Historical figures
St George's Day: when it is, the history behind the legend - and whether St George was real
Most of us will have the heard the tale of George and the dragon, but do you know the real history behind the legend? Here is our guide to the patron saint of England, and some ideas for where to go to celebrate.
Nan Shepherd revolutionised nature writing with The Living Mountain. This is her story
One of the greatest books about Scottish mountains lay in a drawer for 30 years. Charlotte Peacock profiles author Nan Shepherd and her enduring passion for the Cairngorms
The first British woman to swim the Channel has inspired a film - here's the extraordinary story of Mercedes Gleitze
In 1927, Brighton-born Mercedes Gleitze became the first British woman to swim the English Channel – and a star was born
Border Reivers: discover who they were and how they terrorised the borders in Britain's own wild west
Who were the Border Reivers?David Gopsill from Tullie House Museum uncovers the stories of these enigmatic figures and their impact on the borderlands.
Who was Alfred Wainwright? A quick guide to the Lake District icon
We take a look at the life of Alfred Wainwright, the man who did so much to popularise the Lakes and fell walking
Why do we say 'sent to Coventry'?
Where does the saying 'sent to Coventry' come from? We take a look at its possible roots
When is International Women's Day?
When is International Women's Day and what does it celebrate?
Discover poet John Clare: The voice of nature amid mental health struggles
From farm labourer to brilliant nature poet,
John Clare found fleeting fame and lasting unhappiness. But now his beautiful writings about the countryside are attracting a new generation of fans
Meet the 19th century botanist David Douglas, the man who brought us the Douglas fir
John Craven celebrates David Douglas – a surprisingly
little-known Scottish adventurer whose discoveries in the
new world transformed the landscapes of his home country
Witchcraft and witches in the UK: Exploring 14 famous witch trials and stories
Learn more about some of Britains most famous witches and wise men in our historical guide.
John Muir: Meet the Scottish visionary environmentalist who transformed America's wilderness
Scottish-born environmentalist, naturalist, author and glaciologist John Muir was one of the world’s earliest and most influential conservationists. Find out more about his remarkable life in our historic guide to John Muir.
Herne the Hunter: Why a glimpse of Windsor’s horned phantom could spell doom for the King
In folk tales of old, magical beings served as guardians of forests and hills until troubled times brought them forth to battle evil. Storyteller Lisa Schneidau profiles one of the most potent of these figures: Herne the Hunter
Where did Rupert Bear come from? The story behind the beloved character and his magical world
Who was Rupert Bear? Where did he come from and just why was he loved by millions?
Where are Britain's lost kings buried? A guide to some unorthodox royal burial sites
Discover where Britain's lost kings are buried in the British countryside.
Downton Abbey guide: history of Highclere Castle and how to visit
The stars of Downton Abbey are set to return to the big screen as a new Downton Abbey film is set to be released in the UK cinemas this week. Here's our ultimate Downton Abbey guide, including how to visit Downton, the history of Highclere castle, plus watch a trailer of the new film.
Roald Dahl: celebrating the great British novelist and his love of the countryside
We explore how the lush landscape of the Chiltern Hills and a love of nature inspired the much loved children's author to write some of his finest stories. Here is our guide to the great British novelist Roald Dahl.
A quest to walk in the footsteps of St Patrick in Northern Ireland
Follow the St Patrick's Way in Armagh to encounter gods, saints and ancient warriors in episode 3, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Celebrate St David's Day: history and traditions
Celebrate Wales' national day with our guide to St David's Day which looks at the history of the patron saint of Wales and popular Welsh traditions.
Podcast: A walk along the Ridgeway with archaeologist Mary-Ann Ochota
Explore an ancient pathway in Wiltshire with archaeologist and TV presenter Mary-Ann Ochota who is the patron for the Ridgeway National Trail – in episode 2, Season 15 of the Plodcast
Burns Night: traditions, recipes and great Scottish walks
Celebrate Burns Night with our guide to the Scottish poet Robert Burns, including the best Scottish walks, traditions and recipes.
Best royal films set in the British countryside
Celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and the country's kings and queens with these regal films showcasing Britain's majestic estates and landscapes
Podcast: Great classical music inspired by the British countryside
The British countryside has inspired many of the great classical composers. Jeremy Pound from BBC Music Magazine selects his five favourite pieces that evoke the atmosphere of nature and landscape
Beatrice Harrison and the nightingale: was the 1924 duet a fake?
Questions have been raised this week by Guardian writer Dalya Alberge about one of the most famous broadcasts in the history of BBC radio. Was it all that it seemed?
How Great Malvern shaped Narnia, Middle Earth and Nimrod
Discover the dramatic range of hills that inspired CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and Edward Elgar to create some of the greatest works in the English canon