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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The battle for our countryside rages onArguments about the despoliation of the British countryside in the name of economic survival are not new, nor are they going away.
By Country Life Published
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From coast to coast: Why seaside foraging is in our bloodOur shingle, cliffs and beaches offer a veritable natural larder packed with succulent stems, umami-rich seaweed and aromatic herbs, says Mark Williams
By Mark Williams Published
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The chalky figures festooning our landscape might be a mystery, but they delight us nonethelessThe abstract white steed of Uffington and the excitable giant of Cerne Abbas may be Britain’s most famous chalk icons, but our landscape is filled with plenty more
By Vicky Liddell Published
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The world’s heaviest flying bird flaps on to pastures new but remains endangered, says expertYou might think it a great time for the great bustards, who have been found breeding in a new location, but there is a wider problem facing the UK’s ‘big bird’, an expert says.
By Lotte Brundle Published
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Adders, Exmoor ponies and the future of the human race: Tom Hilder on the Country Life PodcastTom 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 preyWhether 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 lifeEmma 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 LifeCountry 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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Two turtle doves: Why the endearing bird is an animal for all seasons, not just ChristmasThe 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 factsDo you know the difference between a bobbit worm and a mantis shrimp? You will soon.
By Country Life Published
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How good of a bird watcher are you? Country Life Quiz of the Day, November 19, 2025Test your general knowledge in today's Country Life quiz.
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 chillWhen 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, 2025Test 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 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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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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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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Release the beasts! The Country Life Quiz of the Day, October 10, 2025But where?
By Country Life Published


