Nature

11 superb photographs from the 2018 Wildlife Photographer of the Year people's choice award

The Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year award is one of the highlights of the calendar for those of us who love beautiful photographs of nature, and this year's shortlist for the LUMIX People's Choice Award shows exactly why.

The Duke of Cambridge on the countryside, wildlife and passing on his father's inspiring example to George, Charlotte and Louis

Jason Goodwin: 'Silence is like a tune you’ve heard before, but it’s played differently every time'

The flint knapper: ‘They used to make prisoners do it, but I do it for fun and manage to make a living'

John Lord is one of very few people in Britain who makes a full-time living out of only one stone, in addition to aiding universities and museums with lithic work.

Curious Questions: Why can't red and grey squirrels live together?

Championed by HRH The Prince of Wales himself, the red squirrel revival is gathering pace all over the UK. But why can they not live alongside their grey relatives? Kate Green explains.

Jason Goodwin: 'It would seem that dirt isn’t merely survivable: it’s indispensable.'

Our Spectator columnist lampoons the modern practice of filtering the dirt and germs out of our day-to-day lives, cautioning against the consequences this may have on our immune systems.

Woodland dedication: A very 21st century wedding present that'll last well into the 22nd century and beyond

Forget toasters and fondue sets – a dedication with the Woodland Trust makes the perfect present for newlyweds, a romantic and thoughtful gift that everyone can enjoy.

Curious Questions: What are unicorn horns made of? And why are we so fascinated by these mythical beasts?

Whether it be in a coat of arms, in a piece of art or emblazoned on the backpack of a child, barely a day goes by when we don’t encounter a unicorn. Ian Morton explores the power this mythical creature has held over us since the dawn of civilisation.

The best apples you've never heard of: From Winter Banana to Pommerscher Krummstiel

Charles Quest-Ritson takes us beyond the Granny Smith to explore other varieties of this quintessentially English fruit.

Celebrating 100 years since Cecil Chubb donated Stonehenge to the nation

Friday 26 October 2018 marks the centenary of Cecil Chubb's magnanimous gesture: turning Stonehenge over to the care of the nation. Annunciata Elwes explains how it came about.

11 breathtaking photographs from the 2018 Landscape Photographer of the Year competition

We've picked out eleven of our favourite landscapes from the 2018 Landscape Photographer of the Year award.

Teal: The tiny ducks that can't walk straight, but can corkscrew through the air at 50mph

David Profumo takes a look at the teal, the mighty duck that's as devastatingly impressive soaring through the air as it is hilariously ungainly when waddling on dry land.

Four breathtaking pictures of North York Moors National Park, taken by our readers

Enjoy the North York Moors National Park in all its spectacular glory, as captured by readers of Country Life.

The infinite wonders of the North York Moors National Park

A world full of endless stretches of heather, green pastures humming with nature, horses and hounds, grouse and trout. Adrian Dangar explores.

Jason Goodwin: 'On our watch, the natural glories of our island have been atrociously depleted'

Our columnist Jason Goodwin laments the staggering decline of British wildlife and the depletion of our island's natural glories.

12 breathtaking images to inspire you to enter the International Garden Photographer of the Year

Curious Questions: Which came first, the bee or the wasp? And why is the Queen Bee such a slapper?

The fascinating world of bees has long held broadcaster and journalist Bill Turnbull in thrall. He takes a look at three new books on this endlessly engrossing topic.

Curious Questions: How did shrews get such a bad name?

The shrew is a tiny and seemingly-inoffensive creature of the meadow. So how did it end up becoming a byword for an implacable, nagging woman? Ian Morton explains.

Shaggy sheep stories: 21 native British sheep breeds and how to recognise them

Here are just some of the breeds to consider, whether for field or table or both.

Stanley Johnson: In search of the snow leopard

The writer, environmentalist and campaigner Stanley Johnson had always dreamed of seeing a snow leopard – so much so that when a chance to join an expedition came up, he dropped everything to take part. Here's what happened.