rivers
Magnificent waterfalls and crashing cascades: these are the best waterfalls in the UK
Discover enchanting falls, cascades and plunge pools on a walk or day out with our round-up of Britain's most spectacular waterfalls.
Does new housing have to put waterways at risk?
In a bid to speed up homebuilding, the Government is trying to scrap rules that require developers to protect waterways. Countryfile's John Craven reports...
Best wild swimming spots in Britain
Explore the UK's most beautiful waters with our guide to the best places to go for a wild swim
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Podcast: How the River Severn is being unlocked for wildlife
Hear how the Unlocking the Severn project is enabling migrating twaite shad to swim up the River Severn once more – in episode 5, season 12 of the Countryfile Magazine plodcast
Riverside cottages and B&Bs to stay this summer
Idyllic views, comfy beds and peaceful walks – here are some of Britain’s best cottages and bed and breakfasts by the river
Walk: River Stour, Suffolk and Essex
Enjoy a short walk along the marshy banks of the River Stour, running from the Suffolk town of Dedham to Flatford Mill – once home to painter John Constable – and back again
Guide to Britain's otters: history, characteristics and where to see them
Learn all about this carnivorous, semi-aquatic mammal, including what they look like, where they live, what their homes are called, otter conservation and the best places to see them
Walk: Barnard Castle, County Durham
At the heart of the Tees Valley is a town full of delights, from an immense château to a charming antiques quarter and riverside walks following in the steps of Daniel Defoe
Guide to rural bridges in Britain: traditional designs and best bridges to visit
Rural bridges can be found all across the countryside in the UK. There are many different types of bridges, ranging from hump-backed bascules and suspension bridges to ancient clappers. Our guide explores some of Britain’s most interesting traditional bridge designs, and points you in the direction of the best ones to visit
Podcast: A Yorkshire River Journey with Radio 3's Petroc Trelawny
Radio 3 Breakfast presenter Petroc Trelawny reveals his favourite music inspired by the countryside and talks about his new live show following a Yorkshire river to the sea – in episode 13 of the Countryfile Magazine podcast
Podcast: Discover curious tales of folklore from Britain's rivers and seas
Discover the mysterious and bizarre folklore of our seas and rivers in episode 8, season 8 of the Countryfile Podcast
Day out: Marshcourt River, Hampshire
Follow creeping water rails, singing warblers and shimmering brown trout along this stretch of England's chalk-stream Marshcourt River.
Guide to life in a lowland river and best species to spot
A guide to some of the common species to look for in our rivers including fish, birds, mammals and plants.
Virtual escapes: peaceful rivers and splashing streams
Experience the blissful sights and sounds of the British countryside with our stay-at-home tour of the most beautiful rivers in the UK.
Day out: Herringfleet Mill, Suffolk
As winter turns to spring, the skies around Suffollks’s old windpumps become a playground for the first swallows of the season, creating one of England’s loveliest scenes
Podcast: Listen to the sounds of nature on a ramble along the River Usk
Take a ramble along the River Usk in autumn and listen to the sounds of nature with Fergus Collins.
Walk: Abingdon Lock, Oxfordshire
Walk from one of England’s oldest towns through gardens, meadows and a colourful marina to a historic village and the burial site of a famous novelist
Podcast: comedian Paul Whitehouse on his new angling series with Bob Mortimer
Gone Fishing with Mortimer and Whitehouse is back for a second series – catch up with its stars in this funny and poignant interview in episode 12, season 2 of the Countryfile Magazine podcast
Guide to small river fish: where to see and how to identify
The finned dwellers, lurkers and sprinters of our rivers and streams are as varied and fascinating as any wildlife on dry land – our guide on small river fish looks common species found in British rivers, where to see and how to identify.
Day out: The Orchard Tea Garden, Grantchester, Cambridgeshire
Sit back and relax in the dappled sunlight of an aged orchard, in the comforting company of delicious cakes, wholesome scones and intriguing tales of old
Back from the brink: Otters 'thriving' in Hampshire river
A reduction in intensive farming and the revival of the eel is helping otters re-establish themselves in Hampshire’s River Meon, says national park authority
Britain's best gorge walks
Explore seven of the best gorge walks in Britain, from narrow ravines and bubbling whirlpools to spilling cascades and tumbling waterfalls
Podcast: Saving Britain's most beautiful river
The Peak District's River Dove has been blighted by dozens of artificial weirs. Andrew Griffiths talks to local people about what can be done to bring the sparkle back to this famous trout stream
Exploring Britain's most beautiful river: how locals are working to protect the River Dove
Take a stroll along a Peak District river in the company of Andrew Griffiths and meet local people with a passion for protecting their local – and very famous – waterway