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.

Maritime treasures

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

OUR COLUMNISTS

BBC Countryfile Magazine

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February • NATURE l TRAVEL l NEWS l VIEWS

Countryside holiday parks • For a fuss-free nature-based break, check in to one of these holiday parks with easy access to stunning countryside. Ellie Tennant picks her top seven from around the UK

HOW VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS LED TO A CATASTROPHIC EPIDEMIC • New research reveals how climate change caused by volcanic activity kick-started a chain of events that brought the devastating Black Death to Europe

FIRST SAPLINGS FROM FELLED SYCAMORE GAP TREE PLANTED • National Trust begins planting ‘trees of hope’ to ensure the iconic sycamore tree lives on

HUGE PREHISTORIC PITS REVEALED NEAR STONEHENGE • The purpose of these enormous, precisely located pits is still a mystery, say researchers

CBD COULD LOWER DOGS’ AGGRESSION, STUDY FINDS • Though not yet licensed for dogs in the UK, CBD intake may produce long-term behavioural changes, suggests US research

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

THE PRICE OF BACON • Around 90% of UK pigs are stunned before slaughter using CO2 – a method that causes the animals “avoidable” pain, fear and significant distress. Now experts are calling for a CO2 ban, but what are the alternatives? James Fair reports

PORK IN NUMBERS • Pigmeat is a popular product with UK consumers

A FLIPPING FEAST • Overindulging is paramount on Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day and Mardi Gras – but all these festivals have their origins in religious abstinence and piety, writes Pat Kinsella

OTHER EVENTS IN FEBRUARY

ADVENTURES IN THE NIGHT • In his new book, farmer and nature writer John Lewis-Stempel goes in search of nocturnal wildlife wonders

Irish stew with pearl barley • Banish the winter blues with this nourishing recipe from Irish chef and author Clodagh McKenna and her mum

Nature-based therapies could save the NHS millions each year

This high-value Franken-veg is a powerhouse of nutrition

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

ISLE of MAN • The Isle of Man is not just Victorian promenades and TT racing. Ben Lerwill explores this outdoor playground brimming with natural wonders and ancient history… and a wildlife surprise or two

NOW GO THERE • Where to stay, eat and what to do in the Isle of Man by Ben Lerwill

Awe amongst the stars • Star-bathing is set to be one of the tourism trends of 2026. But just how do you immerse yourself in the night sky? Georgie Duckworth ventures to Wales’ Elan Valley to find out

DARK-SKY DESTINATIONS • Our pick of the best dark-sky spots in the UK

ASTRO EVENTS • Key astronomical dates in 2026

TOP 10 HISTORIC SHIPWRECKS • Britain’s coastline is littered with eerie ship graveyards. Ben Lerwill picks his most compelling wrecks, many of which you can visit

Fight or flight • Helen Macdonald’s memoir H is for Hawk explored the romance of falconry, nature’s transformative power and the ferocity of grief. Mark Bailey meets the author as her tale becomes a star-studded movie

THE BEST OF HELEN MACDONALD

THE BEST OF CLAIRE FOY

Alien invaders • From...