Maria Hodson
Maria Hodson is production editor at BBC Countryfile Magazine, alongside Margaret Bartlett. Since moving to Bristol in 2014, Maria has made every effort to escape into nature and loves all things wild and watery, from surfing and swimming to paddle-boarding and kayaking. Her adventure highlight in recent years was sea kayaking around remote St Kilda, off the coast north-west Scotland, in 2016. Most weekends, however, are spent exploring the great outdoors with her small child and doing accessible walks. Favourite family adventures are bird-watching at Slimbridge Wetland Centre and exploring the Forest of Dean, as well as an annual pilgrimage to see the starling murmuration on the Somerset Levels.
Recent articles by Maria Hodson
15 dreamiest, most romantic British rural love stories on screen: Fall in love all over again with these classic British countryside romances
Love is in the air and the landscape in our round-up of the best romantic films set in the British countryside.
Where is Beyond Paradise filmed? A guide to the filming locations of the spin-off detective series
Featuring more elaborate plots, entertaining characters and spectacular settings, BBC One detective series Beyond Paradise is back for its third series. But where is it filmed and which are its best-known locations?
What's on TV this Christmas?
From classic Christmas specials to the final episodes of Vera, here's what to watch during the festive season. We've rounded up the best shows to bring the countryside into your home this Christmas
Coleman Battery Guard 600L lantern review
Looking for a traditional camping lantern to illuminate your family trip? The Coleman Battery Guard 600L lantern's got you covered.
Regatta Montegra 2-Person Backpacking Tent review: a neat and nifty model for multi-day trips
Backpacking in a pair and in need of a spacious, yet packable tent? The Regatta Montegra two-person model could do just the trick.
Nebo Galileo Air 1000 camping light review: this clever gadget shines bright, powers your phone and packs down
If you're serious about shining bright, the Nebo Galileo Air 1000 is up to the challenge. Read Maria Hodson's full review.
Where is Doctor Who filmed? Discover the Time Lord's greatest filming locations
Where is Doctor Who filmed? Discover the spectacular real-life UK locations of the star-hopping Time Lord
Red Pro Change Robe Evo review: from surfing to school run
Does the Pro Change Robe Evo from market leaders Red live up to its hefty price tag? Surfer and avid water fan Maria Hodson wraps up on Tenby's coast to find out.
50 outdoor adventures: Inspiring adventure ideas for the year ahead
Get back to nature in 2024 by creating your own personal wish list of outdoor experiences and little adventures. Here are 50 ideas to help you get you started and make the most of your year
Where was Harry Potter filmed? Our guide to the Harry Potter film locations
Keen to enter the magical world of Harry Potter? Discover the bewitching filming locations of the boy wizard's adventures and explore these enchanting surroundings...
Are elves real? A guide to British elves
Elusive and characterful, elves often feature folk stories and festive tales. But, are elves are real? Where can you find them and what do they really look like? Naturalist John Wright answers every question you might have about elves.
Rare wildcats have been released into the Scottish Highlands in a bid to save these 'Highland tigers' from extinction
In a battle to save the species, 19 Scottish wildcats have been released into the Cairngorms landscape this year. What challenges will they face and what do they need to survive?
Red-billed choughs conquer Dover Castle
Recently released rare red-billed choughs have made it as far as Dover Castle in Kent, and now the sky's the limit
Chough guide: call, what they eat and where to see them
What are choughs, what is their call and where can you see these red-billed members of the crow family in the UK?
Best English sparkling rosés for Christmas 2023
Light, fragrant and delicious, English sparkling rosés are renowned internationally for their delicate qualities. Here's our expert tried-and-tested guide to what you should be drinking this year.
Best English sparkling wines for Christmas 2023
We've taste-tested the hot picks in English sparkling wine for Christmas 2022 to bring you the best of what's out there, for different budgets.
Scotland's pine martens enjoy their new homes
Rare pine martens in Galloway Forest have taken advantage of artificial den boxes to breed and extend their range
Day out on the water: Grebe Beach, Cornwall
Discover a tucked-away Cornish cove, perfect for picnics, pootling and paddleboarding
Dartmoor National Park wild camping ban overturned
Wild camping is once again allowed on Dartmoor National Park following a successful appeal against the High Court ruling that removed the public right to wild camp.
Where is Annika filmed?
Set in Scotland, the maritime detective drama features some spellbinding scenery. We've uncovered the real-life locations so you can enjoy them yourself
Wild bison thriving in the UK
Follow the herd with our gallery documenting the first year of wild bison living in Britain.
Day out: Bradford on Avon Slow Swim and Picnic
Experience the joy of slow swimming on this wonderful annual event, which includes tailor-made pace groups and plenty of cake.
Unmissable adventures on water: wild swimming, paddleboarding and more
Keen to try your hand at wild swimming, surfing, kayaking or paddleboarding? Or looking for new locations to try out? Each month, we'll highlight a great place to immerse yourself in the beauty of wild water.
Cragside walk, Northumberland
Towering trees thick with colour, lakes and brooks criss-crossed by bridges, and a fantastical country mansion – enter the watery world of Cragside, an enchanting estate dreamt up by an ambitious inventor.