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
Where is Springwatch filmed? A guide to the new series' filming locations
Springwatch returns to our screens for 2026, landing in a brand new location...
Wimbledon as a pig farm? Wembley an evacuation centre? 11 iconic sports venues that transformed during the Second World War
From prisoner-of-war camps to barrage balloon sites, our stadiums and sports grounds militarised during WW2
This popular garden feature can seriously raise the risk of local flooding. And many of us are 'sleepwalking' into disaster
Paved gardens raise the risk of flooding
"Horrific, shocking" rise in fatalities makes farming the most dangerous industry in Britain
33 agricultural workers have been killed in Britain in the last 12 months – an alarming rise on the previous year
Quest to save Britain's most famous apple tree
The original Bramley apple tree is at risk but fans are rallying round to save its life
England’s red squirrels at serious risk of extinction due to North American invader
The beloved red squirrel could disappear from England within a generation, warn campaigners
Stop buying UK cod, scampi and mackerel now, say marine experts
Customers are urged to avoid UK cod and langoustine as populations reach dangerously low levels, Maria Hodson reports
Admire Queen Elizabeth II’s most glorious gowns, including her Coronation dress and the christening outfit worn by 62 royal babies
A new exhibition at Buckingham Palace offers a rare look at the wardrobe of Queen Elizabeth II, showcasing more than 200 outfits that defined her reign and public image
6 best royal period dramas set in the glorious British countryside, which you'll want watch again and again
Celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and the country's kings and queens with these regal films showcasing Britain's majestic estates and landscapes
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?
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.
