countryfile
Recent articles by countryfile
They’re tiny. They’re fast. And they’re deadly - meet Britain's smallest birds of prey
They may be little, but they are mighty hunters when it comes to small mammals and birds. Here are the UK’s five micro birds of prey.
When they left this Scottish island 50 years ago, something large and unexpected took over
Abandoned nearly 50 years ago, this remote Scottish island has become an accidental experiment in nature, survival, and evolution
From marsh to estuary: 9 long-legged, shore skimming, wading birds to watch out for this winter
Head to estuaries, coastal marshes and lagoons this winter and catch up with some of the UK's most elegant birds with our guide to wading birds.
How to paint beautiful flowers that don’t look flat, stiff, or lifeless - from a professional wildlife artist
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to capture the transient beauty
of wildflowers? Watercolour artist Cath Hodsman gives
a step-by-step tutorial on how to paint flowers
It was the past home of Diana, Princess of Wales and where an 18-year-old Queen Victoria learnt she was queen
Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts?
This popular Christmas treat could kill your dog: science-backed facts on how to care for your pet - and spot the signs of poisoning
Is chocolate very poisonous to dogs? How much can they eat? Veterinary surgeon Nicholas Burrell explains all you need to know
"No lounging about or a second glass of wine – someone still needs to tend to the livestock:" Frost, snow, animals - the gruelling reality of Christmas on a farm
While most of us down tools and pick up the mince
pies, a farmer’s work doesn’t stop for the festive
break. Amy Bateman welcomes us into her
farmhouse for a busy Yule on her Cumbrian farm
This high-tech treasure hunt is a global phenomenon – and everyone can try it
The biggest treasure hunt in the world is right on your doorstep. It’s free, it’s easy and it’s called geocaching.
Drunken feasts, role reversals and sacrifice: Before Christmas there was this Roman party in December – and it was absolutely out of control
Our Yuletide has its roots in Saturnalia, an ancient and sometimes raucous festival
held to honour the Roman god of agriculture, reveals Pat Kinsella
22 toughest, craziest festive sporting events to try, from brutal fell runs to freezing swims - say hello to burning calories and having fun...
10 Hollywood actors you never knew were British
From silent-era stars to Golden Age icons and modern-day faces, these Hollywood greats' origin stories may well shock you, writes Sean Wilson
Podcast
BBC Countryfile Magazine brings you The Plodcast - a weekly escape to the British countryside with fascinating guests and the wonders of the great outdoors.
"At speeds in excess of 200mph it will power down, headfirst, into the wing of its prey" – 12 deadliest birds of prey in the UK
How to tell if your dog is cold – don't wait for the shivering to start
If your dog is shivering then it's already getting far too cold – here's how to quickly spot the signs of heat loss
Complete our survey for the chance to win a £50 Love2shop eGiftcard
Is it true Prince Philip and the Queen were cousins?
We take a look at how Queen and Prince Philip were related
How to buy PFAS-free outdoor wear and look after it: Discover the brands that are free of forever chemicals
Learn how to choose high-performance outdoor gear made without harmful “forever chemicals,” and how to care for PFAS-free clothing so it lasts.
This clothing could be toxic and may increase cancer risks, say scientists. And many of us wear it
PFAS can repel water, oil, sweat, dirt and
heat, making them ideal for outdoor gear.
But what about the impacts of these
‘forever chemicals’ on the environment and human health? Sam Pyrah investigates
This author has sold 198 million books. Now he’s delving into the ancient unsolved mystery of Stonehenge
In his new novel, author Ken Follett breathes life into one of the greatest British mysteries: Stonehenge
Scientists studied effects of CBD on dogs - and discovered something astonishing...
We love it when our canine companions are calm
It's the length of a bus, weighs the same as a tank, is the ocean's most spectacular aerial performer and is one of the world's best singers
Meet the mighty humpback
Macmillan Mighty Hikes in numbers: From beginner-friendly rambles to heart-pumping hill climbs, check out the key stats and choose the hike for you
Planning on completing a marathon or half-marathon hike for charity next year? Here’s our guide to help you decide which route is right for you
From King Charles III discussing his love for the natural world to The Traitors, here's what’s on TV and radio this Christmas
The BBC has officially revealed its festive programming for 2025