Outdoor Skills
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.
‘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.
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.
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
How to protect your home from flooding and flood damage
When a storm strikes, staying safe and protecting your home are a priority. Safeguard yourself and your property from flooding with our list of helpful tips.
8 weird and wonderful winter woodland mysteries: find these odd natural phenomena on your next walk
Take time to look closely at the details of the woodland, and you'll be rewarded, even in the depths of winter
The best mushroom identification books of 2025
Forage for fungi confidently with our pick of the best mushroom identification books.
How to prune an apple tree in winter
A few simple snips and cuts in the winter months means strong, healthy fruit later in the year for your apple trees.
Wood fire guide: how to burn firewood, how to light a fire and best wood to burn
As the nights draw in, there’s nothing cosier than a crackling log fire or warming wood burner. Here's our expert guide on how to burn firewood, the best firewood to burn for the perfect blaze and tips on how to light a fire
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
When do the clocks change?
Find out when the clocks change – and why we change them. Plus, learn all about the history of daylight saving in the UK.
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?
How to fell a tree
Felling a tree is dangerous says Fergus Collins, so only those with the appropriate skills should do it - and if in doubt call in a tree surgeon
Where to survive the apocalypse – preppers should actually be looking at these countryside refuges
Suppose the day came when the world as we know it fell apart. What would you do? Where in the UK would you go to hide to survive an apocalypse? Here is our guide on where to go and how to survive an apocalypse in Britain.
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.
Best photography kit for beginners in 2025
Love browsing our magazine's sumptuous landscape shots, but you've got no idea where to start with your photography hobby? Keen snapper Matt Evans is on hand to tell you what accessories you'll need once you've bought your first camera.
"There are 180,000 miles of drystone walls in the UK; let's show them a little love," says Adam Henson
Drystone walls are an essential part of Britain’s countryside, offering protection for our landscape and wildlife. Farmer Adam Henson explains why we need to keep the skills of drystone walling alive.
Snowdrops guide: best walks, how to grow and when they bloom
After the darkness of winter, snowdrops are a welcome sign that spring will soon be here. Our snowdrop guide looks at the best snowdrop walks in the UK, when to plant snowdrops, when they bloom and how to care for them.
Beachcombing guide: what to find on the seashore, plus the best beaches to search
Extraordinary and beautiful treasures can be found along the British coastline. Here is our expert guide to beachcombing, including things to look out for, how to get started and the best beaches for beachcombing in the UK.
Best foraging courses in the UK
Interested in learning how to forage for plants, mushrooms and berries in the British countryside? Here is our pick of the best foraging courses from across Britain to help you learn the skills you need to get started safely.
Longshore drift: what it is and how it has shaped the UK's coastline
Remember longshore drift from school geography? Vaguely? Don't worry, here is a quick reminder on what it is and how it has shaped our beautiful beaches
