People

Think you’re Gaelic at heart? Here’s how to trace your Scottish and Irish roots
From clan lands to famine ships, uncover the stories that shaped your Scottish and Irish ancestry –and learn how to start tracing your Gaelic roots today

The remarkable tale of Owain Lawgoch, the rebel Welsh prince who took up arms for France
Mercenary captain, exile and would-be Prince of Wales, he became such a threat that the English crown paid to have him killed

Is this the world’s most haunted chair? The chilling legend of the Dead Man’s Seat
Said to have been cursed by a condemned murderer in 1702, the Dead Man’s Chair has inspired centuries of eerie tales, but how much truth lies behind the legend?

Chris Packham is moving his dogs to a plant-based diet – should you? Here’s what the research says
Chris Packham has explained why he's transitioning his dogs onto a vegan diet

Princess Diana’s family tree spans royal scandals, Hollywood royalty – and a surprising number of American presidents. Here's how
Long before she became the Princess of Wales, Diana Spencer’s ancestry linked her not only to British nobility and royal scandals but also to American presidents and Hollywood icons
What's new?

Farmhouses, ex-council houses and country cottages: Step inside the childhood homes of music legends
While some are open to visitors, others are frozen in time – look inside the childhood homes of some of Britain's greatest ever rockstars

Rugged moors and imagined worlds: How real are the landscapes of the Brontë novels?
How did a quiet Yorkshire parsonage produce three of Britain’s greatest writers? We explore the moorlands and villages that inspired Charlotte, Emily and Anne – and how much of Brontë Country made its way into their novels

How tall will Prince George be (and will he be as tall as his dad)?
If the trend continues, Prince George may be the tallest British monarch we’ve ever had

"I’ve always loved a ‘permissive path’ – it’s always seemed like the nicest of invitations."
Land managers and farmers are critically aware of the knowledge gap between most people and farming, and that the countryside is for all.

King Charles III is throwing deer bones and dead trees into Scotland's rivers. It's all part of a genius restoration plan
In an unconventional yet remarkably innovative step, the royal Balmoral Estate launched a bold initiative to revive its riverways... and it's working
Experiences

Nature’s way: how one woman found inspiration after her cancer diagnosis
Exploring the restorative and healing powers of spending time in nature

Hubble, bubble, toil and trouble: the real story of Britain's witch trials
Learn more about some of Britains most famous witches and wise men and the fate that befell them

"I survived Lyme Disease!"
All you need to know about this tick-borne disease from a man who contracted, diagnosed and survived it – Kevin Parr
Historical figures

How tall was Jane Austen? Her lofty height may surprise you
Would Jane Austen have cut an imposing figure in a ballroom? She might well have, according to a dress historian

How tall was William Shakespeare? And how did he stack up against his rivals?
Shakespeare's words are studied by school children across the UK, but surprisingly little is known about his appearance

Researchers uncover new threat to Roman Army troops stationed at Hadrian’s Wall: intestinal parasites
The universities of Cambridge and Oxford analysed sediment samples from a Roman fort – and discovered something interesting
Interviews

“Claire Foy happens to be a naturally brilliant falconer.” Why the Emmy-winning actress tamed a goshawk
Helen Macdonald’s memoir H is for Hawk explores how nature can help cope with profound grief, and it's set to be adapted into a star-studded film.

“He hauls out the wrinkled snout of a primeval beast.” There’s a hidden vault of weird and deadly creatures in this world-famous museum
Venture into the bowels of London’s Natural History Museum and you’ll discover a realm of deep-sea monsters and rarely seen oddities

This author has sold 198 million books. Now he’s delving into the ancient unsolved mystery of Stonehenge
In his new novel, author Ken Follett breathes life into one of the greatest British mysteries: Stonehenge
Opinion

Don't complain about the rain. Science says it's good for your health, here's why
Believe it or not, a walk in the rain might be the secret weapon you need – don't knock it until you've tried it!

"What was a nothing magics itself into a something: a swarm, a wave, a flying carpet. They shimmer and billow, flutter and plummet..."
Nature can help us let go of stress and feel connected to something bigger than our problems. Here's how to reconnect with nature responsibly.

"Foot and mouth devastated rural Britain. It could happen again" John Craven on the crippling effect of the disease, and its potential resurgence
BBC Countryfile Magazine's John Craven writes about the devastating effect of foot and mouth disease on British farmers.
Royals

“We are a part of it, not apart from it.” Watch the trailer for King Charles III’s new environmental documentary
King Charles III hopes to inspire people to work with nature in the upcoming documentary Finding Harmony: A King's Vision

How tall was Queen Victoria? The true height of this powerful monarch often surprised people
While she was known for her powerful presence, Queen Victoria was actually quite petite

14 facts you didn't know about Princess Diana – including her adorable nickname for Prince William
Did you know that Diana had many royal connections before marrying Charles? Or that she was a big fan of a certain Swedish pop group...
