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.

Walking as therapy

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BBC Countryfile Magazine

May • NATURE l TRAVEL l NEWS l VIEWS

Wild fishing on remote beaches • If you’re looking to cast yourself away for a few hours along Britain’s scenic fringes, Kevin Adams, author of a new guide to wild angling, suggests seven shores for an exciting catch

WILD BEAVERS LEGALLY RELEASED IN ENGLISH RIVERS • The Eurasian beaver is returning to English waterways after centuries of absence following a Government decision to allow wild releases under licence

UK’S BIGGEST WILDLIFE ROAD BRIDGE SET FOR GLOUCESTERSHIRE • The green bridge has been designed to be a ‘commuting corridor’ for wildlife as part of plans to boost nature along the UK’s major roads

BIRD SONG HAS LOCAL ‘DIALECTS’, STUDY SHOWS • An analysis of more than 100,000 bird songs shows diversity enriches an avian community’s ‘music scene’

COLOSSAL IRON AGE HOARD FOUND BY DETECTORIST • Chariots, cauldrons and ceremonial spears – over 800 items unearthed in Yorkshire alter our perceptions of ancient Britain

The Plodcast • Tune your ears into our podcast this May*

BELTANE • A flamboyant Celtic festival of fire and fertility, Beltane is a traditional celebration of spring’s bounty and the lengthening of the days, writes Pat Kinsella

WHERE TO CELEBRATE BELTANE

FOR THE LOVE OF NATURE • Radio and TV presenter, journalist and author Vick Hope is the latest face to join the Countryfile team

Honey and herb-infused vinegar • As just a teaspoonful of honey represents the lifetime’s work of a dozen bees, fermentation expert Rachel de Thample has a recipe that makes the most of this ‘liquid gold’

Science reveals the truth about the English nightingale’s plight

A VIEW FROM THE FARM • Eat more wild venison and do the countryside a favour

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Secret Dartmoor • Romantic tors, ancient history, friendly pubs, waterfalls and pretty villages – Dartmoor National Park offers the perfect escape. Fi Darby reveals the moor’s hidden delights

NOW GO THERE • Fi Darby on where to eat, sleep and visit on Dartmoor

Power of the path • With the film adaptation of The Salt Path incoming, Vivienne Crow chats to author Raynor Winn on how the book changed her life and what it’s like to see Gillian Anderson play her on the big screen

TOP 10 BRITAIN’S TOUGHEST CHALLENGES • Prepare to be amazed and inspired by these extreme tests of mind and body, plus some easier alternatives

1 Man V Horse Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, Wales

2 Slateman Ultra Llanberis, Wales

3 Cape Wrath Trail, Scotland

4 DW International Canoe Race, Wiltshire to London

5 Lake District Triple Crown, Cumbria

6 Fred Whitton Challenge, Cumbria

7 Parkrun Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

8 Mourne Mountain Marathon, Northern Ireland

9 Montane Summer Spine Race, Northern England

10 Endurancelife Exmoor, Somerset

Hero of the hedgerow • Once a dying craft, hedgelaying is in the throes of a revival. West Country woodsman and tamer of thorn and briar Paul Lamb is on a mission to keep centuries-old methods alive

HEDGELAYING STYLES • Many different hedgelaying styles have evolved across Britain in response to local terrain, types of livestock and materials, but the principles remain the same.

The future of farming • Our food...