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The Magic of Wild Words
In 2017, a children’s book was published to treasure the disappearing language of nature. It became a worldwide hit that has now spawned two musical albums. Annabel Ross met author Robert Macfarlane to explore the phenomenal power of The Lost Words
Run Like Wolves
On tracks and trails all over Britain, runners out with their dogs, attached to each other via a bungee, are becoming a common sight. Sam Pyrah and her dog Morris try out the growing sport of canicross
Sublime Spring Gardens
Sunshine on your face, the scent of blossom in the air, the dreamy song of a blackbird. What better way to while away a spring day than in an idyllic country garden? Matthew Wilson heralds 10 of the best
Step into a Legend
Learn the strange and wonderful myths of our islands, urges Amy Jeffs, and when you explore our ancient landscapes, saints and giants will walk with you
MELODIES FROM A GLOUCESTERSHIRE GLADE
Settled among the folds and fields of the Severn Vale is a little-known nature reserve, home to the elusive nightingale and its beguiling spring song, says local birder Tolga Aktasstar
SONGS FROM AN URBAN SCRUBLAND
Even in the UK’s largest urban expanses, spring birdsong can be heard rising above the humdrum of city life, says David Lindo as he reveals his favourite birding spots in London
Mobile masterclass
You don't need a fancy camera to take stunning images of nature. Build up your skills with these 10 tips from Sussex photographer Mike Kus and you could take pictures worthy of the Countryfile Calendar
Vampires in the meadow
Key to life on Earth, plants are full of surprises, as new BBC series Green Planet reminds us. Amanda Tuke visits a peaceful wildflower meadow and finds that here, among the swaying grasses, something sinister lurks...
A wandering mind
Diagnosed with dementia in 2014, Wendy Mitchell has defied a gloomy prognosis, writing a successful blog and a bestselling book. Her secret? Routine - and regular walks in the countryside
Sara Maitland
Snobby social attitudes undervalue manual labour – especially in the countryside
WONDERS OF THE NIGHT SKY
Dark winter evenings are perfect for exploring the magnificent marvels of the firmament – and Britain’s precious Dark Sky sites offer especially spectacular views. Venture outside with Vivienne Crow for an exhilarating evening of stargazing
Mysteries of the WINTER WOODLAND
Head into the trees this January, where strange natural marvels await the sharp-eyed explorer, urges countryman John Wright
Ellie Harrison
Instead of personal goals, hopes and ambitions for the planet’s wellbeing are on my New Year wish list
DISCOVER BERWICK AND THE BORDERS
Visit a spectacular frontier town this winter to explore its hinterland of epic rivers, historic houses and woodlands sparkling with frost, says Susie White
Chalk Stream Dream
DAY OUT: River Itchen, Hampshire | Clear, quiet and unhurried, Hampshire’s iconic River Itchen glides with added lustre beneath the soft light of a low autumn sun, reveals Kevin Parr
Matt Baker – “The countryside made me”
In his first book, Matt Baker celebrates his rural roots and chronicles a year spent transforming the family farm. He chats to Margaret Bartlett about sheep, sketching and new beginnings
Fungi Fascination
The mushrooms in our autumn woodlands are not only strange and intriguing, they and other fungi are vital to life on Earth. James Fair finds out more from biologist and author Merlin Sheldrake
BURE THROUGH THE BROADS
WALK: River Bure, Wroxham, Norfolk | Follow a tranquil autumn river through quiet Norfolk villages to Wroxham, the ‘capital of the Broads’, before returning along the Bure Valley Railway. Anna Paxton leads the way
HORSESHOE AMONG HILLS
DAY OUT: Afon Dyfrdwy (River Dee), Denbighshire | Afon Dyfrdwy is the largest river in North Wales, but its wildlife is suffering. Julie Brominicks explores a project that aims to restore it to its natural state, before ambling its autumn banks
Love, hope and ruin
In her new book, Nicola Chester chronicles a lifetime of joy in nature alongside unbearable losses to our wild world that she has witnessed, and that we must all fight harder to prevent
Discover A Song Of Suffolk
Magnificent nature reserves, huge skies and a wild, open coast. Welcome to the quiet drama of Suffolk in autumn, says Mark Cocker
What On Earth Has Happened To All Our Brideways?
Hugh Thomson takes a mule across the country to find that off-road travel on horseback is a mounting challenge
A Miller's Tale
Enjoy an absorbing autumnal amble en route to a striking post-industrial landscape veiled by Peak District woodland, says Neil Coates
Discover the Wildside of the Cotswolds
Forget golden stone and chocolate-box charm, says Ellie Harrison.Behind the glossy rural glamour of Gloucestershire lies great untamed beauty – swathes of ancient land thrumming with raw nature.You just have to know where to find it...
Adam's Best Friends
The Countryfile farmer recalls how the dogs of his childhood led to a lifelong affection for canine companions
Sara Maitland
Why do we pine for Christmas trees at this time of year?
Fact And Fiction- The Real Robin
This red-breasted bird is closely associated with the festive season. Yet, as naturalist Stephen Moss reveals in his new book, our cute Christmas companion has a far darker and more fascinating side
The South Downs
Chalk hills roll and plunge into frosty combes, cool mists swirl around wooded slopes and cosy villages await winter wanderers. Pull on your boots and scarf to explore the South Downs this January.
Walking With Wolves
Matt Maynard goes on the trail of wolves in Sweden, and asks – what is the interaction between these resurging predators and rural communities? And what does the Swedish example say about wolves returning close to our own door?
Secrets Of The Hillforts
Ancient earthworks steeped in mystery wind around the summits of many prominent British hills. Who built these strange structures, and why?