Opinion

"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.
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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.
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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.
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“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.
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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.
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"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.
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Ellie Harrison: How small acts can save Britain's birds

The only living link to dinosaurs, birds are a daily wonder in Britain’s skies, lands and seas. Small acts can save them, says BBC Countryfile's Ellie Harrison
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John Craven: Could more of Scotland be community owned?

It’s thought that 2.6% of Scotland is community owned but a new land reform bill, due before the Scottish Parliament this year, will herald changes, says BBC Countryfile's John Craven
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Nicola Chester: Rural buses are a dying breed

Nicola Chester discusses the importance of rural buses and the ‘transport deserts’ appearing across the British countryside
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Nicola Chester: All needn't be lost for farmland birds

As farmland bird populations plummet, the desperate rescue of two local birds proves that rural communities can still make an impact
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John Craven: Bison and pigs are natural agents of rewilding

Curly-coated pigs on Dorset grasslands and bison roaming in a Kent woodland are showing just how livestock can transform rewilding projects, says the Countryfile presenter.
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Ellie Harrison: True luxury is a simple picnic with nature for company

Offering peace, freedom and the company of nature, a simple picnic in the great outdoors is the height of the dining experience, says the Countryfile presenter
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Adam Henson: Our seaside harvests are as important as ever

As an island nation, fishing and our coastal harvests are as culturally and politically important as ever, says the Countryfile presenter.
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Ellie Harrison: A whale's death brings more life to the ocean

After years of complex preparation, we finally filmed the UK’s first whale-fall experiment in the Celtic Sea, reveals Countryfile presenter Ellie Harrison.
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Nicola Chester: A rural childhood has its privileges as well as its hardships

An upbringing spent close to nature is a hugely privileged one, but there are compromises and difficulties, too
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Ellie Harrison: Nature is felt, not named.

As the Brecon Beacons National Park is renamed Bannau Brycheiniog, our appreciation of nature carries more weight than a name, says Countryfile presenter Ellie Harrison
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Adam Henson: Could gene-editing technology spell the end of extinction?

Anyone interested in rare breeds knows the threat of dying out is never far away, but could new biotechnology mean the end of extinction? asks the Countryfile presenter
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Nicola Chester: Get involved in your village fete for a real sense of community

A sense of community and belonging is the real prize to be won from the local village fête, says nature writer Nicola Chester
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John Craven: the Ramblers' new president will break down barriers

In an inspired choice, Ramblers walking charity has appointed 'Blind Adventurer' Amar Latif as its new president, reports Countryfile presenter John Craven
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Nicola Chester: walking in the countryside should be a simple and essential freedom for all

The simplest form of freedom and independence, walking in the countryside should be accessible and available to all, says nature writer Nicola Chester
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Ellie Harrison: Ordnance Survey maps preserve the history of our ancient trails

Ordnance Survey’s meticulous maps not only guide us but also preserve the history of our rights of way, says Countryfile presenter Ellie Harrison
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Adam Henson: Farmers have a responsibility to maintain footpaths on their land

Farmers are not only guardians of the countryside – they also have a responsibility to keep public rights of way on their land clear and safe, says Adam Henson
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Nicola Chester: patience and gritted good humour are the only ways to deal with rural roads

Wandering cows, potholes, fallen trees and unnamed lanes can turn rural roads into a test of patience, says nature writer Nicola Chester.
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