Fergus Collins
Editor, BBC Countryfile Magazine
Editor of BBC Countryfile Magazine, Fergus lives in deepest Monmouthshire with his family, where his neighbours are farmers, buzzards and sheep. When not working on the magazine he wanders the hills, grows vegetables and plans adventures.
Recent articles by Fergus Collins
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
How to become a marine biologist: tips to land your dream job and spend a lifetime in the ocean
Ever dreamed of working by the coast, as well as helping to protect our oceans? Find out how to become a marine biologist
Just what is regenerative farming? How traditional wisdom is healing our farmland
We take a deep dive into regenerative farming and what it's all about. Can it really help heal the soil and increase biodiversity?
Frog vs toad: what's the difference between these amphibians – and how can you tell them apart?
What's the difference between a frog and a toad and how can you tell them apart? We explain how these amphibians differ
What fish should we be eating in 2025?
Fergus Collins takes a look at the fish we should be eating - and the fish we should be avoiding - so our fish stocks remain healthy and sustainable
What is the UK’s most dangerous road?
We take a look at the contenders for the title of Britain's most dangerous road
What is wassailing?
All you need to know about the tradition 'wassailing'
Father Christmas or Santa Claus? How the legendary figure was created and why he's clad in red
How did Father Christmas evolve? Fergus Collins takes a look
What is slurry - and why does it smell so bad?
All you need to know about slurry
The surprising story behind the Christmas poinsettia’s rise as the ultimate festive plant
The exotic poinsettia has become associated with Christmas/ Fergus Collins explains why
December foraging guide: best foods to find and recipe ideas
Eager foragers should head to the coast in winter – December is one of the best times to find a fabulous feast, including shellfish and tasty greens
Where are the snowiest places in the UK? A White Christmas is guaranteed in these stunning locations
Beaver Moon 2024: how to see this week's supermoon
Everything you need to know about the Beaver Moon, including how to see it this year, what time it appears and why it's called the Beaver Moon.
Discover Doggerland, the prehistoric land that once bridged the UK with the rest of Europe - until it was claimed by the sea
Did you know land that once connected Britain to mainland Europe? Here's what it would have looked like
What's the difference between reindeer and deer?
Wondering how reindeer differ to other deer species? We explain
Best walking shoes tested in 2025 for men and women: stroll, ramble and hike in comfort
Finding the best walking shoes for you can be a challenge. So, to help you out, we've reviewed some of the best hiking shoes on the market, from traditional leather options to lightweight and affordable choices.
Best walking boots tested in 2025: hiking boots for comfort and durability
Lightweight, waterproof and grippy – the latest generation of walking boots offers all-season protection and comfort. Our expert reviewers tested a batch of hiking boots from leading brands, on muddy trails over hills and through forests and fields – and here are our findings
How to fell a tree
Felling a tree is dangerous says Fergus Collins, so only those with the appropriate skills should do it - and if in doubt call in a tree surgeon
Which is Britain's oldest pub? A look at some of our oldest and ricketiest inns and taverns
Fergus Collins takes a look at the contenders for the title 'oldest pub in Britain'
Does the UK have venomous spiders? 'Um' yes...
All UK spiders are venomous, says Fergus Collins, but that doesn't mean we have to fear them as their venom is unlikely to affect us
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.
Berghaus Fellmaster Active GTX review
We've put the Berghaus Fellmaster Active GTX walking shoes under scrutiny to determine if they're the best choice for your outdoor adventures.
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.
British snake guide: how to identify snakes, where they live in the UK - and what to do if you're bitten
Here is our expert guide to British snakes, including where they live and how to identify them from their markings and length.