
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

Best British summer holiday ideas in 2026: Enjoy what the UK has to offer from coastline to mountain
Enjoy fresh air and nature with our guide on the best family-friendly holiday activities and days out across the UK this summer. Time to get exploring!

Where is Countryfile visiting this week and what time is it on BBC1?
This week, The team explore a side of the Isle of Wight few visitors ever see, from unusual marine life and distinctive habitats to crops more often associated with warmer climates.

Celebrating summer solstice 2026: Here's everything you need to know about the longest day of the year
The longest day of the year, known as the summer solstice, is celebrated throughout the UK every year. Here, this guide explains when and why the summer solstice occurs and how you can celebrate it yourself.

Host the ultimate summer picnic with these delicious and simple recipes
There's nothing better than a quintessential British picnic, especially one full of delicious homemade dishes to inspire you. Here's our selection of easy and quick picnic recipes for the whole family.

Dreaming of the coast? These are the 25 most beautiful UK beaches to visit right now
Looking for a beach near you to soak up some rays? 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 to explore right now.

The 24 best summer walks in Britain, from riverside trails to pristine beaches and Highland escapes
Make the most of the longer days and warmer weather with our pick of the best summer walks in the UK.

As temperatures spike, here’s how to help your garden wildlife thrive in a heatwave – including the popular myth you should AVOID
Wildlife can struggle from a lack of access to water or limited food sources during a summer heatwave, but there are plenty of ways you can help

Step into spring with 23 glorious UK trails at their blooming best
The British countryside is bursting into life this spring, so why stay indoors? From wildflower meadows and woodland trails to scenic hills, here’s our pick of the UK’s best spring walks.

These are the species disappearing before our eyes in Britain – Meet the UK's 17 most endangered animals
From once-common garden visitors to creatures now clinging to survival, Britain’s wildlife is in crisis. Discover the species on the brink – and the fragile places they still call home

Britain’s most iconic lido can actually be found in London – but there are plenty more to explore, from geothermal heating to art deco masterpieces
Come on in, the water's lovely! Take a dip in one of Britain's most spectacular lidos this spring and summer with our pick of the best lidos in the UK

Discover some of the best locations to ski and snowboard in the UK this winter
Hit the slopes without leaving the UK with our ultimate guide to the best ski resorts, hidden gems, and scenic spots where you can catch some fresh powder

Big Garden Birdwatch 2026: when it is, how to take part and birds to spot
This year's Big Garden Birdwatch runs from 23 to 25 January 2026 – find out how to take part, how to submit your results and which birds to spot in your garden.

32 beautiful beaches to visit this winter
The British coastline offers incredible wildlife, views and fresh air in winter – our guide looks at the best beaches to visit as the cold weather hits.

Meet the magnificent, humongous whales and the adorable, smiling dolphins that live in British waters
Learn all about Britain's dolphins, porpoise and whales – including identification, the best places to see them and boat excursions – with our guide to the UK's most common cetacean species.

Best spooky British films and TV series to watch this Halloween
Enjoy a frightening film or a terrifying TV series? Here's our guide to the best British options you can watch right now

The most haunted places in Britain - including a fortress patrolled by a ghostly bear
Scary castles, haunted hills and ghostly inns – these are the most haunted places in the UK.

Are these Britain's most impressive castles? 23 fortresses that look straight out of a fairytale
Britain's ancient castles are woven into the rich heritage of our cities and countryside. Explore remote medieval ruins and iconic castles with our guide to Britain's best castles.

It's exceedingly cute and colourful, very comical and cheeky – and only the size of a can of soda: Meet the tiny clown of the sea
Colourful and characterful puffins are one of Britain's most loved seabirds, living on coastal islands off the UK shore in breeding season.

What's the most common wild animal in the UK? It will probably surprise you...
With a population estimated at 75 million, this humble rodent quietly rules Britain’s wild spaces – yet it often goes unnoticed by most of us.

What's the most common surname in the UK?
We explore the most common surnames in the UK, including the patronymic origins that reflected the trades or familial connections.

Captivating and adorable: 15 cute animal mother-and-baby images that will make you coo
An intimate look at the special connection between animal parents and their babies, including hedgehogs, puffins and red squirrels.

What's the most common owl in the UK?
Around 250 species of owl have been discovered around the world – but which is the most common owl to be found in the UK?

Where is the new Harry Potter TV series filmed? All the filming locations used in the magical wizarding world
Step into a magical world of witchcraft and wizardry by exploring the real-world locations where the new Harry Potter TV series is being filmed.

Will running give me a flat stomach? Just how much does running tone your stomach muscles?
Running provides a full-body workout, engaging muscles from head to toe. Here, we look at how it can tone your stomach muscles.
