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 joy of seeing red

THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS

March IN THE COUNTRY • NATURE TRAVEL NEWS VIEWS

SPRING WOODLAND WILDFLOWERS • Without a thick canopy of leaves blocking out the sunlight, our woodland floors are enjoying a floral flourish. Flowering plants shoot hopefully, looking to catch the attention of pollinators. The flowers are small, as a robust, compact growth is more likely to survive cold weather. Here are seven species to look out for.

NETTLES – SUPERFOOD WITH A STING • Childhood encounters with the itchy, painful sting of the nettle mean few of us struggle to identify this common plant. But don’t let those stings put you off – the leaves are brimming with goodness. Just harvest carefully…

Cornish Eden • National Trust Cotehele

John Craven • In hope of a bright future for our national parks

Historic huts listed • A rare Second World War coastal radar station gains protected status

Stay in an iconic lighthouse • Sleep in quirky circular rooms beside wetlands that inspired wildlife hero Sir Peter Scott

What to watch SPRING DRAMAS

BISON BORN IN KENTISH WOODLAND • Herd thrives in ambitious woodland rewilding project

SECRET SIGNS OF THE PAST • Author Fiona Stafford travels back in time to delve into the history of our landscapes in her new book Time and Tide. But how did she know where to start her quest?

Sycamore Gap • Hope as cuttings from the felled tree flourish

‘Miracle’ grape harvest

Adam Henson • FARMERS ARE THE ORIGINAL FIRST RESPONDERS

Nicola Chester • Building more affordable homes is vital for the survival of rural communities

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100 miles of heaven • Looking for an adventure? An intoxicating mix of rolling downland, sleepy hamlets and wave-hewn cliffs makes the South Downs Way one of Britain’s loveliest walks. Dixe Wills reveals the highlights of six days on the trail

NOW GO THERE • Where to stay and what to see on the South Downs Way, by Dixe Wills

THE COMEBACK KITE • Once virtually extinct in Britain, a magnificent bird of prey now thrives in British skies. What went so right? Nicola Chester profiles the red kite

THE GREAT SOLAR DEBATE • If developers have their way, miles of Oxfordshire farmland will soon be covered with solar panels. Many local people are opposed – but how vital is this sustainable energy for our countryside? Andrew Griffiths investigates

TOP 10 ROMANTIC RUINS • For a thrilling encounter with history, fall in love with a crumbling castle or tumbledown church this spring, swoons Dixe Wills

The truth about dogs • As a rookie dog owner, Cotswolds writer James Fair was overwhelmed with advice – and dire warnings – about how to care for his puppy. But how many of the often-repeated ‘truths’ about canines are really myths?

Wild London walks • From vast parks and ancient woods to overgrown graveyards and flower-banked canals, England’s capital is filled with green surprises. Discover them on foot with six sensational London walks

Your countryside • HAVE YOUR SAY ON RURAL ISSUES

Country puzzles • RACK YOUR COUNTRYFILE BRAIN WITH THESE WILD AND WONDERFUL GAMES

BBC Countryfile Magazine

Spring outside! • Great trails through gorgeous scenery

Hush… it’s spring! • The colours and scents of spring are exhilarating after a long, gloomy winter, but to fully appreciate the power of the season, shut your eyes and...