Author Carys Matthews
Carys Matthews

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
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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!
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Countryfile presenters around a tractor

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.
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Summer Solstice At Stonehenge

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.
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best picnic recipes

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.
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Famous Pedn Vounder Beach, South Cornwall on a bright sunny June afternoon.

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.
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A view of a path connecting two islands in Sark

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.
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Male house sparrow, Passer domesticus, perched by the side of a bird bath drinking water

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
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Woodland full of wild garlic

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.
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Red squirrel sitting in a tree

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
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Plymouth, Devon, England, UK, Overview of Tinside Lido on Plymouth seafront, Historic art deco style and voted in top ten outdoor pools in Europe. Outdoor salt water swimming pool. (Photo by: Peter Titmuss/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

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
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United Kingdom, Scotland, Cairngorms, Coire an t-Sneachda, ski tourer

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
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Blue tit

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.
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Durdle Door in winter

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.
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Humpback whale

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.
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Whitby Abbey

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.
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Corfe Castle sunrise

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.
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Three puffins in group

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.
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Field vole eating

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.
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Female blacksmith in her forge

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.
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Mother mallard duck swimming in lake,

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.
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Tawny owl perching on branch

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?
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Harry Potter HBO TV series

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.
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A female trail running in the Red Rock reserve outside Las Vegas, Nevada.

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.
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