environment
How to take part in the Big Butterfly Count 2023
Wildlife lovers are being urged to take part in the annual Big Butterfly Count – and what better reason to find a shady spot for 15 minutes? Here is our guide to the most common butterfly species to spot in the UK and how to take part in this year's count.
Great Drought of 1976: what happened and what was the impact on Britain?
In the summer of 1976, a heatwave held Britain in its shimmering, searing thrall. The land cracked, gardens withered and reservoirs lay parched and bare. We look back on the Great Drought of 1976 and the impact it had on British people, wildlife, farming and the landscape.
Fracking in the UK: the facts so far
What is fracking and why is it controversial? We answer your questions so far.
A brief guide on how to follow the countryside code
The Countryside Code, issued by Natural England is designed to make rural areas safe for visitors to enjoy, without infringing the rights of those for whom the countryside is a place of work. Make sure you know how to act on your country rambles this summer.
It's time to restore darkness to its rightful place in our lives
All life needs darkness to thrive and why now is the time to restore darkness to its rightful place in our lives, says Countryfile's Ellie Harrison
We've had the warnings – why now is the time to act
Countryfile presenter John Craven looks back on how climate change has evolved over the decades
Climate change: what's the problem and what needs to be done?
Conservationists, citizens, politicians and businesses are all concerned about climate change and the countryside, says Countryfile's Tom Heap
Can we prevent floods in the UK?
The aftermath of heavy rainfall continues to bring chaos, misery and tragedy to many parts of the UK. Why was the impact so bad? Why do we still build on floodplains? And could better care of our countryside reduce the risk of flooding?
Questions raised over HS2’s damaging impact on nature
A new report from The Wildlife Trusts suggests that current proposals for HS2 will cause wide-scale destruction to the country’s wildlife.
Renewable energy in the UK: where it stands in 2022
Household fuel prices are soaring and the energy price cap is due to be increased this spring. What does this mean for renewables and for rural communities?
Warm, wet 2019 brings more exotic visitors to UK shores
Changeable weather due to climate change has impacted on both resident and migratory species in the UK. But which have faired well and which have suffered? National Trusts’ 2019 weather and wildlife review highlights the winners and the losers.
John Craven: Green energy, climate change and citizen action – what does the year ahead hold?
Citizen action, climate change, green energy and a rise in tourism – Countryfile presenter John Craven looks at the main rural issues of the year ahead.
Film series highlights 'small but impactful' changes people can make to protect the environment
A series of 10 short films which focus on the small but impactful changes people can make in their daily lives to protect the environment have been released.
Water shortage in the UK: what's the problem and how to save water
The Environment Agency has warned that within 25 years England will not have enough water to meet demand, mostly as a result of climate change. Here we investigate the UK's water crisis, exploring how it's linked to climate change, plus how you can save water and money on your water bill.
Volunteering guide: how to get involved with wildlife, conservation and environmental projects
The countryside relies heavily on volunteers to help with conservation and environmental projects such as litter picking, wildlife spotting, tree planting and building habitats. Here is our guide on volunteering opportunities in the British countryside.
Litter picking events to join in the UK
Give the countryside a helping hand by taking part in a litter picking event with our round-up of campaigns taking place in the UK in 2019.
Behind the headlines: why are birds of prey under attack?
New RSPB report Birdcrime 2017 reveals raptor persecution is a problem in the UK, with birds being deliberately shot, poisoned and trapped. Conservationists blame the shooting industry, which in turn says rogue individuals are responsible. We examine the issues
Interview: Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary Sue Hayman
Labour's election manifesto pledged to halt the badger cull and the party says it will not allow Brexit to dilute environmental standards. But what is its vision for the countryside?
Paddle and pick: raising awareness of plastic pollution in Devon
Writer and environmentalist Anna Turns navigates the Salcombe estuary in Devon by paddleboard toraise awareness about the need to cut down our consumption of single-use plastics.
Pesticide ‘makes migrant songbirds lose their way’
Controversial pesticides linked to the decline of bees may also be harming farmland birds, a new study shows
Walk and tweet: an adventure on the Cornish coast
Young adventurer Sophie Pavelle is walking the coast of Cornwall to draw attention to plastic pollution along the coastline and hopes to challenge the way social media is used. Here she explains why...
General Election 2017: manifesto guide on where each party stands on rural issues
Ahead of the upcoming General Election, here is our short bullet point guide to each party's manifesto, looking at where they stand on rural, environment and animal welfare issues
Introduce a 5p plastic drinking straw tax, says firm
Single-use plastic drinking straws should be taxed in a bid reduce the number of straws ending up in landfills each year, a recycling and waste firm has said.
Farming subsidies need 'complete reform', says National Trust
The National Trust has called for a complete reform of British farming subsides post-Brexit to reverse the damage to the natural environment.
