spring
Divine spring walks: 23 of the best UK trails to enjoy right now
The countryside is awash with the sights and sounds of spring – it's time to get outside. From magnificent meadows and wildflower woodlands to gorgeous springtime hills, here is our guide to the UK's best spring walks.
Spring blossom is out now - here's how to identify it
As light flows slowly back into our woodlands and hedgerows, once-bare branches begin to bloom again. It's blossom season – but how do you tell the difference between blackthorn and hawthorn, rowan and wild cherry?
Hay fever season has begun – here are 6 simple ways to beat it
Find out when hay fever season is, what causes hay fever, and simple tips to help tackle it.
Wild garlic guide: where to find, how to use and recipe ideas
Spring is the perfect time to go foraging for this versatile and pungent plant, which can be whipped up into a delicious soup or pesto. BBC Countryfile Magazine's expert guide explains where to find it, how to forage it responsibly and how to cook it.
When do the clocks change?
Find out when the clocks change – and why we change them. Plus, learn all about the history of daylight saving in the UK.
Nettle guide: where to find it, how to pick safely and recipe ideas
Your beginner's guide to foraging for nutritious nettles, with tips on how to pick to avoid the sting, plus some delicious recipes you'll want to try today.
15 of the most sweet-sounding songbirds in Britain
In Britain we are blessed with an incredible variety of beautiful birdsong from late winter into early summer. From the nightingale to the blackbird, here is your guide to the best British songbirds, including how to identify each species.
Spring wildlife guide: what to look for and where to see it
From the fragrant aroma of wild garlic to the delightful song of the chiffchaff, the British countryside comes to life in the spring months. Our expert spring wildlife guide explains how to identify the season's best wildlife spectacles and best places to see.
Special edition – explore a wildlife paradise in New Zealand
In a Plodcast first, we head to New Zealand to discover how a nature reserve in the heart of Wellington has transformed the fortunes of hundreds of native species. What lessons can the UK learn from this?
When is May Day in 2023 and what festivals can I attend?
Whether you fancy being at the largest Morris gathering in the world or watching drumming, fire displays and fantastic fairy costumes, here's what's on this May Day bank holiday in 2023.
Cricklade North Meadow National Nature Reserve, Wiltshire
In spring, North Meadow blushes purple with thousands of the snake's-head fritillaries – just one of many wildflower species to thrive in this Wiltshire reserve
Podcast: Spring poetry and magic from the Inner Hebrides
Enjoy a mindful ramble with poet Kenneth Steven on his home island of Seil in the Inner Hebrides – in episode 9, season 15 of the Countryfile Plodcast
Guide to British daffodils, when to plant and where to see them in the wild
For over 150 years, British farmers have been selling glowing spring daffodils. Our expert guide looks at the history of Britain's daffodil industry, plus how and when to plant daffodils and where to see them in the UK.
Native bluebell guide: how to identify and grow your own
Make the most of the UK's spectacular bluebell season with our expert bluebell guide which explains the difference between the Spanish and native bluebell and how to grow your own.
Britain's best daffodil walks
The cheering sight of daffodils is a sure sign that spring has sprung. Here is our pick of the best daffodil walks to enjoy this spring.
How to identify catkins
Trees festooned with catkins are a sure sign that spring has finally arrived. Our expert guide looks at which species of British tree has catkins, the role they play in pollination and how to identify catkins, plus where to see.
The first signs of spring
From snowdrops to the dawn chorus, the first signs of spring promise new life and warmer, lighter days. Our seasonal guide explore the signs to look out for across the British countryside, parks and gardens.
Podcast: Learn birdsongs on a delightful spring walk in the New Forest
Enjoy a walk through a wildlife rich corner of the New Forest with naturalist Dominic Couzens who shares his unique tips on how to identify birds by their song in episode 4, season 12 of the Countryfile Magazine podcast: The Plodcast
Podcast: A sensational evening of singing with nightingales – with folk singer Sam Lee
Enjoy a truly magical experience deep in a Sussex woodland – singer Sam Lee and violinist Anna Phoebe accompany nightingales at midnight in episode 3, season 12 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Podcast: The magic of April in a hidden valley deep in the Brecon Beacons
In the first episode of a new season of Plodcasts – Wild Britain – host Fergus Collins takes you on a guided walk through a birdsong-filled valley off the beaten track in Brecon Beacons National Park
Podcast: A morning among newborn lambs in the Shropshire Hills
Meet Alix Chiddley-Uttley on her family farm in the Shropshire Hills to experience the highs and lows of lambing time in episode xx of
British lambing guide: when is the lambing season and best places to see lambs
Experience a spring miracle – spend a few days on a farm near you and witness the lambing season in person.
March hares: why do they box and best places to see them in the UK
Witness a fascinating wildlife spectacle of boxing hares this spring with our guide to mad March hares, which explains why they box and the best places to see them in the British countryside.
Plant Britain: Spring bulbs to plant now for bees and butterflies
Want to give pollinating insects a head start next spring? Find out which flowering bulbs to plant in your garden this autumn, chosen by insect ecology expert and author, Dave Goulson.
