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
Britain's best spring walks: 23 beautiful trails
The countryside is awash with the sights and sounds of spring – it's time to get outside. From magnificent meadows and wildflower woodlands to springtime hills, here is our guide to the UK's best spring walks.
Where is Countryfile visiting this week and what time is it on BBC1?
In this week's show, Hamza Yassin and Sammi Kinghorn visit the blooming gardens of RHS Wisley in Surrey to celebrate one of nature’s heroes – the not-so-humble bee!
April foraging: Best plants to find and how to use them
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.
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, before revealing some of our favourite wild garlic recipe ideas.
How to identify spring blossom
As light flows slowly into our woodlands and hedgerows, once-bare branches begin to bloom. The brief blossoming of blackthorn, rowan, wild cherry and hawthorn is a magical spectacle, wreathed in ancient folklore. Learn how to identify spring blossom found in the UK and best places to spot blossom with our ID guide.
National Nest Box Week: how to help birds in your garden
Give a bird a home during National Nest Box Week, which runs from 14th February to the 21st February. Here's all you need to know to take part in 2024.
Snowdrops guide: best walks, how to grow and when they bloom
After the darkness of winter, snowdrops are a welcome sign that spring will soon be here. Our snowdrop guide looks at the best snowdrop walks in the UK, when to plant snowdrops, when they bloom and how to care for them.
Lungworm in dogs: symptoms and how to prevent
Lungworm can be fatal to dogs and is on the rise in the UK, with thousands of cases and fatalities being reported. Our expert guide explains what lungworm is, how to spot the signs and what you can do to protect your dog from this potentially deadly parasite.
Spring wildlife guide: what to look for and where to see it
From the fragrant aroma of wild garlic to the delightful song of the chiffchaff, the British countryside comes to life in the spring months. Our expert spring wildlife guide explains how to identify the season's best wildlife spectacles and best places to see.
Best bluebell woodland walks in the UK
Explore a selection of the best bluebell woodlands in the UK with our pick of stunning walks.
Big Garden Birdwatch 2024: how to take part and garden birds to spot
With 1 in 4 birds in serious decline, it's never been more important to monitor the UK's bird populations. Find out how to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, how to submit your results and the best birds to spot in your garden in winter.
The best hedgehog houses for your garden in 2024
Provide a safe and sheltered spot for your spiky visitors this year with a charming hedgehog house.
Beachcombing guide: what to find on the seashore, plus the best beaches to search
Extraordinary and beautiful treasures can be found along the British coastline. Here is our expert guide to beachcombing, including things to look out for, how to get started and the best beaches for beachcombing in the UK.
32 wild and wonderful beaches to visit this winter
The British coastline has a wild beauty in the colder months but still offers incredible wildlife, views and buckets of fresh air. Our guide looks at the best beaches to visit in the UK in the winter months.
When is International Women's Day?
When is International Women's Day and what does it celebrate?
How to choose the perfect Christmas tree and homemade decoration ideas
Real Christmas tree or fake? Nordman fir or Norway spruce? Rent a Christmas tree or buy? Our Christmas tree guide looks at tree varieties, how to choose the perfect Christmas tree, plus advice on how to care for your tree and environmentally friendly options.
Beginner's guide to wild camping in the UK: law, where to camp and kit
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. Our essential beginner's guide shares expert tips on how to camp safely, kit to take and how to wild camp legally in Britain.
The most dramatic volcanoes in Britain: discover 7 mountains with explosive pasts
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...
British wasp guide: how to identify common species, lifecycle and why wasps sting in autumn
These stinging picnic pests don’t deserve our enmity and fear – they are impressive architects that belong to highly developed and complex societies – our expert guide to wasps looks at the common species, their lifecycle and why wasps tend to sting in autumn
UK's most beautiful lakes
The UK is home to beautiful lakes, lochs, pools, reservoirs and waters. Here is our pick of the best to visit, including wildlife highlights, heritage and nearby walks
Best British horror films set in the countryside
Enjoy a frightening film? Here is our guide to the best horror movies filmed in the British countryside.
Britain's most haunted places
From ancient castles to haunted hills and scary inns, discover the most haunted places in the UK with BBC Countryfile Magazine's spooky guide
Where to ski and snowboard in Scotland, England and the rest of the UK
Hit the slopes without leaving the UK with our guide to the best places to ski and snowboard in the UK.
Halloween in Britain: history and easy pumpkin recipes
Our spooky guide looks at the history of Halloween traditions in the UK and tasty pumpkin recipe ideas