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.

Norwegian wood

THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS

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Swim in the wild • Immerse yourself in nature with a thrilling Peak District plunge

Hen harriers soar • Numbers of this persecuted bird of prey are on the rise in Scotland

Butterflies for joy • Look for the flutter of colourful wings and watch your stress fly away

Water-crowfoot in flower • The blooms of this helpful aquatic plant brighten streams and rivers in early summer

Pool frogs spawn • This noisy native is thriving in Norfolk

WATCH FERNS UNFURL

GATHER WILD STRAWBERRIES • Exquisitely sweet, deliciously ruby-red and delectably tiny, wild strawberries are the candy of the countryside – and a sure sign that summer is on its way

MARVELLOUS MOTHS TO IDENTIFY • It’s all happening in our moth world. New species are arriving and colonising, southern specialists are moving steadily north, while many scarce species are becoming rarer. Interest in moths is booming. There are excellent identification books for both our larger moths (the macros) and the numerous smaller (micro) moths, plus much online information. Here are seven splendid moths to spot this summer…

Three wild woods • Looking for a tranquil place to escape the modern world? Then head for a woodland, dressed luxuriously in summer: from the delicate canopy of beech to the fragrant perfume of honeysuckle. Adele Brand names three of the best to explore.

ON THE WING • Author David Lindo, aka The Urban Birder, is on a mission to make birding accessible to all, wherever you live

Countryfile on TV • What to look out for on Countryfile this month*

Adam Henson • Why we must jail the polluters who are ruining our rivers

PIONEERING RESERVE PROTECTED • Listed status to help safeguard West Yorkshire parkland known as the world’s first nature reserve

Scientists are using AI to save hedgehogs, and they need your help • You could be a volunteer on a ground-breaking new project

BEAVERS REDUCE FLOODING • On an Essex estate, beavers are rewriting the landscape, reducing risks of drought and flooding

IS FARMING AT CRISIS POINT? • Farmers are angry – and fearful for their future. With large protests taking place outside Government buildings around the UK, Countryfile presenter Charlotte Smith explains why the industry is at a crossroads

Nicola Chester • Forget your walking routes, stop thinking – and just live in nature’s moment

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Going wild in the Lakes • Mark Sutcliffe takes the road less travelled to explore the Lake District’s quieter corners – where nature is getting a helping hand to rewild the landscape

MORE LAKELAND NATURE

NOW GO THERE • Where to stay, explore, eat and drink in the Lake District, by Mark Sutcliffe

FOOD AND DRINK

THE ELDER IN BLOOM • Capture the taste of summer with a wild harvest of elderflowers – make your own fragrant cordial or try an exciting new recipe with foraging expert Liz Knight

Start foraging

HOW TO MAKE ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL • Homemade elderflower cordial is a million miles from anything you can buy in the shops. If poured hot into sterilised bottles and pasteurised, it should keep until the following harvest, but freezing the cordial in plastic containers until needed keeps the flavour at its peak.

Fresh ways to use elderflowers

GRIDDLED ASPARAGUS, ONION AND FENNEL WITH ELDERFLOWER VINAIGRETTE • The asparagus and...