People
Nan Shepherd revolutionised nature writing with The Living Mountain. This is her story
One of the greatest books about Scottish mountains lay in a drawer for 30 years. Charlotte Peacock profiles author Nan Shepherd and her enduring passion for the Cairngorms
The first British woman to swim the Channel has inspired a film - here's the extraordinary story of Mercedes Gleitze
In 1927, Brighton-born Mercedes Gleitze became the first British woman to swim the English Channel – and a star was born
Best nature and wildlife books reviewed for 2024
Our pick of the very best nature and wildlife books, including new releases – each with an expert editorial review.
"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.
Border Reivers: discover who they were and how they terrorised the borders in Britain's own wild west
Who were the Border Reivers?David Gopsill from Tullie House Museum uncovers the stories of these enigmatic figures and their impact on the borderlands.
What's new?
Who was Alfred Wainwright? A quick guide to the Lake District icon
We take a look at the life of Alfred Wainwright, the man who did so much to popularise the Lakes and fell walking
The Morris renaissance: how the young and stylish are breathing new life into an ancient folk dance
It’s as English as scones and cream, but Morris dancing was at risk of becoming marginalised. Now, as the folk tradition experiences a rural revival among the young, radical and stylish, photographer Rachel Adams meets those bringing Morris out of the past.
Why do we say 'sent to Coventry'?
Where does the saying 'sent to Coventry' come from? We take a look at its possible roots
Nicola Chester: Winter can be brutal in the countryside – but community prevails
When freezing weather makes rural life challenging, help from neighbours can be the key to survival, says the award-winning writer.
The fight to protect the UK's historic buildings from climate change
Combating climate change can result in heavy extra costs for cash-strapped preservation bodies, so should they consider letting go of properties that become too vulnerable? John Craven explores how climate change is threatening the nation’s historic buildings.
Experiences
Witchcraft and witches in the UK: Exploring 14 famous witch trials and stories
Learn more about some of Britains most famous witches and wise men in our historical guide.
Explore a fairy glen on the St Patrick's Way in Co Down
Explore a fairy glen of birdsong and pure waters in fabled Tollymore Forest on the edge of the Mourne Mountains in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Podcast: Drift gently down the River Wye on a paddleboard
Take a gentle journey with a group of paddleboarders down the River Wye, meeting wildlife and discussing the big issues facing this mighty waterway in episode 12, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Historical figures
When is International Women's Day?
When is International Women's Day and what does it celebrate?
Discover poet John Clare: The voice of nature amid mental health struggles
From farm labourer to brilliant nature poet,
John Clare found fleeting fame and lasting unhappiness. But now his beautiful writings about the countryside are attracting a new generation of fans
Meet the 19th century botanist David Douglas, the man who brought us the Douglas fir
John Craven celebrates David Douglas – a surprisingly
little-known Scottish adventurer whose discoveries in the
new world transformed the landscapes of his home country
Interviews
Try 3 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine for just £5!
Enjoy the best of the British outdoors with a subscription to BBC Countryfile Magazine, get your first 3 issues for just £5, saving 70% off the shop price!
How nature shapes music – with composer Erland Cooper
Musician and composer Erland Cooper reveals how landscapes and nature infuse and influence his music – on a walk and talk with the Plodcast's Annabel Ross in the grounds of his studio near Bath
A wander in a bird of prey sanctuary with Megan McCubbin
It’s easy to get despondent about the natural world – but in her new book Springwatch presenter Megan McCubbin explores stories of hope and courage for the world’s endangered species – in episode 7, season 16 of the Countryfile Plodcast
Opinion
“I strongly believe everyone deserves the opportunity to connect with nature." Why we need more all-terrain wheelchairs
More all-terrain wheelchairs are crucial for accessibility to the outdoors, says access campaigner Debbie North.
The slow decline of local newspapers is "an unquantifiable loss". Yet they remain a vital forum for country voices, reports Nicola Chester
Nicola Chester talks about the gradual loss of local newspapers, why they are declining, and why they remain a vital service to the community.
"It won’t be long before it’s normal to run an entire farm from a phone." Adam Henson explores what's next for AI in farming
New developments in Artificial Intelligence are already changing farming practices, and British agriculture is at the forefront of innovation, says Countryfile presenter Adam Henson.