How to
Traditional outdoor skills, country crafts and delicious seasonal recipes
These are the easiest ways to save water in your garden
As our summers become warmer and drier, it may be necessary for gardeners to change their habits. Our guide includes information on rainwater harvesting, when to water your garden and ways to make your garden more drought-resistant.
Heading to the Highlands this summer? Here’s how to avoid the dreaded midges that feel like being ‘stabbed by needles’
You don't want your holiday to be spoilt by insect bites, and there's one in particular that wreaks considerable havoc: the Highland midge
As temperatures soar, here are 9 top tips for how to beat the heat and stay cool during a heatwave
Warm summer weather can be enjoyable, however intense heatwaves can be dangerous. Here is our guide on how to keep cool and stay safe as the thermometer rises.
How to spot a dangerous rip current – and what to do if you get stuck in one
Learn how to identify a rip current and what to do if you get caught in one, with expert advice from the RNLI
There's a smarter way to slash your energy bills this summer. Here's how
What's new?
How well do you know your beach flags? Make sure you can tell the difference with expert advice from the RNLI
If you're heading to the beach, make sure you know what the different lifeguard flags mean – with advice from RNLI water safety manager Ross Macleod
Create your own dog friendly garden: Expert tips from Monty Don, the RHS and Battersea for a beautiful outdoor space
Having a dog doesn't mean that you have to give up on your garden entirely – but you might have to get a little creative
5 simple ways to turn your garden into a nature haven (and cut your energy bills while you're at it)
‘I swapped city life to become a thatcher and haven’t looked back.’ This ancient rural tradition is at risk – meet the people fighting to revive it
Thatched roofs have been a part of the British countryside for 5,000 years. Tom Allan is one of a dwindling number of craftspeople making sure this ancient tradition remains a vital part of our rural life.
Did you know your leftover Easter chocolate can be used to hit your protein goal? Here's how
Crafts
How to paint flowers
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to capture the transient beauty
of wildflowers? Watercolour artist Cath Hodsman gives
a step-by-step tutorial on how to paint flowers
How to sketch landscapes with charcoal
Sketching with charcoal can be a delightful way to appreciate your favourite country views. Artist Abigail Edgar shares her passion for drawing outdoors and offers some advice on how to get the best results...
How to make potpourri
Fallen pine cones, bark and dry leaves form the perfect base for a colourful and fragrant potpourri. Here's how to make it yourself at home.
Food and Recipes
April foraging: here's what you can find in the UK right now
Spring is finally here – and with it comes longer days, warmer temperatures and blooming flowers. It's a great month to be outside, not only for spotting wild things but for gathering them, too. Find out what to forage in the UK this month how to do it responsibly.
These are five ways apple cider vinegar can improve your wellbeing – and the science that backs it up
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Foraging
Wild garlic guide: where to find, how to use and recipe ideas
Spring is the perfect time to go foraging for this versatile and pungent plant, which can be whipped up into a delicious soup or pesto. BBC Countryfile Magazine's expert guide explains where to find it, how to forage it responsibly and how to cook it.
December foraging guide: best foods to find and recipe ideas
Eager foragers should head to the coast in winter – December is one of the best times to find a fabulous feast, including shellfish and tasty greens
The best mushroom identification books of 2025
Forage for fungi confidently with our pick of the best mushroom identification books.
Foraging in Britain
Monthly foraging guide
Our beginner's guide to foraging in Britain explains what you can gather in hedgerows, woodlands, along the coast and in the countryside. Learn how to forage responsibly and safely, what's in season each month and where to find it, plus recipe ideasThe best foraging gifts for 2025: the art of identifying, gathering and bringing wild food home
Shop for the forager in your life, if they love bringing food from the hedgerow to the kitchen table.
When does autumn start? Here's everything you need to know about the golden season
Autumn is a vibrant season of colour, woodland stomps and hot chocolates. But when does autumn start? And what are the first signs to look for?
Elderberry guide: where to find, health benefits and recipe ideas
Late summer and early autumn are the perfect seasons for heading into the British countryside in search of elderberries. Learn how to identify, where to find, the health benefits and how to cook elderberries with our expert guide.
Gardening
Is this the garden of the future? Why Kew is opening a new ‘carbon garden’ this summer
The Carbon Garden will open at Kew Gardens in summer 2025, and will showcase draught-tolerant plants, an exposed coal seam and rain garden.
Britain's best walled gardens to visit
Countryfile Diaries and Escape to the Country presenter Jules Hudson has a passion for walled gardens – here he selects five of the most fascinating walled gardens from around the country.
How to make a garden pond: A step-by-step guide to creating a wildlife haven
A garden pond is one of the best ways you can help Britain’s wildlife. So why not create your own? It’s surprisingly easy, says Jules Howard
Green Living
Best sustainable compost to buy in 2025: 10 peat free options
From mushroom compost to wool, give your plants a healthy peat-free start with our pick of the best sustainable compost for your garden.
How to use your old Christmas tree in the garden
Once the festive season is over, you may be wondering what to do with your Christmas tree. Here are five great ways to reuse your old tree in the garden
Best sustainable dishwasher tablets: 8 eco-conscious options for 2025
Keep your dishes and your conscience clean with our pick of the best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets
Outdoor Skills
Spring blossom is out now - here's how to identify it
As light flows slowly back into our woodlands and hedgerows, once-bare branches begin to bloom again. It's blossom season – but how do you tell the difference between blackthorn and hawthorn, rowan and wild cherry?
Hay fever season has begun – here are 6 simple ways to beat it
Find out when hay fever season is, what causes hay fever, and simple tips to help tackle it.
How to predict the weather using clouds
Did you know you can forecast the weather just by reading the clouds? Our expert guide by author of 'Reading the Clouds' Oliver Perkins explains how to identify common cloud formations and how they can be used to predict the weather
Wildlife gardening
Jobs for the garden this winter
Winter is a great time for gardeners to take stock, tidy up, protect plants and plan ahead. Find out exactly when and how to complete your winter garden jobs with our month-by-month winter gardening guide
Best bird nesting boxes for your garden in 2025
Help support the local wildlife by providing safe nest boxes for the birds in your garden.
How to trim hedges
Want to know how to manage and trim a hedge? Here's some advice from Ben Newton, Wilder Landscapes Advisor for Norfolk Wildlife Trust
