Rural Life
Everything you need to know about making the most of life in the British countryside, whether you've lived there for years or are visiting on a day trip.
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Adders, Exmoor ponies and the future of the human race: Tom Hilder on the Country Life Podcast
Tom Hilder, winner of the 'Rising Star' category at the Schoffel Countryside Awards, joins James Fisher on the Country Life Podcast.
By Toby Keel Published
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The tawny owl makes a compelling case as Britain's best loved bird of prey
Whether for its textbook appearance, regional ubiquity or haunting and mellifluous call, it’s no wonder we love this winged hunter.
By Mark Cocker Published
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'We're not looking to make two dodos. We're looking to make thousands': Bringing the world's most famous bird back to life
Emma Hughes separates fact from fiction in the tale of the dodo.
By Emma Hughes Published
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What is everyone talking about this year: The countryside news that will definitely dominate the headlines in 2026, according to Country Life
Country Life's Kate Green takes a stab at guessing what countryside news will make the headlines in 2026.
By Kate Green Published
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The lynx effect: It's about time to reintroduce this shy predator
Beavers and red kites may be flourishing in Britain, but the reintroduction of apex predators here is a trickier issue. Could there be practical and philosophical benefits and would a trial release of lynx be a worthwhile experiment?
By Roger Morgan-Grenville Published
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Two turtle doves: Why the endearing bird is an animal for all seasons, not just Christmas
The beautiful, soft-voiced turtle dove is a symbol of courtship and love and must be saved, urges Mark Cocker.
By Mark Cocker Published
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Aristotle believed they emerged spontaneously from mud, Sigmund Freud dissected thousands of them and they can dive lower than a nuclear submarine — but what is the truth about the eel?
It would seem the European eel has a long way to go to win hearts, Laura Parker says of the slippery animal with an unfortunate image problem.
By Laura Parker Published
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Flying backwards, pink milk, and holding your breath. A Country Life quiz of animal facts
Do you know the difference between a bobbit worm and a mantis shrimp? You will soon.
By Country Life Published
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Baby, it’s cold outside (even if you have a natural fur coat): How our animals brave the winter chill
When the temperature drops, how do Britain’s birds, beasts and plants keep the cold at bay? John Lewis-Stempel reveals Nature’s own thermals.
By John Lewis-Stempel Published
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How many insects are there for every person on Earth (give or take a million) and other questions. It's the Country Life Quiz of the Day, November 12, 2025
Test your general knowledge in today's Country Life quiz.
By Country Life Published
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Dangerous beasts (and where to find them): Britain's animals that are best left alone
John 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, 2025
In 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 birds
The 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, 2025
Put 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 companion
Ferrets 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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It's a foxy one: The Country Life Quiz of the Day, October 21, 2025
The 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, 2025
Featuring more questions you didn't know you needed the answer to.
By Country Life Published
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Amanda Owen: The Yorkshire Shepherdess on farming, life, and having tea with her sheep
Life 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 future
The 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 Day
Do 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
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'Top Trumps: British wildlife edition': How do our native animals measure up against one another
Patrick Galbraith rates ten of the UK's most interesting native animals on their elusiveness, speed and deliciousness, and reveals everything else you need to know about them.
By Patrick Galbraith Published


