People
Beloved children's author, artist, scientist, sheep farmer – 10 things you didn't know about Beatrix Potter
Our guide to the children's author, writer, illustrator, natural scientist and conservationist Beatrix Potter, looking at her life, her works and best places to visit in the Lake District.
In 1864, one pioneering woman changed mountaineering forever – armed only with grit, a skirt, and champagne
Leaving behind a quiet life of croquet and cream teas, Lucy Walker became one of Britain’s finest early mountain climbers. Clare Roche tells her extraordinary story.
He scaled Tibetan peaks, braved wild jungles and helped Darwin shake up science — all in a day’s work for this globe-trotting Victorian plant hunter
Celebrate the life of the greatest botanist of the Victorian era, Joseph Dalton Hooker, born 200 years ago this summer and who sailed the world seeking new forms of plant life
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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
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.
Great novels and autobiographies set in the British countryside
Our pick of the greatest novels and best autobiographies set in the British countryside.
My country life: the wassailer
Meet Eric Freeman, the man who has revived the ancient tradition of wassailing in Gloucestershire
My Countryside interview: Derek Jacobi
The acclaimed actor discusses Shakespeare's love of the land, the delicate beauty of the British countryside and the vital importance of laughter.
Life on Eden: a year living in the wild
Last year Katie Tunn took part in Channel 4's reality TV show Eden wilderness experiment set in a remote and rugged Scottish landscape. Now a year on she looks back to share her highs and lows of the experience...
My Countryside interview: Chris Packham
The naturalist and presenter discusses his early path into the wilderness, the beauty of a newly leafed beech and his happy companions, Itchy and Scratchy
My Countryside interview: Naomi Wilkinson
The Countryfile and CBBC presenter talks about her high-octane outdoor experiences and peaceful times in her garden. Now if only she could defeat her old adversary, hayfever...
My Countryside interview: David Lindo
The birder and wildlife presenter discusses his avid childhood interest in avians, the peace to be found in unlikely urban environments and the awe-inducing Scottish Highlands and islands
My Countryside interview: Sophie Ellis Bextor
The singer discusses the freedom of the countryside, skinny-dipping in winter and the joys of fish and chips by the sea
My Countryside interview: Anita Rani
Countryfile presenter Anita Rani talks about wild walks, hair-raising holidays and the importance of inner-city access to the great outdoors
My Countryside interview: Stuart Maconie
The BBC Radio 6 Music presenter and prolific author discusses Britain’s most awe-inspiring sights, the rural heroes of Kinder Scout, and the North according to Doctor Who.
My Countryside interview: Alice Roberts
The anatomist, author and broadcaster discusses the relationship between humans and wider nature, the wild joys of kayaking and the beauty of Britain’s greenery
My Countryside interview: Patrick Aryee
The naturalist and BBC presenter discusses the cool beauty of the Cairngorms, Yellowstone’s reintroduction of wolves and the call of the wilderness
My Countryside interview: Anna Hill
The BBC Radio 4 presenter discusses 21 years of hosting Farming Today, her unsung countryside heroes and how kayaking has introduced her to a brave new world.
Find the inspiration for The Lord of the Rings and the The Hobbit in the British countryside
JRR Tolkien took much of his inspiration for his mythical tales from real locations in Britain. Mathew Lyons embarks on an adventure to find Middle Earth
My Countryside interview: Cressida Cowell
The best-selling author of the How to Train Your Dragon children’s books discusses her early island life and the stories it inspired, the magic of natural words, and her capacious gardening apron.
Bristol, London and Brighton: Kendal Mountain Festival goes on Tour
Enjoy an evening of adventure with award-winning films and first-hand accounts from some of the UK’s most intrepid explorers. Kendal Mountain Festival on Tour gets underway this weekend in Bristol, followed by events London and Brighton.
Young adventurer off on 5,000-mile UK challenge
Follow 21-year-old Alex Staniforth as he prepares to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest 13 times, on a journey that will take him to the UK's highest points
Sara Maitland: Why rural poverty must be recognised
Rural poverty can seem invisible – but it is widespread and must be recognised, says writer Sara Maitland
Millican Dalton fact file
One of the most prominent English adventurers, Millican Dalton gave up his nine-to-five office existence to answer the call of the wild. Here is our essential guide to the man behind the legend.
