FARMERS ARE THE ORIGINAL FIRST RESPONDERS

Across the country, a secret army is at work, coming to the rescue at times of crisis and springing into action when their communities are in danger.

Nicola Chester

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

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 listen, urges Ajay Tegala

In hope of a bright future for our national parks

At experts came the height of the Second World War, a group of remarkable together for the first time.

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

The truth about dogs

As arookie 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?

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 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

DISCOVER 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

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

TOP 10 NATIONAL TRUST HOUSES

Visit a real-life Downton Abbey at England's 10 most majestic country houses

Hamza and the Hope Spot

Hope Spots are springing up around the world - but what are they? Countryfile presenter and wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin lives in the heart of one in Argyll, literally on the 'spot'. Here's what he found

Bird of prayer

This September, Christopher Eccleston narrates A Kestrel for a Knave for BBC Four's The Read. Stephen James-Yeoman discusses the enduring power of this classic countryside book

Find your inner caveman

You have been walking all day, wading through the long grass that shimmers in the sun to crest a hill and drink in the view, before slipping into the coolness of dappled woodland

COULD MORE OF SCOTLAND BE COMMUNITY OWNED?

From the wild mountains in the north to the rolling hills of the south, much of Scotland's countryside is owned by a relatively small number of private landowners and public bodies

A walk in Hockney's Yorkshire

Joyful zingy colours, exuberant strokes and large formats typify David Hockney's exciting take on the rolling landscapes of his home county. Chris Gee walks the Yorkshire Wolds Way in search of the views that inspired the influential artist

How horses shaped Britain

The countryside would look very different were it not for equines. Tiffany Francis-Baker reveals some of the surprising ways horses have sculpted our landscapes

DISCOVER LAND OF GREEN HILLS AND SILVER SANDS

Carwyn Graves champions the hidden delights of Carmarthenshire, a place of crumbling castles and bustling market towns, empty beaches and tempting trails leading into gorgeous hill country

Ellie Harrison

Offering peace, freedom and the company of nature, a simple picnic is the height of luxury

TOP 10 BEST BEACHES

Whether you dream of rockpools, buried treasure, soothing shores, wild waves, drifting dunes or an island escape, we have the beach for you. Here are the UK's seaside jewels, from Devon to the Hebrides

Finding hope in nature

It's easy to get despondent about the natural world, but in her new book, Megan McCubbin explores stories of hope and courage for the world's endangered species and reveals the best way we can all fight back

Reviving a river

Good news stories about Britain's rivers are hard to find in 2023, but in the Lake District, heroic efforts are being made to restore life to lost streams. And the transformation of Goldrill Beck near Ullswater is the jewel in the crown.

BISON AND PIGS ARE NATURAL AGENTS OF REWILDING

Bison roaming wild in a Kent woodland and B curly-coated pigs rooting in the open grasslands of Dorset are playing vital roles in returning two areas of countryside to the way they were thousands of years ago. It is a spectacular 'take' on the concept of rewilding.

Slow worm wonder

We should cherish the little legless lizard in our gardens, as much for their extraordinary lives as for the help they offer in removing pests,

Freshwater swims for families

Long, warm days and summer holidays were made for family fun in the water. But you don’t have to head for the coast – our rivers, lakes and lochs offer exciting adventures close to home. Helen Webster picks her top freshwater swim spots

THE PENNINE WAY

Looking to take on one of the world’s greatest walks this summer? Then trek the backbone of England – an epic trail over beautiful hills, via sparkling waterfalls, pretty villages and blooming wildflower meadows. Mark Sutcliffe reveals the best ways to explore the Pennine Way

Whirlpools and tidal wonders

As the mighty whirlpool of Corryvreckan features on Countryfile this month, James Fair reveals some of the many astonishing marvels wrought by the tides around the British Isles

Wild shores

One of Britain's richest coastal nature spectacles lies on the edge of North Norfolk at Blakeney Point, where rare sea birds and grey seals flourish. Ranger Ajay Tegala introduces you to a wild wonder of our summer shores

A potted history

Like three generations of his family before him, Dave French makes lobster pots the traditional Devon way - using willow stems. Now he is passing on his skills to an apprentice. Rosanna Morris meets the master and his pupil

DISCOVER - CUMBRIA'S PRECIOUS COAST

Travellers flock to Cumbria's fells and lakes, but few visit its rugged coastline. That may be about to change with the opening of a dramatic new stretch of coast path,