countryfile

Easter wouldn’t be the same without hot cross buns. Their history can be traced back to the Hertfordshire countryside, where an old mill still bakes buns to an ancient recipe. Learn all about the origins of the hot cross bun, why they are eaten at Easter and the best recipe to make your own.

Is chocolate very poisonous to dogs? How much can they eat? Veterinary surgeon Nicholas Burrell explains all you need to know

Author Tim Relf's guide to the Welland Valley, including where to visit, where to stay and where to eat and drink.

In the heart of England, find a lost world where castles, medieval manor houses and ancient inns await. Author Tim Relf takes a wander in the Welland Valley

Having your neighbour’s cat poo all over your nicely tendered garden is undoubtedly frustrating, but short of building a fortress, what can you do? Plenty, say the experts at Cats Protection – here are their top tips.

Bird communities’ songs change and evolve over time due to demographic changes, just like human dialects and musical traditions, according to a fascinating new study, reports Graeme Green

Did you know, Queen Victoria owned at least 28 different pedigree dog breeds? Ciara Farrell from The Kennel Club reveals more amazing facts about dogs owned by the Royal Family.

We take a look at the latest dog breed registration statistics from the Kennel Club. Did your favourite breed make it into the top 10?

If you want the best chances of seeing this year's planetary alignment, head to a Dark Sky site. The UK has a growing number of them – here's our expert guide on the best locations to stargaze in Britain, advice to help you see more in the dark, and basic equipment to help you get started

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

Curious facts, infamous characteristics and a brief (and very fishy) history about one of the world's most popular dog breeds, the Labrador retriever.

Discover the history behind the Grade I-listed Chatsworth House and what it's famous for – as well as its Jane Austen connection

Cycling is a brilliant form of low-impact, cardio exercise. It's great for improving mental and physical health and works more muscles than you think

Where is Diddly Squat Farm, when is it open and how big is it? Here's everything you need to know about Jeremy Clarkson's farm – including opening times for its farm shop, cafe and pub.

Celebrate Scotland’s greatest poet on Burns Night, 25 January, with these delicious traditional Caledonian recipes with a twist from the Hebridean Baker, Coinneach MacLeod

Did you know that haggis has been banned in the US since 1971? But one company aims to change that – here's what we know so far

A brief guide to the UK's weather warnings system.