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
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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A tree with sun passing through it

The September Equinox is approaching: Here is when autumn will begin

Summer is coming to a close, with a very clear start to Autumn on the horizon.
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Worlds tallest horse with a woman stood underneath

The world’s biggest horse is taller than most humans and can be found in England – meet the 199cm tall horse Hugo

A Guinness book of records winner, Hugo towers over the competition.
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A wild bear standing on its hind legs holding food in its paws

This barbaric animal fighting practice had a much longer history than originally believed, new study shows

Bear baiting became popular after the Norman invasion.
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Windermere in the Lake District on a sunny day.

How many lakes are in the lake district? The answer will surprise you

The Lake District should have loads of lakes, right? It's in the name.
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Two men on a boat going through Bristol harbour

This UK city is creating 200 new wetlands to fight flooding, heat and climate change with a lofty goal in sight

Bristol is aiming to become the UK's first wetland city - an accreditation rarely seen around the world.
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