Charlie Lyon
Charlie is a freelance contributor who is passionate about the countryside, wildlife and environmental matters
Recent articles by Charlie Lyon
Who do the Royal Family send Christmas cards to? And can members of the public receive one?
With a fresh wave of personal Christmas greetings being released from the Royal Family, we look back at the history of the tradition – from official scenes of pomp and grandeur to glimpses behind palace doors
Why dark chocolate is even better for you than previously thought – giving us even more reason to break into it this Christmas
Dark chocolate boasts heart-healthy flavanols, antioxidants and minerals... and researchers now say it could be linked to slower ageing
How tall is Prince Harry? And how does he stack up against other British royals?
He's shorter than his brother, but still towers above his father and other family members
30 best-ever Christmas jokes - perfect for crackers
A festive collection of groan-worthy gags guaranteed to delight anyone who loves nature, history, wildlife and the great outdoors.
10 famous people Catherine, Princess of Wales is related to, from USA television royalty Ellen DeGeneres to literary icon Jane Austen
Some of Kate Middleton’s extended family are huge Hollywood stars
He gave us Auld Lang Syne and was known for passionate love affairs and bold, radical politics – just who was Robert Burns?
From humble Ayrshire beginnings to worldwide annual celebrations, we take a look at the life of Robert Burns, Scotland's favourite poet.
The world's biggest ever scorpion was a prehistoric monster the size of a house cat – which once roamed Scotland
You wouldn't want to come across one of these in the woods
Royal corgis and the late Queen: 8 beloved images of Queen Elizabeth II and her cherished corgis – including hilarious footage of them with James Bond...
The late Queen adored all animals, especially dogs, and one short-legged breed stole her heart.
How tall is Catherine, Princess of Wales? Her lofty height is well-suited to public life
The future Queen Consort stands noticeably taller than the average British woman
The Royal Family’s line of succession: Who's next to inherit the crown – and where do all the other members of the family fall?
A quick look at where Britain’s royals stand in the centuries-old order for the throne
Watch incredible, unbelievable close-up footage of baby ospreys hatch and grow, surviving storms and brutal tawny owl attacks
The Woodland Trust Scotland has captured the remarkable journey of two feisty male ospreys as they grow and eventually fledge.
Crowned before their first birthday, ruling for just 9 days before being executed – discover the record-breaking royals who have made the history books
Discover the extraordinary extremes that make some royals unforgettable
What have been the most common names for British kings?
And who chooses the name anyway?
Just how many European countries have royal families? We take a look at Europe's different monarchies
Which are the nations keeping royal history alive in the modern age?
How tall is Prince William? His towering height makes him a striking future king
It's actually remarkable by modern and historic standards
Could the European wildcat return to south-west England? Experts say the area's ready...
A reintroduction to South West England could help save the UK's most critically endangered mammal
16 best crime dramas to stream and watch right now – devilish crooks, determined sleuths and beautiful backdrops... you'll be hooked
From murder mysteries in close-knit communities to heists in far-flung locations, here are the best crime dramas streaming in the UK right now
Could Edinburgh Castle really vanish? 8 iconic landmarks under threat
From coastal erosion to flash floods, a new report reveals how rising temperatures and extreme weather could bring an end to our most treasured cultural sites
Miracle gel could keep arthritis sufferers pain-free claim scientists – giving hope for millions
Cambridge scientists have developed a new material that senses flareups and releases drugs exactly where and when needed
Forget William the Conqueror, this forgotten hero was the first REAL King of England, says expert
A new biography shines a light on a forgotten king of England, and makes a case for his name to be better cemented in the nation's psyche
Who's a clever boy? When it comes to toys and playing, dogs are smarter than we think say experts
Snuffle mats, chew toys, tug ropes, puzzles... a new study reveals that dogs can mentally sort toys by function, meaning they're more clever than we thought
Dehydration could be fuelling your anxiety and depression say experts
A new study has revealed that your stress hormones surge, as does your vulnerability to stress-related health issues, when your water levels dip
“To take away the campsite income would be devastating" – landowners and farmers alarmed at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's pop-up campsite ban
The National Park Authority plans to remove permitted development rights allowing people to open temporary campsites for 28 days a year to earn extra money.
Wild beavers back in English rivers: Government approves release centuries after the rodents became extinct
The Eurasian beaver is set to return to our waterways after centuries of absence, following a government decision to allow wild releases under licence.