Wildlife stories
“That was the biggest high you could imagine – completely fixing this broken thing”
Headlines about the nature emergency might paint a bleak picture, but a network of sanctuaries powered by dedicated volunteers across the UK is giving wildlife a second chance. James Fair visits an animal rescue centre in Herefordshire and discovers new hope
It's the size of a double-decker bus and weighs a mighty 7 tonnes. Meet the ocean giant that swims - rather leisurely it must be said – through UK waters
Get to know the world's second largest fish with our guide to Britain's basking sharks, including facts about the species and the best places to see them in the UK.
What’s the most common butterfly species in the UK?
While it’s an ever-changing statistic, we introduce you to the most abundant butterfly species – and which country holds the title for having the most butterflies
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Astonishing BBC footage shows rescue puppies helping raise adorable orphaned baby chimps in West Africa –proving dogs aren't just man's best friend
At a sanctuary in Liberia, a group of devoted dogs are stepping up as unlikely carers to help raise orphaned chimpanzees
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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
Britain's most endangered animal species: Discover the rarest creatures in the UK
Some once-common native species are disappearing from the British countryside – our guide looks at 17 of the most endangered animal species in the UK that have suffered acute declines in recent years.
National Tree Week: planting for the future
The UK's biggest annual festival of trees begins this weekend, running from 25 November to 3 December – celebrate these wonders of nature by joining a tree event near you.
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
How to prepare your garden for autumn and winter birds
Providing natural food and shelter for garden birds can make a huge difference to species survival in the colder months. Our guide explains how to make your garden bird-friendly this autumn and winter.
Wild bison thriving in the UK
Follow the herd with our gallery documenting the first year of wild bison living in Britain.
A wander in a bird of prey sanctuary with Megan McCubbin
It’s easy to get despondent about the natural world – but in her new book Springwatch presenter Megan McCubbin explores stories of hope and courage for the world’s endangered species – in episode 7, season 16 of the Countryfile Plodcast
New Nature Writer of the Year 2022: three highly commended entries
Wild places in Devon, Birmingham and Merseyside inspire three three talented new nature writers, all highly commended in this year's competition
New Nature Writer of the year 2022 Runner Up 3: Storm at Howmore
The wild power of nature thrills Vanessa Wright in her account of a storm sweeping into the Hebridean Island of South Uist, our final runner up in the BBC Countryfile Magazine New Nature Writer of the Year competition 2022
New Nature Writer of the Year 2022 – Runner up 2: Journey to Dunwich Beach
A cycle ride through heathland to the North Sea coast inspired Katherine Ilett's luminous entry to the 2022 New Nature Writer of the Year competition, the second of three runners-up
New Nature Writer of the Year 2022 runner up 1: A healing river
Rhiannon Law describes how a thrilling wildlife encounter brightens a dark mood, in her entry to the 2022 New Nature Writer of the Year competition
Toads found living in trees, according wildlife charity
New research reveals that common toads live in trees, a habitat not usually associated with the species
New Nature Writer of the Year Competition 2022
Entries have now closed for our nature writing competition for this year. Winners will be announced on 22 September 2022.
Half of British butterfly species threatened, near threatened, or extinct
Time is running out to save Britain’s butterflies, according to wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, after the latest Red List assessment placed half of Britain’s butterfly species on the List. But, there is still hope.
Save the stag beetle! Join the Great Stag Hunt
One of Britain’s most spectacular insects is in decline – help save the stag beetle by joining the Great Stag Hunt this month.
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
What is a wetland and why do they matter?
Senior coastal advisor Nick Hardiman explains why wetlands matter, and the work the Environment Agency is doing to improve the UK's wetlands and flood prevention schemes.
Dog attacks on livestock: how bad is the problem and what are the possible solutions?
Fatal dog attacks on sheep and other livestock are a growing problem. As the lambing season gets under way we investigate what can be done to bring the issue of sheep-worrying under control.
Podcast: A beautiful and relaxing walk on the Isle of Seil with poet Kenneth Steven
Enjoy a ramble with poetry and wildlife on an island in the Inner Hebrides in episode 5, season 11 of the Countryfile Magazine podcast: the Plodcast