Carys Matthews
Group Digital Editor
Carys is the Group Digital Editor of countryfile.com and discoverwildlife.com and writes regular features for the print magazine. Away from the desk, she enjoys trail running, hiking, outdoor swimming and cycling in the British countryside and beyond.
Recent articles by Carys Matthews
Where is Countryfile visiting this week and what time is it on BBC1?
At the northernmost edge of mainland Scotland, a spectacle unfolds, and a chance to catch a glimpse of one of our most awe-inspiring cetaceans - the orca.
How to stay safe when wild swimming – plus tips for getting started
Dive into our essential guide to wild swimming with our pick of the best places to swim in the UK, water safety and tips on how to get started
Has the Mount Etna eruption got you wondering, are there any volcanoes in the UK? You may be surprised by the answer
It has been around 60 million years since there was an active volcano in the UK, but remnants of these explosive landforms can be found throughout the countryside...
Beginner's guide to wild camping in the UK – is it legal and what rules do you have to follow?
Fancy getting off the beaten track? One of the joys of wild camping is the chance to sleep under the stars in beautiful rural locations.
April foraging: here's what you can find in the UK right now
Spring is finally here – and with it comes longer days, warmer temperatures and blooming flowers. It's a great month to be outside, not only for spotting wild things but for gathering them, too. Find out what to forage in the UK this month how to do it responsibly.
25 beautiful UK beaches to visit right now
Looking for a beach near you? From the spectacular Isles of Scilly and the rugged shores of the Scottish Highlands to England's dreamy south coast, here's our pick of the most beautiful beaches in the UK.
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.
The best hedgehog houses for your garden in 2025
Provide a safe and sheltered spot for your spiky visitors this year with a charming hedgehog house.
Spring blossom is out now - here's how to identify it
As light flows slowly back into our woodlands and hedgerows, once-bare branches begin to bloom again. It's blossom season – but how do you tell the difference between blackthorn and hawthorn, rowan and wild cherry?
Celebrate St David's Day: history and traditions
Celebrate Wales' national day with our guide to St David's Day which looks at the history of the patron saint of Wales and popular Welsh traditions.
Best walking boots of 2025: tested by hiking experts for comfort and durability
Our expert reviewers tested a batch of hiking boots from leading brands, on muddy trails over hills and through forests and fields – and here are our findings
Wild garlic guide: where to find, how to use and recipe ideas
Spring is the perfect time to go foraging for this versatile and pungent plant, which can be whipped up into a delicious soup or pesto. BBC Countryfile Magazine's expert guide explains where to find it, how to forage it responsibly and how to cook it.
Vikings are marching through a Shetland town – discover the tradition behind the Up Helly Aa celebration
Originating in the 1880s, the spectacular Up Helly Aa festival in Lerwick, Shetland celebrates Norse heritage
Big Garden Birdwatch 2025: when it is, how to take part and birds to spot
This year's Big Garden Birdwatch runs from 24th to 26th January 2025 – find out how to take part, how to submit your results and which birds to spot in your garden.
Using padded hurdles, instead of typical brush fences, could reduce racehorse fatalities
Researchers from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) identify key risk factors for injury and fatality rates in horse racing.
Trenches, tombs and a hidden church above a shopping centre – 17 extraordinary historic sites added to the National Heritage List
First World War practice trenches, a rare 17th-century chest tomb and a Tudor-style pub are among the 17 historic sites that have gained protected status this year.
Boxing Day recipes: how to use up your Christmas leftovers
Reduce your food waste over the festive period with our selection of easy but tasty recipes to use up your Christmas leftovers
Horse skulls and onion-induced dreams: the quirky British Christmas traditions you should try this year
From decorating the tree to eating mince pies and kissing under the mistletoe, here is our guide to British Christmas traditions and their origins.
Best winter wildlife spectacles in the UK
The short, sparkling days and long, cold nights of winter are perfect for wildlife watching. But which species of animal can be seen and heard in winter, and where are the best places in the UK to experience winter wildlife spectacles?
Where to ski and snowboard in Scotland, England and the rest of the UK
Hit the slopes without leaving the UK with our guide to the best places to ski and snowboard in the UK.
Britain's most haunted places - do you dare to visit one at night?
From ancient castles to haunted hills and scary inns, discover the most haunted places in the UK with BBC Countryfile Magazine's spooky guide
Haunting ‘witch marks’ designed to ‘trap demons’ discovered etched on the walls of this medieval manor
The perfect sloe gin recipe
Try making this delicious sloe gin recipe in the autumn months and enjoy a warming sup when the weather cools. It also makes the ideal gift for any gin lover.
Elderberry guide: where to find, health benefits and recipe ideas
Late summer and early autumn are the perfect seasons for heading into the British countryside in search of elderberries. Learn how to identify, where to find, the health benefits and how to cook elderberries with our expert guide.
