BBC Countryfile Magazine

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.

Bring history to life

COUNTRYFILE on TV • What to watch on Countryfile this month*

OUR COLUMNISTS

BBC Countryfile Magazine

Time for a spring clean • Get outdoors and blow away the cobwebs this spring with a subscription to BBC Countryfile Magazine

Special • NATURE | TRAVEL | NEWS | VIEWS

Britain’s ancient trees • Author Julian Hight set off on a quest to find Britain’s most extraordinary ancient trees. These are his favourites, whose value to history, culture and biodiversity is monumental

DOG OWNERS FACE UNLIMITED FINES FOR LIVESTOCK WORRYING • New legislation makes livestock worrying illegal, with dog owners facing police action, financial penalties or detention of their pet

ULTRASOUND REPELLERS COULD SAVE HEDGEHOGS FROM DYING ON OUR ROADS • Research reveals that the prickly mammals can hear ultrasound – and scientists hatch a plan to save lives

The Plodcast • Tune your ears into our podcast this month*

GREEN, GREEN GRASS OF HOME • In his new book, John Wright reveals the beauty and astonishing diversity of Britain’s grasslands

Whole baked Dover sole with blistered olives and tomatoes • This recipe from seafood chef Nathan Outlaw’s latest book showcases the delicious flatfish’s flavour and texture

One smallholder’s passion could revolutionise the slaughter industry

How one woman defied the Nazis to save a rare goat breed

Picks of the Picos • With a solar eclipse set to wow northern Spain this summer, now’s the time to experience the hiking trails, rich wildlife, distinctive cuisine and Celtic culture of the Picos de Europa, writes Matt Baird

30% off the shop rice when you subscribe today! • Subscribe today and enjoy every season with BBC Countryfile Magazine!

THE RHINS OF GALLOWAY • Projecting like a hammerhead into the Irish Sea, the Rhins of Galloway is a wild delight – low in human footfall and rich in nature. Sarah Baxter explores the treasures of Scotland’s forgotten peninsula

NOW GO THERE • Sarah Baxter on where to eat, stay and visit in the Rhins of Galloway

Marching through time • What is the real story of the Battle of Hastings? Fergus Collins examines one of the great turning points in English history at a re-enactment in the Sussex countryside, 960 years after William the Conqueror’s victory in 1066

NORMAN TOURISM • Five more ways to experience the Conqueror’s legacy in 2026

TOP 10 SECOND WORLD WAR RELICS • There’s barely a corner of Britain not marked by the Second World War. Here are Dixe Wills’ most remarkable reminders of the conflict

Power ballads • Traditional folk ballads tell dark stories of treachery, murder, magic and mystery. Fergus Collins meets author Amy Jeffs who is reimagining these complex, ancient tales for a new audience

BALLADS EXPLAINED

Writing the waves • A source of life and death, the sea has long been both our friend and foe. Author and marine conservationist Lorraine Wilson asks if stories can help save our oceans – and ourselves

ENVIRONMENTAL NOVELS • Four recommended works about the oceans

EXTRAORDINARY SPECIES • Lorraine Wilson’s most remarkable marine life

Knives out • The Woodland Skills Centre in Wales has become a haven where knives, wildlife and people are given a new lease of life. Julie Brominicks spends a soul-enriching weekend discovering why hand tools are vital for our future

NOW GO THERE • How to make...