News
“Avoidable” pain, fear and significant distress – pig slaughter methods must change, say experts
Around 90% of UK pigs are stunned using CO2 before slaughter – a method that causes the animals “avoidable” pain, fear and significant distress. Now, experts are calling for a ban, but what are the alternatives? James Fair reports
“Environmental catastrophe.” Millions of microplastics from Southern Water spill wash up in East Sussex
Volunteers in a “race against time” as polluting biobeads wash up on Camber Sands beach.
19th-century maps reveal dramatic collapse of meadows in South Downs
New study reveals that, since 1840, between 75.6 and 99.9% of traditional meadowland has been lost across the lower Rother catchment in West Sussex, England.
“Unbelievable”: huge animal longer than bus seen leaping from Irish waters
No one knows exactly why these enormous sea creatures breach.
Hidden within one of the last ‘lungs of London’, this fairytale garden is under threat and could be lost forever
A garden considered to be one of London’s hidden gems has been added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register for 2025.
What's new?
Strange-looking bird with zebra-stripe wings and extravagant head feathers breeds in UK for first time in 27 years
A pair of striking hoopoes successfully raised young in Leicestershire and Rutland – the first confirmed UK breeding since 1996.
Traitors, treachery and turrets: experience the real-life drama of Scotland's most mysterious castles
5 genius hacks for stress-free trips this autumn
Texas tornado and giant ocean waves: spectacular images from Weather Photographer of the Year 2025
Crashing waves, rainbow rings and a lightning storm captured from a plane – 11 amazing photos of weather from around the world.
Inside my kit bag: Eryri National Park adventure edition - The Glyderau Traverse
Want to know the best kit to take with you when tackling the peaks and scrambles of Eyrir National Park? (Snowdonia) Read on.
Blog
British fava beans – history and recipes
The majority of the pulses we eat in Britain are imported from farms across the world - except the humble fava bean which is making a bold comeback. Here is our guide to the history of British fava beans, where to buy them and recipe ideas.
My Countryside interview: Anita Rani
Countryfile presenter Anita Rani talks about wild walks, hair-raising holidays and the importance of inner-city access to the great outdoors
The Island Diary Part 1: finding a home on Seil
Poet Kenneth Steven and his partner Kristina Hayward yearned for the sea – and where better than an island in the Western Isles that so nourished Kenneth's childhood. But could they make a life there? Find out in our new blog series