Frost in May

Spring is here at last and in his gorgeous Lincolnshire garden, Adam Frost thrills to every bud that bursts into blossom. The BBC Gardeners' World presenter tells us how nature and the countryside have inspired his career

Ellie Harrison

The unstoppable power and might of stormy weather can remind us of our place in the world

DISCOVER THE STORY OF LAKELAND

Take a magical history tour of the mysterious stone circles, dramatic castles, historic quarries and grand country houses of the Lake District with Susie White

DAY OUT: Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, Lincolnshire GIBRALTAR'S GENTLE GRAZERS

Highland ponies are the newest addition to the conservation team at this east-coast reserve, where spring orchids bloom lilac among the blue lagoons and sandy dunes, says Susie Kearley

DAY OUT: Coombe Hill Canal and Meadows, Gloucestershire WATERY WILDLIFE HAVEN

Spot waterfowl and waders, damselflies and butterflies in this ancient and special wetland landscape that fringes the River Severn, says Tolga Aktas

A Weaver's Life

Sussex maker Annemarie O'Sullivan harvests her own willow withies, from which she weaves beautiful baskets inspired by ancient traditions

The Linen Renaissance

A field in urban Blackburn could be the start of a fashion revolution, according to Patrick Grant of BBC series The Great British Sewing Bee. He wants to revive Britain’s once-great linen industry – and help save the planet

The Cyber Farm

Special Report: Part 2 - In our previous issue, we looked at how farming could soon be transformed by technology, including drones and robots. Jess Stevenson introduces 12 of these coming innovations

Spring Chicks

In hedgerows and on trees and cliff ledges across the country, the eggs of wild birds are hatching and new chicks are emerging – trembling, hungry and vulnerable. How do baby birds survive? Tim Birkhead explores an annual spring miracle

Save the Easter Bunny

Baby rabbits nibbling at meadow edges make endearing scenes across lowland Britain, or they did until recent years. Our rabbit population is under threat – so much so that conservationists are building ‘hotels’ to protect the species, reports Amy-Jane Beer

Discover: Kent - Spring in The Garden of England

Famed for its pretty orchards, ancient woodlands, rolling fields and historic gardens, Kent’s countryside comes alive during the season of renewal, says Simon Richmond

Meet the Beaver Heroes

Extinct in the UK for four centuries, beavers are now returning to rivers around the UK, thanks to the work of dedicated conservationists. Richard Baynes profiles four people who are doing their bit for the beaver

Growing Together

With no farming experience, Lynn Cassells and Sandra Baer upped sticks from the south of England to take over a 60-hectare farm in the rugged Cairngorms. After appearing in the BBC series This Farming Life, Lynn tells us how their new life is going, six years on

Get Ready for the Revolution

Technology seems poised to transform UK agriculture – but can science help farmers grow more food, while simultaneously restoring the health of our environment? Jess Stevenson investigates

Discover Slate Country

The epic ruins of North Wales’ once-great slate industry are now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Julie Brominicks marvels at the spectacle

Matt Baker - THE COUNTRYFILE PRESENTER GOES BEHIND THE SCENES ON HIS SHOWS AND FAMILY FARM

MAKING SPACE FOR WILDLIFE ON THE FARM

Make your garden a wild haven

Fearful of the decline of wildlife in the wider countryside, Colin Stafford-Johnson did everything he could to make his plot a home for nature. At the start of the gardening year, he reveals simple steps to make a difference – and how these will bring you lasting joy

Ellie Harrison

The story of seagrass and the people saving this precious plant reveals an ocean of positive effort

Blackthorn beauty

As March turns to April, millions of tiny blooms spring from the spiny shrubs in our hedgerows, covering their dark stems in creamy white blossom. Adele Brand writes in praise of the unsung but resilient blackthorn

APRIL IN THE COUNTRY

PICTURES › WILDLIFE › PEOPLE & PLACES › COUNTRY KNOW-HOW › FOOD

The Magic of Wild Words

In 2017, a children’s book was published to treasure the disappearing language of nature. It became a worldwide hit that has now spawned two musical albums. Annabel Ross met author Robert Macfarlane to explore the phenomenal power of The Lost Words

Run Like Wolves

On tracks and trails all over Britain, runners out with their dogs, attached to each other via a bungee, are becoming a common sight. Sam Pyrah and her dog Morris try out the growing sport of canicross

Sublime Spring Gardens

Sunshine on your face, the scent of blossom in the air, the dreamy song of a blackbird. What better way to while away a spring day than in an idyllic country garden? Matthew Wilson heralds 10 of the best

Step into a Legend

Learn the strange and wonderful myths of our islands, urges Amy Jeffs, and when you explore our ancient landscapes, saints and giants will walk with you

MELODIES FROM A GLOUCESTERSHIRE GLADE

Settled among the folds and fields of the Severn Vale is a little-known nature reserve, home to the elusive nightingale and its beguiling spring song, says local birder Tolga Aktasstar

SONGS FROM AN URBAN SCRUBLAND

Even in the UK’s largest urban expanses, spring birdsong can be heard rising above the humdrum of city life, says David Lindo as he reveals his favourite birding spots in London

WEIRD WEATHER

We get a lot of weather in Britain. But just when you think you’ve seen it all, you may be lucky enough to witness one of the strange and startling atmospheric phenomena that occur occasionally here. BBC weather experts John Hammond and Sara Thornton report

Your Unmissable Outdoors

Plan a year of exciting mini-adventures in the beautiful countryside

Mobile masterclass

You don't need a fancy camera to take stunning images of nature. Build up your skills with these 10 tips from Sussex photographer Mike Kus and you could take pictures worthy of the Countryfile Calendar

Vampires in the meadow

Key to life on Earth, plants are full of surprises, as new BBC series Green Planet reminds us. Amanda Tuke visits a peaceful wildflower meadow and finds that here, among the swaying grasses, something sinister lurks...