wildlife
What is Dartmoor famous for? And can you wild camp there? Everything you need to know about the National Park
Everything you need to know about Dartmoor National Park – including its history and whether you can wild camp
It guzzles rats head-first and stabs its prey to death: Here's why the grey heron is king of the river
Stationary and silent, waiting for prey, the heron has become an increasingly common sight at the water’s edge. Mark Hillsdon explores this elegant hunter’s world
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
February wildlife guide: best sounds and sights in the UK
February can seem an unpromising month in the countryside, but there is plenty of wildlife stirring. Here is our guide on the best wildlife sounds and sights to spot in February.
Active dogs for active people: These dog breeds are perfect for those who love long walks in the countryside
If you love the thought of country walks with a pet dog but aren’t sure which breed will suit you best, expert trainer Gwen Bailey can help you make up your mind
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
Who is Chris Packham? Everything you need to know about the Springwatch presenter
Chris Packham is best-known for presenting BBC nature series Springwatch since 2009. Here is everything you need to know about the presenter.
British beetle guide: where to see and how to identify these fascinating insects
From the striking rose chafer to the stag, beetles are a fascinating group of insects found widely throughout the UK. Here is our expert UK beetle species guide, which explains how to identify and best places to spot them.
How the Moon affects wildlife
Discover the many surprising ways the Moon affects the behaviour of animals and the way plants grow.
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
Best places in the UK to see the magnificent autumn deer rut
The annual deer rut is one of Britain's most exciting autumn wildlife spectacles – here are 11 great locations where you can see these magnificent animals in action with our guide to the UK's best deer rutting destinations.
British deer guide: how to identify and best places to see
Just six species of deer live in the British countryside, but it can often be difficult to tell which is which – learn all about these spectacular animals with our deer identification guide, plus discover the best places to see the autumn deer rut.
How to identify insects that bite or sting – and avoid being bitten
In the warmer months of spring and summer, Britain's insect population surges with humans often becoming unfortunate prey. Here is our guide to UK insects that bite or sting with tips on how to protect against bug bites.
Guide to British cattle breeds: common cow breeds and how to recognise them
A walk in the British countryside wouldn't be the same without passing a field of cows. From Herefords to Highlands, here's our guide to 10 of the UK's most loved native cattle breeds.
Ingleborough walk, North Yorkshire
Walk the second highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales, a mountain pockmarked with cavernous sinkholes, rumbling rivers and labyrinthine limestone paving
Puffin guide: breeding season, diet and where to see them
Colourful and characterful puffins are one of Britain's most loved seabirds, living on coastal islands off the UK shore in breeding season.
Where to see and hear skylarks
Skylarks are vocal songbirds and in recent years, the British population has crashed, but they are still widespread. Here is a selection of the best places you can see skylarks in the UK.
Walk: Bystock Nature Reserve, Devon
In May, this east Devon reserve hums with signs of deepest spring – songbirds wheel from tree to tree, invertebrates chatter from within the heath and adders bask in the warming sun.
Best forest campsites in the UK in 2024
Get closer to nature with a family camping trip in the UK. Here are the most rewarding forest campsites to book this summer.
Bike ride: Strathspey, Highland
Explore the Highland enclave inhabited by Archie Macdonald and his Glenbogle clan on this trip into Monarch of the Glen Country
30 years of the BBC Countryfile Calendar
From tiny autumn voles to wide open landscapes, here's our pick of the winning shots from the BBC Countryfile Calendar across the past 30 years
Bird flu death toll passes more than 3,000 on Farne Islands
Despite having been closed to visitors, the Farne Islands are enduring a major outbreak of avian flu with thousands of seabirds dying on their shores
Best wild swimming spots for seeing wildlife
Throughout the year, wild swimmers are able to share their rivers and lakes with some of the UK's most impressive wildlife, from salmon and kingfishers to curlews and peregrine falcons. We share some of the best places to go wild swimming – and the birds, fish and wildlife you might see there
New report finds hedgehogs in decline by up to 75%
A joint survey by two major wildlife charities has found Britain's hedgehog populations have declined in rural areas by up to 75%
