Charlie Lyon
Charlie is a freelance contributor who is passionate about the countryside, wildlife and environmental matters
Recent articles by Charlie Lyon

How tall is Catherine, Princess of Wales? Her lofty height is well-suited to public life
The future Queen Consort stands noticeably taller than the average British woman

The Royal Family’s line of succession: Who's next to inherit the crown – and where do all the other members of the family fall?
A quick look at where Britain’s royals stand in the centuries-old order for the throne

Watch incredible, unbelievable close-up footage of baby ospreys hatch and grow, surviving storms and brutal tawny owl attacks
The Woodland Trust Scotland has captured the remarkable journey of two feisty male ospreys as they grow and eventually fledge.

Crowned before their first birthday, ruling for just 9 days before being executed – discover the record-breaking royals who have made the history books
Discover the extraordinary extremes that make some royals unforgettable

What have been the most common names for British kings?
And who chooses the name anyway?

Just how many European countries have royal families? We take a look at Europe's different monarchies
Which are the nations keeping royal history alive in the modern age?

How tall is Prince William? His towering height makes him a striking future king
It's actually remarkable by modern and historic standards

Could the European wildcat return to south-west England? Experts say the area's ready...
A reintroduction to South West England could help save the UK's most critically endangered mammal

16 best crime dramas to stream and watch right now – devilish crooks, determined sleuths and beautiful backdrops... you'll be hooked
From murder mysteries in close-knit communities to heists in far-flung locations, here are the best crime dramas streaming in the UK right now

Could Edinburgh Castle really vanish? 8 iconic landmarks under threat
From coastal erosion to flash floods, a new report reveals how rising temperatures and extreme weather could bring an end to our most treasured cultural sites

Miracle gel could keep arthritis sufferers pain-free claim scientists – giving hope for millions
Cambridge scientists have developed a new material that senses flareups and releases drugs exactly where and when needed

Forget William the Conqueror, this forgotten hero was the first REAL King of England, says expert
A new biography shines a light on a forgotten king of England, and makes a case for his name to be better cemented in the nation's psyche

Who's a clever boy? When it comes to toys and playing, dogs are smarter than we think say experts
Snuffle mats, chew toys, tug ropes, puzzles... a new study reveals that dogs can mentally sort toys by function, meaning they're more clever than we thought

Dehydration could be fuelling your anxiety and depression say experts
A new study has revealed that your stress hormones surge, as does your vulnerability to stress-related health issues, when your water levels dip

“To take away the campsite income would be devastating" – landowners and farmers alarmed at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's pop-up campsite ban
The National Park Authority plans to remove permitted development rights allowing people to open temporary campsites for 28 days a year to earn extra money.

Wild beavers back in English rivers: Government approves release centuries after the rodents became extinct
The Eurasian beaver is set to return to our waterways after centuries of absence, following a government decision to allow wild releases under licence.

"We have made our farms into medieval forts": farmers reveal devastating impact of fly-tipping as cases reach record high
Owners of rural businesses are calling for the government's long-awaited rural crime strategy to help protect them from organised gangs who target under-policed areas.

When does a pond become a lake?
They both make great habitats for British wildlife, but what's the difference between a pond and a lake? The answer might help you make a splash at the next pub quiz.

Rare 'planet parade' visible this week – how to see seven planets align for the last time until 2040
In February 2025 you can see several planets align – and it makes for an amazing spectacle

When does a stream become a river?
British streams and rivers are vital habitats, hosting mammals, invertebrates, birds and amphibians. But what's the difference between them?

Are you tough enough? New brutal obstacle race – World's Toughest Mudder – hits the UK in June
Entries for the endurance event, which takes place in the Midlands on the 28 and 29 June 2025, are now open

Snow Moon 2025: how and when to see tonight's full moon
Make the most of February's full moon: here's how to observe it and celebrate it, and the meaning behind its name.

Would you feed your dog lab-grown meat? 'World's first' cultivated treat goes on sale in UK pet shop
A limited release of 'Chick Bites' dog treats, made using cells taken from an egg, goes on sale on 7 February.

When does a wood become a forest?
British woodlands are nature-rich and play a huge role in protecting our environment. But what's the difference between a copse, a wood and a forest? Wooden you like to know?