Author James Witts

James Witts

Recent articles by James Witts
Man holding a Cornish pasty

Your regular pasty and pint could be increasing your belly fat – though whether you want to try this controversial alternative is up to you…

Swap your regular pint and pub snacks for these healthier alternatives including a pasty... with filo pastry?
more

How a gentle walk makes you brainier than a hard sprint: Results of groundbreaking study shock scientists

Can exercise really boost brain power? ,
more
Hiker on the summit of Ben A'an in the Highlands

25 for 2025: Fill your summer with exciting outdoor adventures and challenges, from shark spotting to conquering fears

Expand your horizons with our pick of the best outdoor adventures.
more
Traditional English cream tea on Union Jack tablecloth

Tea bags, ketchup – and football's most famous song? The 'British' inventions that are actually American

While a cuppa is about as British as it gets, did you know that the tea bags used for it are an American invention? It's time to brush up on your general knowledge as we take a look at more inventions that we thought were British, but actually aren't.
more
Mevagissey Cornwall England July 14, 2018 Early morning light on the harbour

Sea shanties sail on: The relentless appeal of sea shanties and how one tiny Cornish village is bringing global acts to its festival audiences – in a fish and chip shop

As the Mevagissey Shanty Festival draws in the crowds, the resurgence of this seafaring folk-song tradition shows no signs of waning. James Witts seeks the ‘drunken sailor’ in Cornwall
more
What is a sea shanty

History of the sea shanty: When were seafarers' songs first sung and what were they used for?

Sea shanties are endlessly catchy and easy to learn – for good reason. The origins and history of the sea shanty explain why we're still whistling along with them today
more
US flag against a blue sky

5 inventions the Americans thought they invented... but didn't – including baseball and their famous national anthem Star-Spangled Banner

Baseball, invented by the Brits? Here are five UK inventions that became more beloved across the Atlantic Ocean.
more
What is does

Why oh why do my legs hurt for days after a long walk or run?

The reason your legs can hurt for a long time after exercise is something called DOMS and here's what you need to know says James Witts
more
Winter sun vitamin d

This vitamin will help you defy ageing – how to make sure you're getting enough of it during the winter months

Vitamin D, also known as the 'sunshine vitamin, is essential for bone and mental health.
more

Why’s my joint pain worse in the winter? 

is it true joints can be affected by the weather? James Witts looks at the evidence
more

Suffer from gout, like Henry VIII? Here's all you need to know about the painful ‘disease of kings', from causes to treatment

Gout numbers are rising worldwide, proving that it’s not just Henry VIII who suffered from it. What foods cause the excruciatingly painful condition and should sufferers blame their parents
more

Why the great outdoors beats the gym: 6 beginner-friendly FREE activities for better fitness and mental clarity

Want to start getting fitter? Forget the gym says James Witts as the outdoors offers far more fun activities
more

Are you walking fast enough? How speeding up can tackle obesity and decrease mortality risk

How walking briskly can improve your physical health
more

What happens to your body if you stop exercising?

Want to be updated when there is BBC Countryfile news?
By entering your details, you are agreeing to Countryfile terms and conditions. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Exclusive U.S. Offer

Try a BBC Countryfile Magazine subscription and get free delivery from the UK!

This website is owned and published by Our Media Ltd. www.ourmedia.co.uk
© Our Media 2025