Freya Parr
Recent articles by Freya Parr
What’s the most common insect in Britain?
There are believed to be as many as 10 million species of insect on Earth – but which is the most common insect to be found in the UK?
How much land does King Charles own? Here’s what the monarch actually has in his land portfolio
King Charles III is associated with hundreds of thousands of acres across the UK – but how much of it does he actually own? From royal duchies to private estates and the vast Crown Estate, here’s a closer look at the monarch’s land links
There’s an award for the best dog in Scottish politics – and this year’s winner has just been announced
The Holyrood Dog of the Year competition took place outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh this week.
Famous faces and their dogs: Meet the canine companions of the UK's biggest celebrities
From Lewis Hamilton's British bulldogs to Stormzy's Rottweilers, it's clear that dogs really are a star's best friend
King Charles’s newest dog is a Lagotto Romagnolo – an Italian truffle-hunting dog – called Snuff. Here's what to know about the breed
Italy’s adorable ‘truffle dog’ is easily recognised thanks to its curly coat and pronounced beard, eyebrows and whiskers
What’s the most common shark in Britain?
Discover the most common sharks found in UK waters, from the small-spotted catshark lurking near the shore to the sleek blue shark swimming off the South West coast
What's the most common mammal in Britain? It outnumbers humans but you've probably never seen one
With an estimated population of 75 million, this unassuming rodent quietly dominates Britain’s wild spaces – yet many of us have never even spotted one.
London Marathon 2025 freebies: Here are the best free giveaways you can claim if you’re running the London Marathon
Running the London Marathon this weekend? Don’t miss out on the perks that come with this huge challenge! From free pizza and post-race burgers to yoga classes, ice baths and even a boat trip down the Thames, here’s what you can claim with your medal
Who is Jules Hudson? Everything you need to know about the Escape to the Country presenter
From countryside renovations to military history, Jules Hudson is a familiar face on our TV screens. We take a closer look at the Escape to the Country presenter's life and work
What’s a good marathon time? Here's what you should be aiming for at your next road or trail marathon
When it comes to getting a “good” marathon time, there are plenty of considerations – but these are a few starting points to help you decide what time to aim for
Pen y Fan opens some of the highest-altitude EV charge points in the UK
Pont ar Daf at the foot of Pen y Fan in Wales is the latest National trust site to install electric vehicle chargers as part of an ongoing rollout.
Who is Kevin McCloud? Everything you need to know about the Grand Designs presenter
All you need to know about the TV presenter Kevin McCloud
How many palaces are there in the UK?
The UK is home to a remarkable range of palaces – from working royal homes and archbishops’ residences to grand estates and long-lost halls of power. But how many are there in the UK in total?
Did you know sparkling wine was actually invented in England? Discover 18 fascinating and bizarre facts about Britain
From cheese-rolling to rivers with only one letter, Britain is home to some baffling places and traditions
How many dogs are there in the UK (and the world)?
There are more dogs in the UK than experts thought – by quite a significant margin, new research shows
What's the most common bird in Britain?
With an estimated 11 million breeding pairs, this little common garden bird has soared to the top of the charts
Are these the bravest dogs in the world? The heart-rending stories of the world's most heroic hounds, from battlefield to backyard
From dramatic discoveries in disaster zones to life-saving rescues in the family home, these dogs have risked everything to protect and serve
How many people did the infamous Tudor king Henry VIII murder during his bloody reign?
Perhaps the best-known English monarch, Henry VIII beheaded two of his own wives and demanded the execution of many thousands more. But just how many people did he execute during his reign?
Hypoallergenic cats: These are the cat breeds that don't shed, best for those with allergies
If you suffer from cat allergies, there’s no need to give up on feline companionship just yet. While no cat is truly hypoallergenic, certain breeds produce fewer allergens, making them a gentler option for allergy sufferers
Rats vs mice: what's the differences between these two often-maligned rodents (and how to tell them apart)
Though closely related, rats and mice have several key differences – and they're easy to spot if you know what to look for
Here’s the most sustainable seafood to buy (and eat) right now – without it costing the earth
Tuck into these 6 top tips from the Marine Conservation Society about how to eat fish and other seafood sustainably, without it affecting your wallet.
No Easter holiday plans? These are the best free days out with kids around the UK
Desperate parents, look no further! Here is your ultimate guide to the best free days out, activities, workshops, trails and museums to try out over the holidays with your kids
Can a swan really break your arm?
We've heard the myths... but are they true? Swans are powerful birds, but could they actually break your arm?
Are these the most beautiful cat breeds in the world? These elegant felines are the catwalk queens of the cat world
From the elegant, silvery Russian blue to the wild-looking Bengals, these striking cat breeds grab attention wherever they go