
Freya Parr
Deputy Editor of the National Trust Magazine and freelance journalist
Freya Parr is the Deputy Editor of the National Trust Magazine and a freelance journalist working across multiple titles including BBC Countryfile and BBC Wildlife. She is the former Digital Editor & Staff Writer at BBC Music Magazine, where she has stayed on as a regular critic. She is a keen trail runner, surfer and outdoor swimmer, enjoying scrambling up mountains and reviewing kit for titles such as Trail Magazine.
Recent articles by Freya Parr

England's record-breaking new National Trail is opening soon: Walk the King Charles III England Coast Path
Stretching 2,700 miles around England’s coastline, the King Charles III England Coast Path will soon become the world’s longest managed coastal walking route

17 best period dramas to stream and watch right now - classic love stories, corsets, castles and class wars, what more could you want?
Experience Britain’s past through stunning storytelling and breathtaking filming locations in these unmissable period dramas

6 oldest trees in the UK – and the world, including one that's meant to be over 5,000 years old...
From ancient yews to legendary oaks, these are the trees that have stood watch over Britain’s landscapes for thousands of years

What is a nature corridor? The quiet power of Britain's green highways
You’ve probably come across the terms ‘nature corridor’ or ‘wildlife corridor’, but what do they actually mean?

Countryfile Calendar 2026: winning photos and how to buy the calendar
The 12 winning images for the Countryfile Calendar 2026 have been announced. Find out who clinched the top prize – plus, how much the calendar costs and how to buy it.

These are the best nudist beaches in the UK
Fancy dropping your kecks and feeling the sea breeze all over? From golden sands to hidden coves, these are the UK’s best naturist beaches

What’s the most common dog breed in the UK (and the world)?
From pint-sized pooches to hardworking hounds, we look at the latest registration figures to find out which dog breeds are on the rise – and which remain perennial favourites

What’s the most common mouse in the UK?
From gardens to woodlands, millions of mice scurry across the UK. But which species is the most common?

This mammal is finally making a comeback in Exmoor National Park – watch the heartwarming moment it's officially restored
Charming footage shows the arrival of these elusive woodland mammals in their new home in South West England

This month’s full moon is a supermoon – here’s what that actually means (and how you can see it)
A rare supermoon will light up the skies this month. Here’s what makes it special, when to see it – and the best spots in the UK to catch a glimpse

Another meteor shower is heading for UK skies this week – here’s how to see this celestial spectacle, famed for its dazzling surprises
The Draconid meteor shower once produced some of the most spectacular displays of the 20th century – and it’s back in UK skies this week

Trail runner Elsey Davis begins 400-mile lap of Cornwall in bid to take record
The Cornish runner will take on 18,000 metres of elevation this week – all in aid of raising awareness of young-onset Alzheimer’s for her mother

These are the must-have weather apps every outdoor adventurer needs (some do way more than you think)
From mountains to beaches and stargazing spots, these apps give you accurate forecasts, weather alerts and expert insights to plan every step of your journey

When does a village become a town?
The difference between a village and a town is not as clear as you might think

Autumn equinox: Everything you need to know about the celebration signalling the end of summer
The September night signals the start of astronomical autumn for everyone in the northern hemisphere

Ditch the car – walk instead! These 7 UK car-free islands are perfect for a peaceful escape
Ditch the traffic and explore these UK islands where cars are banned and adventure comes on foot, bike or tractor

Saturn opposition 2025: How to see the ringed planet at its brightest and biggest with the naked eye this week
With longer nights come darker skies – look out for the spectacular Saturn opposition on 21 September

Here's when the seasons ACTUALLY begin and end – it's a bit complicated
Most of us think of spring, summer, autumn and winter in broad terms – but are there specific dates when the new seasons actually begin (in the northern hemisphere)?

Spider season is here – will conkers keep them away?
It’s been said that conkers supposedly emit a toxic chemical that spiders will avoid – but is this actually true?

The fairytale fortress you've spotted from the M4: Inside Castell Coch, Cardiff's castle of eccentric opulence
What do you get when the dreams of a Victorian architect meet those of the richest man in the world? Clue: it's visible from the M4

Age of Sycamore Gap tree finally revealed after Historic England conduct ring-count
New research by Historic England has confirmed a minimum age for the famous Sycamore Gap tree that was felled in Northumberland

Toxic 'forever chemicals' discovered in 95 per cent of US beers – this is why
Scientists have found PFAS – human-made chemicals that persist in the body and environment – in a vast number of beers tested across the US

9 easiest half marathons for beginners – or those wanting to grab a PB
Looking for a first half marathon or chasing a new personal best? These races are flat, friendly, and full of support to help you hit your goals

A frozen Canadian wilderness bigger than Switzerland – but completely empty: This is the world’s largest uninhabited island
Vast, remote and otherworldly, this island has no permanent residents despite being larger than some countries.