Mark Rowe
Environmental and wildlife journalist and author
Mark Rowe is an environmental and wildlife journalist and author who has written for Countryfile magazine since its first issue and writes our monthly Behind the Headlines feature. He also writes for national newspapers and magazines including Geographical and the Independent. He is the author of three guidebooks for Bradt Guides - on the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and the Isle of Wight. He is also the author of the popular online guide Slow Wight. He still believes a paper map is superior to online versions & can often be spotted chasing an OS map across a windswept hilltop.
Recent articles by Mark Rowe
This pretty flower is essential for pollinating insects, yet deadly for livestock – causing severe, irreversible damage to the liver
Is ragwort dangerous to humans or animals? Learn what it is, where it can be found, its benefits for wildlife and the dangers associated with it in our expert ragwort guide.
Bird flu: what is it, which populations are affected and what are the long-term impacts?
As bird flu hits the headlines again, we take a look at what it is, the long-term impacts and what to do if you find an infected bird
Winter solstice 2025: when it is, how to celebrate and best sunset spots in the UK
The winter solstice signals the shortest day of the year – our winter solstice guide explains what it is, when it takes place in 2024, ways to celebrate it, and the best places to catch a spectacular sunset in Britain.
10 of the best days out near the Welsh border
With the Severn bridge toll recently scrapped, make the most of free travel into Wales with our guide to 10 of best places to visit near the Welsh border
Government U-turns on fracking and environment anger conservation bodies
The new Prime Minister Liz Truss has reversed government policy on fracking and alarmed environmentalists with planning proposals that many fear will jeopardise protection for wildlife
Could fracking make a comeback in the UK?
The hydraulic fracturing debate has reopened. But what are the risks to our landscape, wildlife and rural communities? Mark Rowe reports.
Airbnb rival launched on Scottish Islands that benefits local communities
A Tiree crofter has launched a booking platform for holiday homes on the Scottish Islands that reinvests into projects that support local communities. Mark Rowe reports.
Dog attacks on livestock: how bad is the problem and what are the possible solutions?
Fatal dog attacks on sheep and other livestock are a growing problem. As the lambing season gets under way we investigate what can be done to bring the issue of sheep-worrying under control.
Walk: Shanklin to Ventnor, Isle of Wight
The insect-rich downlands that punctuate the Isle of Wight’s southern shores provide an irresistible banquet for spring migrants
Walk: Peel Crags and Sycamore Gap, Northumberland
Embrace a romantic Roman hike along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park before returning to the Twice Brewed Inn for a hearty pub feast
UK slow to act on climate change targets, finds report
The UK’s laudable targets and ambitions in relation to climate change risk being undermined by delay and failure to deliver on promises, a major new report has warned.
Lanarkshire travel guide: explore historic market towns and country walks
Lanarkshire is home to rolling hills, riverside walks, important heritage and local food. Here is our slow-travel guide to Lanarkshire, with the best attractions to visit, wonderful places to eat and drink plus historic and eco-friendly places to stay.
Walk: South Uist, Outer Hebrides
Scotland’s Western Isles are a hotspot for the rare grassland habitat called machair, and one of the best examples can be found on the island of South Uist
Day out: Jesmond Dene, Tyne and Wear
A walk through a narrow river gorge, just a few miles from the Newcastle city centre
Local community calls for legislation to reduce second-home ownership in Harris
A Scottish island community has called on its local authority to establish legislation to counter the effects of second-home ownership.
Wave energy set to be trialled offshore near Orkney in 2021
A long-term trial of a highly-efficient wave energy turbine is to be launched off Orkney next year, with the hope of dramatically reducing the cost of wave energy, in line with progress made in the price in offshore wind in recent years.
Native predators forced into conflict by modified landscapes, finds study
Native predators such as the pine marten are being pushed into conflict with humans as a result of poor management of forests and other landscapes, according to a new report.
Catching crayfish may hamper control of invasive species
The practice of catching invasive American crayfish – in order to stop it out-competing the native British species – appears to do more harm than good, according to new research.
What impact has lockdown had on the countryside?
What repercussions has lockdown – and the temporary quietude of humans – had on wildlife and the countryside?
Chobham Common wildfire destroys vital wildlife habitat
A large wildfire has destroyed 30 hectares of rare and precious lowland heathland and wildlife habitat on the largest national nature reserve in the south-east of England.
Natural solutions to be used against flooding
Natural solutions are to become a formal part of policy to protect the UK from future flooding linked to climate change.
River Wye pollution linked to free-range poultry farming
The River Wye has become so polluted from waste linked to free-range poultry farms that it no longer meets European and national standards on river health, according to a body that represents fishing interests in the UK.
Surge in wildlife crime and fly-tipping during coronavirus lockdown
Wildlife crime, vandalism and fly-tipping are increasing during the Covid-19 lockdown as police prioritise other matters and conservation workers are furloughed, wildlife campaigners have warned.
Can we prevent floods in the UK?
The aftermath of heavy rainfall continues to bring chaos, misery and tragedy to many parts of the UK. Why was the impact so bad? Why do we still build on floodplains? And could better care of our countryside reduce the risk of flooding?
