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.

The season of nostalgia

THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS

HOW TO CONTACT US

THE BIG PICTURE

WINTER LIGHTS • Brighten up the short, dark days with these sparkling celebrations of illumination.

HOW TO CLEAN A DOWN JACKET • Down-filled jackets are tricky to clean but it’s worth washing before grime gets really ingrained.

Look to the skies

Travel through time this Christmas

Get down to Earth

HIBERNATING ANIMALS • Hibernation is used as a catch-all term for the inactivity of animals over winter, but there are different types of dormancy – torpor is quicker to wake from. Hibernating animals do still wake up during winter, to feed, drink, defecate and even move location.

Adam Henson • NEW HELP FOR FARMERS AT RISK OF POOR MENTAL HEALTH

JOHN CRAVEN • STATE OF NATURE REPORT IS A SHOCKING CALL TO ARMS

Nicola Chester • Our declining local newspapers remain a vital forum for country voices

Suffolk at Christmas • From wild and windswept beaches to medieval villages and friendly old inns, Suffolk is a richly rewarding place to while away a few days in winter, writes Stephanie Cross

NOW GO THERE • Where to stay in Suffolk, by Stephanie Cross

Choose your Christmas treat • when you subscribe to BBC Countryfile Magazine

Countryside gifts • Make it a Christmas to remember with these thoughtful presents for lovers of nature, walking and the great outdoors

DARK THE SIDE OF CHRISTMAS • The festive period isn’t all smiling Santas and seasonal goodwill. Some of our oldest stories and traditions have rather grim origins. Simon Heptinstall reveals all

THE GREAT SURVIVOR • Tall and elegant, the Scots pine flourishes in the wild glens of the Highlands – come rain, shine or snowfall. Ecologist Andrew Painting reveals the secrets of Britain’s most tenacious tree

SCOTS PINES VS OTHER PINES • Pines can be differentiated from the spruces and firs that have been introduced to Britain by their pairs of needles – the needles of spruces and firs come out of the stem singly. But telling pines apart can be a bit more tricky. The most common species are the Scots pine, the non-native lodgepole pine and the black pine.

FLORA AND FAUNA OF PINEWOODS

SCOTS PINE MYTHS AND FOLKLORE

After The Gruffalo • The long and colourful life of a mighty oak tree inspires the new book by best-selling children’s author Julia Donaldson

WHO IS JULIA DONALDSON?

THE SPECTACULAR SPROUT • Humdrum, bitter and smelly? Wait – there’s more to these little green wonder buds than you might think. Cast aside your preconceptions, urges our Brussels correspondent, Dixe Wills

Crispy sprout and artichoke gratin with lemon and blue cheese • Turn health-giving sprouts into delicious flavour bombs with this easy, warming recipe by Rukmini Iyer, from her best-selling book The Green Roasting Tin

A wilderness on your wall • Bring the wild beauty of nature into your home this Christmas as Yorkshire florist Anna Potter hows you how to turn dried wildflowers into a gorgeous, long-lasting winter wreath

Christmas gift books • EXCITING AND INSPIRATIONAL READS FOR ALL THE FAMILY

YOUR DAYS OUT… IN PHOTOS • Share your best photos of the British countryside with us and you could see your image published in print or online and win a great prize. Email your images to photos@countryfile.com

Your countryside • HAVE YOUR SAY ON RURAL ISSUES

Country puzzles • RACK YOUR...