Fergus Collins
Editor, BBC Countryfile Magazine
Editor of BBC Countryfile Magazine, Fergus lives in deepest Monmouthshire with his family, where his neighbours are farmers, buzzards and sheep. When not working on the magazine he wanders the hills, grows vegetables and plans adventures.
Recent articles by Fergus Collins
British snake guide: how to identify snakes, where they live in the UK - and what to do if you're bitten
Here is our expert guide to British snakes, including where they live and how to identify them from their markings and length.
Guide to British seabirds: how to identify and where to see them
Our guide explores some of the UK's most common types of seabird, where they live and the best places to see them.
British finches: how to identify and where to see
Get to know these spectacular birds with our identification guide to 15 species of finches and buntings found in the UK, including where they live and how to see them.
15 of the most sweet-sounding songbirds in Britain
In Britain we are blessed with an incredible variety of beautiful birdsong from late winter into early summer. From the nightingale to the blackbird, here is your guide to the best British songbirds, including how to identify each species.
Guide to tit species in the UK: how to identify and where to see these small charismatic birds
Learn more about the different types of tit species in Britain and how to tell them apart with our ID guide, which includes blue tits, great tits, crested tits, willow tits, long-tailed tits, marsh tits and coal tits
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.
The best dog treats for training in 2024
We test the healthiest and most responsive treats to give your dog to ensure training goes smoothly
Best walking shoes tested in 2024 for men and women: stroll, ramble and hike in comfort
Finding the best walking shoes for you can be a challenge. So, to help you out, we've reviewed some of the best hiking shoes on the market, from traditional leather options to lightweight and affordable choices.
7 most magical Gruffalo Trail forests in Britain
Enter the 'deep, dark wood' with BBC Countryfile Magazine's pick of the best Gruffalo Trail days out in the UK
British spider guide - and why there are so many around
During autumn and winter you may notice an influx of spiders appearing in your garden and home. Learn why this is, as well as how long they live, what they eat and common UK species with our expert guide to British spiders.
Explore a fairy glen on the St Patrick's Way in Co Down
Explore a fairy glen of birdsong and pure waters in fabled Tollymore Forest on the edge of the Mourne Mountains in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Goal Zero Venture 35 power bank
Want a reliable power bank to keep your phone and other electrical devices charged when you're out and about? Fergus Collins tried out the Goal Zero's Venture 35 on walks in the Black Mountains – here's how it performed.
Walking St Patrick's Way: The wildlife of the Newry Canal
Enjoy a gentle stroll along the abandoned Newry Canal in Armagh, Northern Ireland, with fascinating history and brilliant wildlife encounters – in episode 14, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
British moth guide: common types, amazing facts and why they matter
Our moth guide looks at how to identify UK species, why they are so important and the best plants for attracting moths to your garden
A quest for one of Britain's rarest birds in the Cairngorm mountains
Join naturalist and author James MacDonald Lockhart walking and camping deep in the Cairngorm Mountains in search of the dotterel, a bird that breeds on remote peaks – in episode 14, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Podcast: Adventure into the Welsh hills on an electric bike
Follow an old abandoned railway line deep into the Welsh hills on an eBike – in search of ruins, wildlife and the perfect cup of tea – in episode 13, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Discover Britain's most spectacular autumn wildlife
Step into the British countryside this autumn and discover some of nature's most magnificent wildlife spectacles, from the drama of rutting deer to epic starling murmurations
Podcast: Drift gently down the River Wye on a paddleboard
Take a gentle journey with a group of paddleboarders down the River Wye, meeting wildlife and discussing the big issues facing this mighty waterway in episode 12, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Podcast: Listen to the poetry of moss in a Dartmoor rainforest with Elizabeth-Jane Burnett
Be soothed with a wonderfully cooling wander with poet Elizabeth-Jane Burnett in a wild rainforest on Dartmoor – in episode 11, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
How nature shapes music – with composer Erland Cooper
Musician and composer Erland Cooper reveals how landscapes and nature infuse and influence his music – on a walk and talk with the Plodcast's Annabel Ross in the grounds of his studio near Bath
200th podcast episode special! Can we find elusive kingfishers on a central Bristol river?
Join the Plodcast team of Fergus, Hannah and Jack on an evening walk up the River Frome in central Bristol in search of kingfishers
British crow family guide: identification, habitat and species facts
There are eight species of crow in the UK– meet the characterful crow family and learn more about how to identify corvids, their diet and habitat in our comprehensive guide.
Best places in the UK to see the magnificent autumn deer rut
The annual deer rut is one of Britain's most exciting autumn wildlife spectacles – here are 11 great locations where you can see these magnificent animals in action with our guide to the UK's best deer rutting destinations.
British deer guide: how to identify and best places to see
Just six species of deer live in the British countryside, but it can often be difficult to tell which is which – learn all about these spectacular animals with our deer identification guide, plus discover the best places to see the autumn deer rut.