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.
Under winter’s spell
THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS
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JANUARY IN THE COUNTRY • PICTURES WILDLIFE PEOPLE & PLACES COUNTRY KNOW HOW FOOD
Send us your best countryside photos
Y is for Yoga • Tips for how to be mindful in nature, in turn improving physical and mental wellbeing
MAKE PAPER KINDLING • Vincent Thurkettle reveals how to best start a fire
SKI SPOTS • Britain offers more opportunities to ski than you might imagine, from crisp snow-covered runs to dry slopes
200th anniversary • Celebrate the birth of Anne Brontë
In season COSY CAWL • Musician and BBC presenter Cerys Matthews shares her version of a Welsh winter classic that was once cooked in cauldrons over a crackling fire
BRITAIN’S TIT SPECIES • Get to know these tiny birds this winter
RUSTIC ROOST
Countryfile on TV
Instagram of the month
On the farm with Adam Henson • HOW FARMING FARED IN 2019 - AND WHAT’S AHEAD
Sara Maitland • On the philosophy of potholes and why we all enjoy a good grumble
DISCOVER THE LAND OF ICE AND FIRE • With sparkling snowscapes, majestic peaks, epic views and warm hearths, winter in the north-west Highlands is a truly thrilling experience, says Chris Townsend
NOW GO THERE • Where to walk, stay and eat in the north-west Highlands
TREE OF AGES • Worshipped as well as feared, Britain’s ancient yews are among the oldest living things on the planet. Tony Hall explores the roots of our deep fascination with these beautiful and enduring trees
AT HOME IN THE POISON TREE
BRITAIN’S OLDEST YEWS
Weaver of the woods • From his Lake District workshop, Owen Jones crafts ‘swills’, continuing an ancient Cumbrian tradition of oak basketmaking
FOLLOW CUMBRIA’S CRAFT TRAIL
NINE STEPS TO MAKE A SWILL
JOHN CRAVEN • A BRAVE NEW YEAR OF CITIZEN ACTION AND GREEN POWER
THE RISE IN GREEN ENERGY • More of Britain’s electricity was generated from zero-carbon energy sources than fossil fuels last year, the first time this has happened since the Industrial Revolution. What is driving this transition to wind and other renewables – and how far can it go?
A double crop
The end of fracking?
FANTASTIC FEATHERS • Bestowing the gifts of flight and warmth, enabling birds to survive the frozen months, feathers are a marvel of nature. How do these amazing appendages work and how did they evolve? Ben Hoare reveals all
FEATHERS AND US
AGEING TASTEFULLY • The new year is a great time to experiment with fermenting. Preserving vegetables in a fresh, fun and delicious way is also surprisingly good for you, says Caroline Gilmartin
WINTER MAGIC • As frost and snow descend upon the land, our countryside’s green patchwork and rugged hills are transformed into monochrome artworks, filled with astonishing shapes and patterns
The return of THE LOVABLE SCARECROW • Worzel Gummidge is leaping to life on screen once more. Writer, director and star Mackenzie Crook reveals that his new version is a celebration of the English countryside
THE ORIGINAL WORZEL GUMMIDGE
A BRIEF HISTORY OF SCARECROWS
BRAND NEW ADVENTURES • Refresh mind, body and soul on a new-year exploration of these just-revealed nature reserves, exciting attractions and revitalised discovery centres
FROM RUMBLING RAIL TO RAMBLERS’ TRAIL • Following a historic railway line for 141 miles, this new...