The Countryside
The beauty of the British countryside and country life, from the experts at Country Life.
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The Labour government of the 1970s saved our country houses. Will a Labour government of the 2020s save our country churches?Why not invest to save the most valuable community resources we have, perfectly placed at the heart of communities?
By Fiona Reynolds Published
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Dangerous beasts (and where to find them): Britain's animals that are best left aloneJohn Lewis-Stempel provides a miscellany of our otherwise benign land’s more fearsome critters.
By John Lewis-Stempel Published
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Picture round: Guess the animal in today's Country Life Quiz of the Day, November 6, 2025In today's quiz we're asking you to guess the names of these lesser-known animals.
By Country Life Published
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From the Caribbean with love: The other James Bond who wrote the definitive guide to tropical birdsThe Caribbean plays host to a brilliant spectrum of colourful avians, says John Lewis-Stempel, as he revels in a birdwatcher’s paradise. Illustrations by Annabelle King.
By John Lewis-Stempel Published
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This bear welcomes you to the Country Life Quiz of the Day, November 4, 2025Put your mind to the test.
By Country Life Published
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Man's (new) best friend: Slinky, swift and sweet, a furry ferret is a worthy household companionFerrets are a perfect pet — just don't let them loose in the British Museum, Octavia Pollock writes.
By Octavia Pollock Last updated
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Mystery, muse and metaphor: There's more to fog than meets the eyeSmothering, transformative and beautiful, fog’s close-set shroud has inspired titans of literature, cinema and art — and forces the rest of us to look at the world a little closer.
By John Lewis-Stempel Published
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Take a bough: How — and why — you should plant a mature treeFor instant impact in a newly landscaped garden, there’s nothing quite like planting mature trees or native hedgerow plants for transformative and long-lasting results.
By Steven Desmond Published
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'It makes me feel as if I’ve done a good job as a father and that I did the right thing in wanting us to have a house here': David Beckham on why the countryside matters so much to him and his familySir David Beckham talks to Paula Minchin about discovering the joys of beekeeping and gardening.
By Paula Minchin Last updated
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It's a foxy one: The Country Life Quiz of the Day, October 21, 2025The quiz of the day is back and better than ever.
By Country Life Published
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What is a Japanese llama called? The Country Life Quiz of the Day, October 20, 2025Featuring more questions you didn't know you needed the answer to.
By Country Life Published
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‘The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is now'Now is the time to firstly, hug a tree, and secondly, plant some more — in increasingly imaginative ways.
By Country Life Published
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‘Once upon a time they covered an area the size of Ireland’: The restoration of Britain’s native oyster reefs is shaping future marine projects around the worldJane Wheatley reports on an innovative project to restore Britain’s once plentiful native oyster reefs in Tyne & Wear.
By Jane Wheatley Published
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The secret life of seeds: The little wonders that sustain all life on EarthThey might not be especially striking to look at — if you can see them at all — but seeds are among the natural world’s most awe-inspiring marvels.
By John Lewis-Stempel Published
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Do not be afraid of this bodysnatching fungi that lives on a lawn in ScotlandThe lawns at Haddo House in Aberdeenshire are luscious and friendly, unless you are the prey of the vile 'Strathy Strangler'.
By James Fisher Published
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Temperate rainforests are being planted all over Britain — what are they and why do we need them?Glen Auldyn on the Isle of Man is part of a £38 million restoration scheme to re-establish rainforests all over the world. Lotte Brundle went to see what's going on.
By Lotte Brundle Published
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Claws for thought: The world leading crustacean conservation charity that is saving our lobstersThe National Lobster Hatchery in Cornwall is fighting for the species' survival. But it could do with some help.
By Oliver Berry Published
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The Essex entrepreneur with big plans to eradicate microplastics from our oceans — and he's got the royal seal of approvalAdam Root plans to eradicate microplastics from our ocean for good.
By Lotte Brundle Last updated
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Amanda Owen: The Yorkshire Shepherdess on farming, life, and having tea with her sheepLife can be beautiful for farmers, and often is — but it can also be hard and bleak. James Robinson joined the Country Life Podcast to talk about the extraordinary ups and downs of the job he loves, and how Nature helps out when things get tough.
By Toby Keel Published
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Agromenes: Evolution, not revolution, is what we need for a green and sustainable futureThe short-term pain of a green transition will be worth it in the long run. What we need is some bold vision to get there.
By Agromenes Published
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Highlands, islands, bridges and walls: A geography tour of the UK with the Country Life Quiz of the DayDo you know your rivers? Do you know your walls? Do you know where puffins like to hang out? You will soon...
By Country Life Published


