Author Freya Parr

Freya Parr

Recent articles by Freya Parr

Astonishing BBC footage shows rescue puppies helping raise adorable orphaned baby chimps in West Africa –proving dogs aren't just man's best friend

At a sanctuary in Liberia, a group of devoted dogs are stepping up as unlikely carers to help raise orphaned chimpanzees
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What’s the biggest and deadliest wasp in the world – and has it ever been seen in Britain?

It has a terrifying 6mm stinger, but has the 'murder hornet' ever been spotted in the UK?
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The story of the Sycamore Gap tree – and what happened after it was felled

For 200 years, a sycamore tree stood in a dip in Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park – until it was felled in an act of vandalism in 2023.
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The last castle to be built in England looks like it was created on Minecraft: Castle Drogo, a modern medieval oddity

Castle Drogo is a curious blend of modern engineering and medieval fantasy – a granite castle with flat roofs, hydroelectric power, and a story as surprising as its architecture
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What's the most common fish in Britain? You might be surprised by the answer

From shimmering shoals at sea to flickering fins in rivers, these are the most common fish species found in UK waters
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Massive moggies: These are the 6 biggest pet cat breeds in the world

From gentle giants to wild-looking felines, these are the biggest domestic cat breeds that bring both beauty and bulk to homes around the world
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Pets make you as happy as a £70,000 pay rise, new research suggests

A pet companion is worth up to £70,000 a year in life satisfaction, compared to equal happiness obtained by meeting with friends and relatives on a regular basis
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Flower Moon: How and when to see this week's incredible spring lunar spectacle

Everything you need to know about the Flower Moon, including how to see it, what time it appears, its spiritual meaning and why it's called the Flower Moon
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Rare photos of wartime filmmaking released to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day

Historic England releases collection of behind-the-scenes photos of female photographers in action at Pinewood Studios during the Second World War.
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Inside Britain’s most remote ultramarathon – the race accessible only by boat or foot

Against the backdrop of Scotland’s dramatic Knoydart Peninsula, the Highland Ultra is one of the most remote ultramarathons in the UK
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From pharaoh companions to ancient sled haulers – Meet the oldest dog breeds in the world

From companions to ancient pharaohs to sled haulers in the Arctic, dogs have walked besides humans for many thousands of years. But which are the oldest dog breeds?
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What’s the most common tree in Britain?

From ancient oaks to elegant silver birches, we explore the most common trees found across the UK
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Mike the Headless Chicken: the real-life chicken that lived for 18 months without a head

After a failed decapitation in 1945, a chicken in Colorado stunned the world by surviving for 18 months without a head
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What’s the most common plant in Britain?

With grasses, nettles and the ever-present bracken dominating the countryside, which are actually the most commonly found plant species in the UK?
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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?
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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