HOPE FOR EDEN?

The BBC's stunning new series Wild Isles reveals that nature flourishes in Britain's wonderfully benign conditions: rich seas, varied geology and a kind climate. Despite the devastating setbacks of recent decades, these natural advantages offer good prospects for the future recovery of wildlife, writes Patrick Barkham

WILD CAMPING AND LAND ACCESS

A recent High Court decision determined that no right to wild camp exists on Dartmoor, prompting a large protest on Stall Moor. As people clamour for greater access to nature, we investigate whether the public right to explore the countryside is being eroded

WILL NEW GOVERNMENT PLANS REVERSE NATURE DECLINE?

COUNTRYFILE ISSUES

Singing with nightingales

As the sun sets over a Sussex woodland, folk singer Sam Lee leads a small group of curious people to listen to the rare and beautiful song of the nightingale

BORN TO RUN

A glimpse of the lightning-bolt that is a running hare is one of Britain's most thrilling wildlife encounters. Adele Brand takes us deeper into the world of this magnificent mammal

DISCOVER WILD ISLE OF MAN

From rugged sea cliffs and green glens to enchanting kelp forests and horse mussel reefs, the Isle of Man offers lovers of the wild - and wildlife - an escape like no other. Islander Fiona Gell reveals what makes this microcosm of the British Isles so special

Nicola Chester

The power of books to connect us to landscapes and other people is stronger than ever

A view from the farm

THE RIGHT BALANCE IS CRUCIAL FOR REWILDING PLANS

TOP 7 WALKS IN NATIONAL PARKS

From epic mountain climbs to tranquil seaside strolls, Danny Graham reveals his favourite national park trails

A WILD ISLAND ADVENTURE

From the streets of Scotland's second city to the summit of an island fell, in just a few short hours, Joe Pontin enjoys an exhilarating escape

GREAT RIDGE RAMBLE

With stunning views, cosy pubs and cafés, plus a historic ruin, this exhilarating Peak District path delivers everything you could hope for in a classic country walk, enthuses Tim Bates

HIDDEN TREASURE

Sheltered by Fairlight Cliffs, Pett Level Beach in Sussex is a favourite spot for quiet family adventures, says Tanya Jackson

THE LURE OF THE WILD

Purple Arctic-Alpine flowers and bluebells colour a craggy habitat that’s home to one of the Brecon Beacons wildest views, says

A rare breed

With their webbed feet, supersensitive noses and abundant energy, otterhounds were perfectly adapted to track their prey, but the dog is now disappearing in Britain. Luc ap Rolant asks, can they survive?

Shore start

Once a week, all year round, a group of lucky children from Northumberland swap their classroom for a day on the beach. This natural setting provides a great way to learn, writes Caro Giles

Our greatest adventures

It's the 200th issue of BBC Countryfile Magazine - and the perfect opportunity for us to share our favourite discoveries and explorations over the past 15 years

Blackbird magic

As days lengthen and winter recedes, the blackbird's gorgeous liquid voice joins the dawn chorus. But how much do we really know of this familiar garden songster? Nicola Chester reveals the hidden life of the blackbird

DISCOVER THE DART

From the coast to its source on wild moorland, Ben Lerwill journeys up the delightful River Dart, by boat, train and finally on foot

FARMING THE WILD WAY

Dave Hamilton visits the farm of BBC Radio Norfolk presenter Chris Skinner, who has spent the past 10 years transforming a struggling farm near Norwich into a wildlife haven

HEILAN COOS AND HEATHER HONEY

Simon Whaley explores a variety of Scottish harvests on this spectacular Speyside estate

AGRICULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA

For more than 150 years, this Northumberland country show has symbolised the closing of the agricultural year and the time for hill farmers to begin preparations for winter, says Anthony Toole

LAND OF HAFOD AND HENDRE

From the primitive days of Neolithic farming to today's diversified land use, this valley in north-west Wales is a microcosm of agriculture's journey through the ages, says Julie Brominicks

TASTE OF THE SUBTROPICAL

Set sail across the Atlantic Ocean to the tiny island of St Martin's, where a six-mile walk culminates at one of Britain's most picturesque vineyards, says Sian Lewis

DAY OUT: Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion OH, TO HEAR A PIG SNORE...

The serenity of this farm is infectious; the sounds, smells and textures of the surrounding countryside spill into the yard, the workshops and the house, which in turn envelop you, says Julie Brominicks

WONDER WEED

From one miraculous plant, we can make food, clothing, rope, paper, fuel and even building materials. It flourishes in British soils and could help save the planet. There's just one problem: it's cannabis

Lost village

On the shores of Loch Broom in the north-west Highlands lie the crumbling remains of an abandoned village. Richard Else meets a local man determined to uncover the full story of Inverlael Glen- and bring a terrible injustice to light

Dassling dahlias

Flamboyant, vibrant and exuberant, the dahlia is the late-summer flower of cottage gardens and country-house borders. It's come a long way from its wild origins in the hills of Mexico, writes Susie White

TOWN VS COUNTRY

Growing up on a farm then working in the city has given Anna Jones a rare insight into the gulf of understanding between urban and rural Britain. But where does this divide originate and can it be healed?

BUFFALO COUNTRY

In the soft green pastures of the Somerset Levels, you may be surprised to see an exotic creature quietly grazing. What are water buffalo doing here? Steph Wetherell investigates

DISCOVER WILD ISLANDS

Amanda Thomson escapes to the spectacular Hebridean isles of Eigg and Uist, where seabirds soar above silver shores