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?
Joe Crowley and Adam Henson explore the Solway Coast, where ancient traditions and fragile wildlife are being carefully nurtured by those who call this borderland home.
Is your pooch the best adventure buddy, cuddle champion or service dog? They could be crowned Dog of the Year 2025 – enter now
From the best adventure buddy to the most adorable cuddle champion, BBC Countryfile Magazine, in association with Subaru, is on the hunt for the nation’s Dog of the Year.
Northern Lights visible in the UK – with more sightings tonight. Here's how to see the aurora borealis fill the night sky
What are the Northern Lights, and where are the best places to see them on UK shores?
Best walking boots for summer 2025: Tried & tested hiking boots for men and women
From rugged trails to rainy hillwalks, we review the best hiking boots from trusted names like Scarpa and Helly Hansen.
It weighs as much as house cat, has a wingspan the size of an average door and can hit 100 miles per hour when hunting - that's one formidable predator
White-tailed eagles, also known as sea eagles, are the UK's largest bird of prey. Our guide reveals how to identify white-tailed eagles, where to see them, and interesting facts about the species.
You can help save Britain's butterflies – all you need is 15 minutes and your phone
Wildlife lovers are being urged to take part in the annual Big Butterfly Count – and what better reason to find a shady spot for 15 minutes?
Britain’s best lido is in an unexpected place – but there are plenty of others to explore, including one that’s geothermally heated
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
The British strawberry that was served at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation banquet is at risk – here’s where to buy (and how to grow) your own
Strawberries are the taste of British summertime – and are surprisingly easy to grow yourself, too
As temperatures rise, here’s how to help your garden wildlife in a heatwave – including the common 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
From Robin Hood's hideout to a tree that's worth nearly one million pounds, here are the UK's most famous trees
A selection of the strangest, most significant and best-known ancient trees growing in the UK’s forests, parks and gardens.
Heading to the Highlands this summer? Here’s how to avoid the dreaded midges that feel like being ‘stabbed by needles’
You don't want your holiday to be spoilt by insect bites, and there's one in particular that wreaks considerable havoc: the Highland midge
Summer solstice 2025: 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. Our guide explains when and why the summer solstice occurs.
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.
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.
