BBC Countryfile Magazine - June 2022

In this issue

THE ROYAL THAMES
From its Gloucestershire source to its estuary exit into the North Sea, the River Thames is steeped in royal history. Ben Lerwill marks the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by exploring its regal heritage.

AN INSECT EDEN
Walk with Sheila Sim along the 134-mile John Muir Pollinator Way – a beautiful walking route intended to revive Britain’s insect population.

A LIFE IN COLOUR
Twigs Way celebrates the work of artist and plantsman Sir Cedric Morris..

A taste of June

STRAWBERRY, LEMON CURD, MASCARPONE & PEPPER SANDWICHES

1 min

A view from the farm Adam Henson

WHY COUNTY SHOWS ARE A DELIGHT OF SUMMER

2 mins

Sara Maitland

A new GCSE in natural history will empower the future caretakers of our planet

2 mins

DISCOVER ROYAL THAMES

From its spring in the Cotswolds, a wild river winds past dreaming spires and palaces to the city and the sea. Ben Lerwill marks Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by exploring the rich, regal heritage of a great river

7 mins

AN OAK FOR THE AGES

Since prehistoric times, a giant tree had slumbered in the Fenland soil, until, in 2012, a farmer stumbled across it. Now, skilled craftsmen have transformed the oak into a 'Table for the Nation', as a jubilee tribute to the Queen, writes Rosanna Morris

6 mins

Phantoms of the forest

A powerful, secretive hunter haunts our forests - the goshawk. Film-maker James Aldred has spent hundreds of hours discovering the hidden life of this master of stealth

7 mins

Insect Eden

With 134 miles of paths through drifts of wildflowers abuzz with bees and butterflies, the John Muir Pollinator Way is both a beautiful walking route and a way to help revive Britain's insect population, reports Sheila Sim

7 mins

Life, loss and hope

With many of the UK's plant and animal species threatened with extinction because of human actions, it's easy to feel downhearted. In his new book, Peter Marren explores our complex role as both predator and protector of the natural world – and reveals that none of us are powerless

7 mins

A life in colour

Floral meadows surround the old house at Benton End in Suffolk. Once, though, this was one of England's most beautiful country gardens, created by plantsman and artist Sir Cedric Morris, whose life was as colourful as his plants. Now there are plans to renew the house and grounds as a vibrant centre for art and gardening, writes Twigs Way

5 mins

Should the royals rewild their land?

Green campaigners are urging the Royal Family to help Britain restore nature and tackle climate change by rewilding its vast estates - but some locals are sceptical. Richard Baynes finds out why

7 mins

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BBC Countryfile Magazine Description:

Countryfile Magazine inspires you to explore forgotten corners of the great British countryside and provides knowledge of the people and wildlife that inhabit it. We want to tempt you into trying new things, seek out new places and make the most of Britain’s beautiful landscapes.