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.

Time to be awestruck

COUNTRYFILE on TV

Dragon’s den • Jewelled beauties wing it to the dragonfly hotspot of Wicken Fen

Sea struck • Drink in the breathtaking drama of sunset by a Shetland sea stack

Red alert • The Glorious Twelfth signals the end of the golden era for this red grouse

Bird of summer skies • Spot the whirling flight of house martins this month. But where do they go when they leave?

Local tarantula • Meet the peculiar purseweb spider

MAKE A LEAF SUN PRINT

WEIRD AND WONDERFUL ANIMALS • The British Isles are home to some extraordinary creatures. From microscopic organisms that have survived mass extinctions to ‘vampire fish’ and a shark as long as a bus, there are plenty of strange and fascinating animals to be found. Here are seven of the most peculiarly interesting.

MEADOWSWEET • Named a ‘mead sweetener’ by the Anglo-Saxons, meadowsweet stands tall in damp ground, blooming with fluffy, cloudlike flowers that make an ideal flavouring for drinks and dishes

Britain’s steepest roads • As paved relics of pre-car paths, Britain has some of the world’s steepest roads. Here are six white-knuckle drives though dramatic scenery.

GIVING BACK TO NATURE • How we can learn from nature to heal the planet? ‘Birdgirl’ Mya-Rose Craig investigates in a new Kew Gardens podcast

What to watch and listen to this month • Our pick of media this month, including a thrilling exposé, a stand-up farmer and a murder mystery

Why the USA must do its bit in the war against bird flu

WHY IS THE OCEAN GLOWING IN WALES? • Blooms of bioluminescent plankton are causing the sea around South Wales to turn a remarkable neon blue

CAMPAIGN TO SAVE BRITISH NATURE • Nature is suffering in the UK and something has to be done, says a coalition of 83 groups, including the National Trust and the RSPB. James Fair finds out why they are taking the Government to court and marching in the streets

NATURE: WHAT DID THE PARTIES PROMISE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN?

PLAGUE ATTACKS BLACKBIRDS • A deadly virus that infects and kills blackbirds has arrived in England – and it’s on the move, warn scientists

A VIEW FROM THE FARM Adam Henson • Wild weather has lain waste to this year’s crops – and it’s here to stay

CELEBRATE NATIONAL MARINE WEEK CLAIM YOUR FREE OCEAN DIGEST

OPINION Nicola Chester • How to turn your kids into nature-lovers – and save our planet

Subscription offer! Try 3 issues for just £5

DISCOVER The art of Cornwall • With its gorgeous coast and mild weather, Cornwall has attracted artists and crafters for generations. Jo Caird seeks out the places that inspired some of Britain’s finest painters, potters and sculptors, and admires their handiwork

JACKSON FOUNDATION GALLERY

NOW GO THERE • Where to stay and which arts to master by Jo Caird

TERENCE COVENTRY SCULPTURE PARK

Return of the aurochs • Extinct since 1627, an ancient species of huge wild cattle could soon be back from the dead to graze on Scottish hillsides. James Fair finds out how – and why

Anatomy of an auroch

Heck: the Nazi cattle

The power of awe • Ancient wonders inspire feelings of awe that can help transform your mental health, argues photographer David Abram – and scientists, it seems, agree

The pantry in your garden • Discover a world of culinary excitement in your own garden with these delicious...