and save 30% on the shop price, plus receive a Stanley Go Quick Flip Water Bottle
How to give cats medicine - liquid or tablets - without getting scratched or bitten from the experts at Cats Protection
Worried about giving your cat the medicine your vet has prescribed? Here are some tips from the experts at Cats Protection that should make it easier for you - and help you avoid being scratched
Where was Heartbeat filmed? A guide to the nostalgic police drama's filming locations
A guide to the filming locations of Heartbeat, the nostalgic popular police drama that was set in the 1960s
So, you think you've got Japanese knotweed in your garden? Don't panic, say the experts, and ignore the scare stories
Initially introduced as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance, Japanese knotweed has become a botanical bully.
Seagull vs Gull: what's the difference?
Ever wondered about the different types of gulls soaring overhead?
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
Four fluffy goslings among winners in wildlife photo competition
The winning images from The Royal Parks’ spring photography competition have been revealed. Drum roll...
Watch: three adorable baby beavers born on Norfolk nature reserve
The beaver kits were caught on camera at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve in Fakenham, bringing the town's total tally to seven.
A deadly virus that infects and kills blackbirds has arrived in England – and it's on the move, warn scientists
The Usutu virus was first detected in London in 2020. Now concerns are growing as it appears to be spreading across south-east England.
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
Hathersage Skyline walk: a dramatic, village-to-ridge day out in the heart of the Peak District
From the quaint village of Hathersage to the impressive gritstone escarpment of Stanage Edge, this 8.7-mile circular walk is the perfect introduction to England's Peak District National Park.
Walking groups for people with disabilities
10 of the best walking groups in the UK for people with limited mobility and visual and hearing impairments.
Malvern Hills: the perfect dog walk
This eight-mile walk in the Malvern Hills is the perfect day out for both dog and owner.
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.
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
Nebo Galileo Air 1000 camping light review: this clever gadget shines bright, powers your phone and packs down
If you're serious about shining bright, the Nebo Galileo Air 1000 is up to the challenge. Read Maria Hodson's full review.
Fjällräven Skule Top 26 Daypack Review: this well-built pack oozes quality
Fjällräven is a big player in the backpack world. Does the Skule Top Daypack live up to the brand's stellar reputation? Paul McGuinness finds out.
Horizn Studios Air review: this sustainably-made suitcase seriously pulls its weight
We test Horizn Studios' new Air suitcase, and it turns out, it's pretty hard to fault
Red Pro Change Robe Evo review: from surfing to school run
Does the Pro Change Robe Evo from market leaders Red live up to its hefty price tag? Surfer and avid water fan Maria Hodson wraps up on Tenby's coast to find out.
Hoka Hopara walking sandal review
Could the Hoka Hopara be just the ‘wear anywhere’ sandal you're missing? Fi Darby puts the versatile walking sandal to the test.
Cotopaxi Luzon 24L daypack review
Find out how the Cotopaxi Luzon 24L backpack, a sustainably-made, colourful daypack, fares on review.