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

Wild swimming boys in Buttermere the Lake District National Park

Wild swimming in Britain: best places to swim, water safety and how to get started

Lit-up tent under a starry sky at night.

Beginner’s guide to wild camping in the UK: law, essential kit and places to camp

Wild garlic growing wild

Food and Recipes

Wild garlic guide: where to find, how to cook it and recipe ideas

Snowdrops

Snowdrops guide: where to see and how to grow

Blue tit on branch

Big Garden Birdwatch 2022: how to take part and garden birds to spot

Best nature books

Best nature and wildlife books

Selection of gifts from our gift guide

35 best gift ideas for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers

sunset over water

Britain’s best winter beaches

Owl in winter

Best winter wildlife spectacles in Britain

Two trail runners follow a mountain track, Getty Images

Active ways to enjoy the great outdoors

Portknockie, United Kingdom/Credit: Getty Images

Britain’s best coastal caves, arches and stacks

Dactylorhiza majalis - endangered spiece of wild orchid (western marsh orchid, broad-leaved marsh orchid., fan orchid)

Best orchid sites to visit in the UK

Idyllic scenery of English Lake District in springtime

Britain’s most beautiful lakes

Harris beach

Britain’s best beaches

Common wasp

Insects & invertebrates

British wasp guide: how to identify common species, lifecycle and why wasps sting in autumn