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Spring into song
Spring's blend of optimism, fertility and new life has always stirred people into song. Duncan Haskell takes us on a lyrical journey through the melodies of the season
NEW NATURE WRITER OF THE YEAR 2022
Are you inspired by spending time in a place where nature flourishes? Then put pen to paper and let your creativity flow in this year's nature-writing competition
Fawn rising
This spring, new roe deer fawns are born in quiet woodlands across the countryside. Adele Brand describes a fawn's first year of life, and asks why farmers and some naturalists are worried by the growing numbers of deer
Frost in May
Spring is here at last and in his gorgeous Lincolnshire garden, Adam Frost thrills to every bud that bursts into blossom. The BBC Gardeners' World presenter tells us how nature and the countryside have inspired his career
Ellie Harrison
The unstoppable power and might of stormy weather can remind us of our place in the world
DISCOVER THE STORY OF LAKELAND
Take a magical history tour of the mysterious stone circles, dramatic castles, historic quarries and grand country houses of the Lake District with Susie White
DAY OUT: Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, Lincolnshire GIBRALTAR'S GENTLE GRAZERS
Highland ponies are the newest addition to the conservation team at this east-coast reserve, where spring orchids bloom lilac among the blue lagoons and sandy dunes, says Susie Kearley
DAY OUT: Coombe Hill Canal and Meadows, Gloucestershire WATERY WILDLIFE HAVEN
Spot waterfowl and waders, damselflies and butterflies in this ancient and special wetland landscape that fringes the River Severn, says Tolga Aktas
A Weaver's Life
Sussex maker Annemarie O'Sullivan harvests her own willow withies, from which she weaves beautiful baskets inspired by ancient traditions
The Linen Renaissance
A field in urban Blackburn could be the start of a fashion revolution, according to Patrick Grant of BBC series The Great British Sewing Bee. He wants to revive Britain’s once-great linen industry – and help save the planet
The Cyber Farm
Special Report: Part 2 - In our previous issue, we looked at how farming could soon be transformed by technology, including drones and robots. Jess Stevenson introduces 12 of these coming innovations
Spring Chicks
In hedgerows and on trees and cliff ledges across the country, the eggs of wild birds are hatching and new chicks are emerging – trembling, hungry and vulnerable. How do baby birds survive? Tim Birkhead explores an annual spring miracle
Save the Easter Bunny
Baby rabbits nibbling at meadow edges make endearing scenes across lowland Britain, or they did until recent years. Our rabbit population is under threat – so much so that conservationists are building ‘hotels’ to protect the species, reports Amy-Jane Beer
Discover: Kent - Spring in The Garden of England
Famed for its pretty orchards, ancient woodlands, rolling fields and historic gardens, Kent’s countryside comes alive during the season of renewal, says Simon Richmond
Meet the Beaver Heroes
Extinct in the UK for four centuries, beavers are now returning to rivers around the UK, thanks to the work of dedicated conservationists. Richard Baynes profiles four people who are doing their bit for the beaver
Growing Together
With no farming experience, Lynn Cassells and Sandra Baer upped sticks from the south of England to take over a 60-hectare farm in the rugged Cairngorms. After appearing in the BBC series This Farming Life, Lynn tells us how their new life is going, six years on
Get Ready for the Revolution
Technology seems poised to transform UK agriculture – but can science help farmers grow more food, while simultaneously restoring the health of our environment? Jess Stevenson investigates
Discover Slate Country
The epic ruins of North Wales’ once-great slate industry are now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Julie Brominicks marvels at the spectacle
Matt Baker - THE COUNTRYFILE PRESENTER GOES BEHIND THE SCENES ON HIS SHOWS AND FAMILY FARM
MAKING SPACE FOR WILDLIFE ON THE FARM
Make your garden a wild haven
Fearful of the decline of wildlife in the wider countryside, Colin Stafford-Johnson did everything he could to make his plot a home for nature. At the start of the gardening year, he reveals simple steps to make a difference – and how these will bring you lasting joy
Ellie Harrison
The story of seagrass and the people saving this precious plant reveals an ocean of positive effort
Blackthorn beauty
As March turns to April, millions of tiny blooms spring from the spiny shrubs in our hedgerows, covering their dark stems in creamy white blossom. Adele Brand writes in praise of the unsung but resilient blackthorn
APRIL IN THE COUNTRY
PICTURES › WILDLIFE › PEOPLE & PLACES › COUNTRY KNOW-HOW › FOOD
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
WEIRD WEATHER
We get a lot of weather in Britain. But just when you think you’ve seen it all, you may be lucky enough to witness one of the strange and startling atmospheric phenomena that occur occasionally here. BBC weather experts John Hammond and Sara Thornton report