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
"Summer afternoon – the two most beautiful words in the English language": These stunning quotes encompass all that we love about summer
Long days, golden evenings, and a warm glow on your skin – summer is a season of light, life and endless possibilities. From classic to modern literature, these book quotes encompass the beauty of summer
This giant "horror movie" plant can cause skin burns and blindness – and it's taking over the UK
It lies in wait for the unwary and can cause serious skin burns, ulcers, even blindness. Richard Baynes reports from the frontline of the battle against giant hogweed, an invasive plant that’s remarkably hard to kill
Inspired by the London Marathon? You could take part next year – here's how to get a head start on training
Can your dog ever escape its genes? Why your pooch has more in common with wild wolves than you realise
All dogs share DNA with their ancestor the grey wolf, but can they ever escape their genes? Sam Pyrah delves into the science of selection and the quest for the perfect canine companion
“Astonishing” and “rare” explosion of small blue butterflies recorded in Scottish Highlands
Over 500 small blue butterflies were spotted at a single site in Scotland, more than doubling the previous year's count.
‘Deliberately flooded’ village emerges from reservoir after drought reveals its eerie outlines – including dry stone walls and roads
The driest spring in England for over a century has revealed a 'drowned' Cumbrian village
Is it normal to see a seal on the beach? Yes – but here are the warning signs to look out for
Seals come onto land to rest as part of their natural behaviour – here’s what to look for to know if they’re in trouble, and how to help
“She’s so glamorous!” Raynor Winn on being played by Gillian Anderson and the biggest mistake she made while walking the South West Coast Path
Vivienne Crow chats to author Raynor Winn on how the book changed her life and what it’s like to see Gillian Anderson play her on the big screen
A new Royal favourite: how the Jack Russell Terrier has seen a surge in popularity, boosted by Queen Camilla's love for the breed
Why the loveable Jack Russell has become the most popular royal dog breed.
Seasonal inspiration
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.
Running on a budget? Here's how to score up to 50% off at New Balance this week
Your favourite New Balance trainers, now for less
Guide to tit species in the UK: how to identify and where to see these charismatic birds
Learn more about the different types of tit species in Britain and how to tell them apart with our ID guide, which includes blue tits, great tits, crested tits, willow tits, long-tailed tits, marsh tits and coal tits
Best bluebell woodland walks in the UK
Explore a selection of the best bluebell woodlands in the UK with our pick of stunning walks.
News and opinion
The latest environment and wildlife news, comment and interviews
Scientists solve the decades-long mystery of what makes cats orange – and why ginger cats tend to be male
Scientists have solved the mystery of why ginger cats are orange and mostly male, with new evidence suggesting that their colour comes from a genetic mutation in the X chromosome.
This Roman massacre is a myth, say scientists. Here's what actually happened
New research has debunked a legendary Roman massacre at Maiden Castle in Dorset. So, who were the true killers?
'Sea parrot' cam: heartwarming livestream offers intimate glimpse inside puffin colony on remote Farne Islands
In celebration of caring for the Farne Islands for 100 years, the National Trust has shared a puffin livestream so people can watch the sweet birds from home.
Countryfile Calendar 2024
Find out how to enter this year's competition, plus photography tips
Countryfile Calendar competition 2024: view the winning and shortlisted images
Discover who won the Countryfile Calendar competition 2024, view all the shortlisted images, and find out where you can buy this year's calendar
Who is Hamza Yassin? Everything you need to know about the BBC presenter and wildlife cameraman
From humble beginnings living in a car in Scotland to dazzling the nation on Strictly Come Dancing and being a judge in the Countryfile Calendar competition, 'Ranger Hamza' is fast becoming a national hero. Here's all you need to know about the wildlife presenter and photographer.
Wildlife photography tips: how to take great photos of animals
Our expert-written photography guide explains how capture the perfect wildlife shot.
Popular walks
See our most searched for walks and find new routes
Best autumn walks in the UK: discover stunning trails through golden forests and scenic countryside
The arrival of autumn sees the British countryside transform into a spectacular display of oranges, reds, yellows and golds – experience this seasonal splendour with our pick of the best autumn walks in the UK.
Best walking holidays for families
Bringing children on a multi-day walking trip is easier than you think — well-marked trails, short distances and plenty of snacks are essential for all-round enjoyment
16 best walks in Cumbria: One of Britain's most beautiful counties is a glorious rugged landscape of hills, mountains, lakes and coastline
Find the best hiking routes in Cumbria, including path descriptions and maps.
Is this the prettiest long distance walking trail in the UK? Spot up to 16 counties from one stunning viewpoint
As it's surprisingly hilly, there are plenty of scenic spots along the Cotswold Way.
This epic, unmarked long-distance route climbs the equivalent of Everest and navigates three stunning national parks
Alfred Wainwright’s breathtaking Coast to Coast walk is largely unmarked and surprisingly tough, but it's a route worth taking.
54 greatest walks in the UK
We picked our favourite single-day routes, suitable for hikers with varying levels of experience. Pull on your boots – it's time to get walking.
British wildlife
Learn how to identify, where to see and species facts with our expert guides
British wild mushroom and fungi guide: how to identify and where to find
The UK's woods, riverbanks and meadows are home to roughly 15,000 species of wild mushrooms. Find out how to identify the most common species found in Britain, plus essential safety tips on which mushrooms are edible or poisonous with our British fungi guide.
British hedgehog guide: where to see and how to help hedgehogs
Sadly, the UK's hedgehog population is in decline, but there are plenty of ways you can help these charismatic mammals. Here is our expert European hedgehog guide, including where to see them, what they eat and how to help hedgehogs in your garden.
Guide to Britain's geese species: how to identify and where to see
Geese are a familiar sight in the UK's estuaries, marshes and wetlands, particularly in autumn and winter. Learn all about these majestic birds, including identification tips, migration patterns and the best places to see them in the UK.
Recipes
Find inspiration for this season's stars – both shop-bought and foraged
Apple and blackberry crumble squares
These easy-to-make crumble squares are perfect for a summer picnic.
Homemade apple swirls recipe
This homemade apple swirls recipe is easy to make and is a perfect treat on chilly autumn days.
How to make cider: a simple recipe to try at home
The end of summer and the beginning of autumn are prime apple-picking season – make the most of it with this simple and revolutionary cider recipe.
The perfect crab apple jelly recipe
Learn how to make crab apple jelly with this simple recipe by forager and chef Rachel Lambert.
BBC Countryfile Magazine Podcast
Join us on a countryside escape in each episode of the award-winning Countryfile 'plodcast'
Listen: delight in the last birdsong of the summer woodland
In this Sound Escape, we take you on a mindful stroll through a lush woodland after rain.
Explore a fairy glen on the St Patrick's Way in Co Down
Explore a fairy glen of birdsong and pure waters in fabled Tollymore Forest on the edge of the Mourne Mountains in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Walking St Patrick's Way: The wildlife of the Newry Canal
Enjoy a gentle stroll along the abandoned Newry Canal in Armagh, Northern Ireland, with fascinating history and brilliant wildlife encounters – in episode 14, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
A quest for one of Britain's rarest birds in the Cairngorm mountains
Join naturalist and author James MacDonald Lockhart walking and camping deep in the Cairngorm Mountains in search of the dotterel, a bird that breeds on remote peaks – in episode 14, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Outdoor kit reviews
Our pick of the best walking and camping gear for outdoor adventures
I went into the Amazon jungle and this is the one piece of kit I wouldn’t have been without
Regatta Montegra 2-Person Backpacking Tent review: a neat and nifty model for multi-day trips
Backpacking in a pair and in need of a spacious, yet packable tent? The Regatta Montegra two-person model could do just the trick.
Hydro-Force Ventura Inflatable Kayak review: a lightweight all-rounder for all levels
Find out how the Hydro-Force Ventura Inflatable Kayak fares on the water in Fi Darby's review
Decathlon ITIWIT Packraft 100 Inflatable Kayak review: 'this watercraft has lightweight fun written all over it'
Looking for an inflatable kayak for portable adventures? Fi Darby takes to the water with Decathlon's ITIWIT Packraft 100.
Aqua Marina Steam 412 Inflatable Kayak review: a spacious, two-person watercraft
Find out how the Aqua Marina STEAM 412 Inflatable Kayak fares on the water in Fi Darby's review
Subea Aquashoes 120: a budget-friendly water shoe for general aquatic wanderings
You're looking for an affordable pair of water shoes, for casual use in the summer months. Could the Subea Aquashoes 120 from Decathlon fit the bill?