Maria Hodson
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

Meet the otterhound, Britain's rarest dog

Why are otterhounds the rarest dog breed in the UK? Do they make good pets, and what is being done to save them? Find out all about otterhounds in our guide
more

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...
more

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.
more

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?
more

Doctor Who 60th anniversary - 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
more

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
more

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?
more

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
more

Day out on the water: Grebe Beach, Cornwall

Discover a tucked-away Cornish cove, perfect for picnics, pootling and paddleboarding
more

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.
more

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
more

Wild bison thriving in the UK

Follow the herd with our gallery documenting the first year of wild bison living in Britain.
more

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.
more

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.
more

Best nature and wellbeing retreats in Britain

Immerse yourself in the outdoors, stretch your limbs, splash away in wild waters or breathe deeply at Britain's best nature and wellbeing retreats
more

Where is Beyond Paradise filmed?

Featuring elaborate plots, entertaining characters and spectacular settings, BBC One detective series Beyond Paradise is proving a big hit with viewers. Where is it filmed and which are its best-known locations?
more

Paddleboard here: the Thames, from Boulters Lock to Cliveden in Berkshire

Paddleboard this deeply beautiful stretch of the Thames, where rich mixed woodland fringes the riverbank and small islands dot the river as the National Trust’s Cliveden House rises in the distance.
more

Everything you need to know about the BBC's Wild Isles

The latest BBC nature documentary Wild Isles, presented by David Attenborough, focuses on Britain's spectacular wildlife and hits our screens on Sunday evenings in March and April.
more
This website is owned and published by Our Media Ltd. www.ourmedia.co.uk
© Our Media 2023