nature
Britain's rarest flowers: The beautiful, hidden flora that could disappear from our country
Our countryside is home to a huge range of flowers, some much harder to find than others – here is a selection of Britain's rarest flowers, including how to identify and the threats that they face.
Top 10 most intelligent wild animals in Britain
Some wild birds and beasts of the British Isles are suprisingly smart, appreciating fine art, navigating by the stars and even saving other animal's lives. We bet you won't believe number 5
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
Mental Health Awareness Week: 7 simple ways to connect with nature and improve wellbeing
Spending time in nature is good for our physical and mental health. To mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 (13-19 May), we've picked some of the best country walks, mindful crafts and nature volunteering ideas for you to enjoy.
Discover Britain's most spectacular autumn wildlife
Step into the British countryside this autumn and discover some of nature's most magnificent wildlife spectacles, from the drama of rutting deer to epic starling murmurations
Guide to Britain's lichens: what they are, where to find them and how to identify
There are roughly 1,800 species of lichen in the UK, growing on stone, bark, even old leaves. But did you know they're not even a plant? Learn the amazing truth in our expert guide to lichen, plus the most common types to find in the UK.
British dragonfly and damselfly guide: how to identify common species and where to see them
Summer is a great time for spotting insects on the wing in the British countryside – our expert guide explains how to identify and where to find common dragonflies, damselflies and demoiselles species.
How to take part in 30 Days Wild
Whether you go for a wildlife walk, forage for your supper or simply sit by a river, do something wild each day this June to celebrate 30 Days Wild. To help you get started, here’s our pick of 30 easy ideas to help you connect with nature each day.
Guide to mistletoe: history, how it became a Christmas tradition and how to grow your own mistletoe
Mistletoe is a common plant found in many homes in the UK around Christmas. It is a symbol of romance – but did you know it's also semi-parasitic and poisonous? Our mistletoe guide looks at how this plant became a Christmas tradition and how to grow your own mistletoe
Podcast: Strange tales at a Dorset henge… Part 2 of the Knowlton Circles mystery with Mary-Ann Ochota
In episode 2 of our new podcast series, Histories and Mysteries of the Countryside, historian and broadcaster Mary-Ann Ochota explores the deeply enigmatic henge and ruined church forgotten in the Dorset countryside – and hears strange tales of the supernatural from local people
Relax to the beautiful and calming sounds of nature with our series of Sound Escapes
Escape to the countryside for the chance to unwind, listening to lovely meditations in BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes – with new episodes every Friday
Podcast: Mackenzie Crook on his new Worzel Gummidge for Christmas
Writer, director and star of Worzel Gummidge, Mackenzie Crook reveals his love of nature in episode 11 of season 7 of the BBC Countryfile Magazine podcast
Podcast: Interview with H is for Hawk author Helen MacDonald in the latest BBC Countryfile Magazine podcast
Enjoy a delightful chat with award-winning nature writer Helen MacDonald with readings from her brilliant books in episode 3 of season 7 of the BBC Countryfile Magazine podcast
The restorative power of nature
During lockdown, our need for nature grew. Melissa Harrison explores why connecting to the wild outdoors has boosted our health and wellbeing, and asks what we can do now to repay the favour to our ailing countryside.
C is for Collecting: mindfulness in nature
Collecting and gathering items from nature can transform an everyday walk into an opportunity to improve your physical and mental wellbeing
Podcast: Finding a healthy mind, heart and body in nature – with author Lucy Jones
Discover the science behind why being outside in nature is good for you with author Lucy Jones in episode 7 of season 6 of the BBC Countryfile Magazine plodcast
Podcast: An eerie evening with Britain's strangest bird – the nightjar
Listen to the strange calls of the nightjars on an atmospheric evening's walk on a Welsh hillside in episode 6, season 6 of the BBC Countryfile Magazine podcast
New project aims to help children develop a lasting connection with nature
A new nature campaign aims to encourage children to build a lasting connection with the natural world as lockdown restrictions ease.
Creative ways to connect with nature
As the countryside fills with singing birds, blooming wildflowers and emerging insects, the urge to explore is strong – here is a selection of easy creative and nature-inspired ideas.
A to Z of mindfulness in nature
We look at the various ways that nature and the countryside can be used to help improve physical and mental wellbeing in our mindfulness guide.
H is for Hammock: mindfulness in nature
Sit back, relax and enjoy the world around you – time alone in a hammock beneath the trees can help you to be more present, in turn improving physical and mental wellbeing
Walk: White Tor, Devon
Explore mysterious remains left by our distant ancestors on wild and beautiful Dartmoor with this circular walking route.
Z is for Zen: mindfulness in nature
Tips for how to be mindful in nature, in turn improving physical and mental wellbeing
Podcast: A mindful wander in the Forest of Dean – and an encounter with boar
Sarah Orme and Fergus Collins head to the Forest of Dean to discuss mindfulness and how nature can provide us with the head space to cope with the stresses of modern life, in episode 3, season 9 of the Countryfile podcast
