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

Where is Countryfile visiting this week and what time is it on BBC1?

After a scorching summer, 2025’s harvest could be one of the worst in recent years. What could that mean for farmers, our food and for the future of British produce?
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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What's the most common mushroom in the UK?

There is estimated 2.5 million species of fungi worldwide, but only a small fraction produce mushrooms – but what is the most common mushroom found in the UK?
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What are your core muscles and why are they important?

Core muscles help maintain alignment and support good posture as you walk or run – here we explain why building core strength is important and can reduce the risk of injury.
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Forestry England announces 2025 could be record-breaking for spectacular autumn colour – here’s why

As Forestry England declare that we could see more vibrant and earlier displays of autumn colour this year, here are the best places to enjoy it.
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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?
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Don’t buy walking boots until you see these 2025 winners - Tried and tested by experts

From rugged trails to rainy hillwalks, we review the best hiking boots from trusted names like Scarpa and Helly Hansen.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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