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.

Our wild backyard

COUNTRYFILE on TV • What to watch on Countryfile this month*

OUR COLUMNISTS

BBC Countryfile Magazine

In amongst the hedgerows • Enjoy the fruits of midwinter with a subscription to BBC Countryfile Magazine

January • NATURE | TRAVEL | NEWS | VIEWS

The UK’s best walking festivals • Walking festivals offer wonderful, sociable ways to discover far-flung locations and those closer to your doorstep. They’ll motivate you to get out and walk, whether it’s for a stroll through a vineyard or longer hikes over hilly terrain, says James Witts

SCIENTISTS FREEZE BUTTERFLY EGGS IN WORLD-FIRST EXPERIMENT • Scientists hope new breeding methods can pull the British swallowtail butterfly back from the brink

STRIKING BIRD BREEDS IN UK FOR FIRST TIME IN 27 YEARS • A pair of hoopoes raised young in Leicestershire and Rutland – the first confirmed breeding in the UK since 1996

‘MEGAFARMS’ FAILING TO DECLARE POLLUTION IMPACTS • Local councils are kept in the dark over potentially devastating climate impacts of new ‘megafarms’, says a new report

The Plodcast • Tune your ears into our podcast this month

A NATURAL DETECTIVE • Natural navigator Tristan Gooley has spent a lifetime observing the fascinating clues of the natural world

A FIERY NORDIC KNEES-UP • The Shetland Islands celebrates its Viking heritage in a flamboyant, flaming series of events that brighten the dark winter months, writes Pat Kinsella

OTHER EVENTS IN JANUARY

Plough pudding • Bring in the new year with this hearty savoury pudding, a traditional Norfolk favourite, says Neil Buttery

Foot and mouth devastated rural Britain. It could happen again

To avoid heartbreak, we must develop new methods of cultivation

20% off the shop price when you subscribe today! • Subscribe today and enjoy every season with BBC Countryfile Magazine

Discover BRAEMAR • Heading to the Braemar Gathering in Scotland’s wild north, Matt Havercroft rubs shoulders with royalty, heavies and nimble-footed dancers at this prestigious event in the Highland Games calendar

NOW GO THERE • Matt Havercroft on where to eat, stay and visit in Braemar

26 FOR 2026 • Prepare your diaries! From hiking the Scilly Isles to stargazing in Galloway and seeing the Bayeux Tapestry, here are the things not to miss in 2026

TOP 10 GETAWAY ISLANDS • Escape life’s everyday stresses and experience incredible wildlife on these invigorating island escapes, chosen by Dixe Wills

The power of eight • In 2025, UK waters were invaded by hordes of common octopus. Could such ‘blooms’ become more regular and what might be the impact? Kevin Parr profiles this remarkable cephalopod

QUICKFIRE OCTOPUS QUESTIONS

In search of natural wonders • Whether it’s to reduce stress or feel a greater connection to the natural world, more of us are seeking awe-inspiring displays of nature. But where can you capture these magical moments and can you do it impact-free? Sam Pyrah finds out

BRITISH WONDERS • A quintet of spectacles for you to experience in 2026

Footpath faeries • From the cliffs of Cornwall to Scotland’s western isles, committed volunteers are giving their time to keep the nation’s trails safe. Connie Rout meets the devoted teams saving our footpaths

PATH SAVERS • Five volunteer path-building organisations that are looking for more members

Q&A • The big questions...