Author Alex Hughes

Alex Hughes

Alex is the Digital Editor for Countryfile.com. He was previously found at its sister site BBC Science Focus. When he’s not obsessing over data and web content, Alex can be found in one of Bristol’s many climbing gyms or going for a long run.

Recent articles by Alex Hughes
An aerial view of Newquay beach

The world’s best surfing beaches are at risk due to climate change - including this famous Devon spot

Sea-level rises, changes to shorelines and an overall altering in the characteristics of the seabeds.
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Overhead view of an allotment

Finally got your own allotment? Here’s everything you need to know, from unspoken rules to the best beginner veg

Becoming the perfect allotment neighbour with these reminders.
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Blue tit flying away from a bird box

Your bird feeder could be spreading a deadly disease – here’s how to keep on top of it

It’s not dangerous to humans but could be a risk to your garden birds.
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An artist's illustraiton of the discovered dinosaur

A completely new dinosaur has been discovered on the Isle of Wight – and it was closely related to the T-rex

A fascinating new find that could have lived 120 million years ago.
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A wild songchaffinch flying through the sky

Britain’s wild bird populations are falling – and some have lost more than 90% of their numbers

A recent report highlights the disappearances of wild bird populations in the UK.
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Autumn leaves on a large tree

Expect a confusing and unpredictable autumn thanks to summer drought, says National Trust experts

“Colour, contrast and confusion” could summarise the autumn months this.
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A group of Orcas swimming together off the coast of Norway

Scientists use traces of nuclear debris found in Whale's teeth to reconstruct their life stories and find the oldest male killer whale ever documented

Freshwater pearl mussels laid out on a large rock

One of the longest life spans in the world and rumoured to be why Julius Caesar invaded Britain – this bizarre creature is found in more remote parts of the UK but faces extinction

The freshwater pearl mussel spends most of its adult live nestled in the river.
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An artist impression of the wetlands project

New National Trust site has turned a golf course into a bustling wetland the size of 42 football pitches – here’s why it is so important

The Lincolnshire coastline has been transformed.
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An older woman clutching her chest while lying in a hospital bed

Lower cognitive test scores for those over 60 could signal higher future risks of stroke, according to new research

A small dog jumping through the snow towards the camera

The most beautiful dog photos of 2026: according to a team of experts

A white cow stood surrounded by other cows

A summer of drought has resulted in over 240 million litres of milk being lost - and it could be driving milk prices up

A particularly bad summer for farmers could have long lasting effects.
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A man lying in his bed scrolling on his phone

Night owls more likely to retire early due to long-term medical problems, new study finds

According to new research, those who prefer evenings are linked to up to 70% higher risk of needing a disability pension.
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Two Great Bustards stood together in a field

It can run at speeds of up to 37mph, weighs nearly as much as three bowling balls and has an elaborate mating ritual

The Great Bustard has a bizarre back story as one of the weirdest flying birds.
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Older dog being stroked by its owner.

Dogs don’t all age at the same rate – these breeds may need extra support as they get older

Not all dogs are created the same and some will simply need more assistance as they age.
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A road leading up to Windsor Castle

From Buckingham Palace to Balmoral: how many palaces does the Royal Family own?

Looking inside the Royal Family’s property portfolio.
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Man surfing on a beach in South Wales

These are the UK beaches an eight-time surfing champion says you need to know

Make the most of the UK’s excellent beaches with a surfing expert.
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A Wasp spider catching its prey on its web

One of the UK’s largest spider species is making its way into the West Midlands caused by rising temperatures

The wasp spider is an alarming sight due to its large size and bright colours.
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A tractor spreading pesticides on a large green fiield

Pesticides contain hundreds of chemicals that could boost breast cancer risk, new research finds

Older person struggling with knee pain

Suffering from knee arthritis pain? Nearly 10,000 patients found instant relief with these techniques

An analysis of 139 clinical trials could hold the answer for anyone suffering from arthritis-linked knee pain
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New York skyline seen from an aerial point of view

This corner of Manhattan stands on rubble shipped from Britain – and the story is remarkable

A wartime story that is crucial to New York’s landscape.
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A person climbing in the Peak District, UK

Legendary climber Pete Whittaker picks the best climbing spots in the UK: Peak District, Cornwall, Wales and more

Looking for the best climbing spots in the UK? We spoke to a leading climber to find the top spots.
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A young woman working on a farm picking up plants

Millions of small farms could help solve two of humanity’s biggest challenges with little effort - here's how

Small farms produce a huge proportion of the world’s food supply, but they are often lacking support.
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Dodder plant in England attached to another plant

This creepy British plant survives by sucking the life from other plants – but it is quickly going extinct

Dodder is a rare parasitic plant that you’ve likely come across on a long walk.
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