Nature
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Curious Questions: Do dock leaves really cure nettle stings?
Renowned as a ‘land robber’, docks don’t have much going for them, other than alleviating nettle stings — but do they really work? John Wright heroically finds out.
By John Wright Published
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From oinking fugitives to ecological engineers: How wild boars have re-established themselves in our woodland and what to do if they try and steal your shopping
Once a common sight for our Neolithic ancestors, the wild boar was hunted to extinction. Now, in places such as the Forest of Dean, they are slowly returning.
By Vicky Liddell Published
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The cosmos, as you have never seen it before
This year's shortlist for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year has been released, and the images are truly out of this world.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
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The Big Butterfly Count is here — time to get out into the garden and do your bit
Do your bit to save the butterflies of Britain.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
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Iridescence: The greatest special effect in Nature
A lustrous play of colour alchemy, natural iridescence can intrigue, camouflage and incite desire. Laura Parker immerses herself in one of Nature’s greatest special effects.
By Laura Parker Published
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The truth about rewilding, by seven of Britain's most influential farmers, landowners and conservationists
Although the term 'rewilding' is contentious, most agree that our countryside could be better managed for wildlife. Yet what should we actually be doing to improve it?
By Julie Harding Published
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Curious Questions: When does summer actually start?
You'd think it would be simple. It's anything but, as Martin Fone discovers.
By Martin Fone Published
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Let the moon be your guide: How modern biodynamic farmers are using the tricks of the past
Biodynamic farmers aspire to generate their own fertility and plant, spray and harvest crops according to the lunar calendar. It might sound modern, but the practice is two centuries old.
By Jane Wheatley Published
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The wildlife safaris you can take without even leaving Britain, from puffins and golden eagles to dolphins and deer
The word ‘safari’ may evoke lions and Land Cruisers, but you’ll never run out of wildlife-based thrills on these shores. From seabird skyscrapers to ostentatious otters and rutting red deer, Ben Lerwill discovers the best British Nature trips on offer.
By Ben Lerwill Published
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Curious Questions: Were Mallory and Irvine the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest?
It’s now 100 years since George Mallory and Andrew ‘Sandy’ Irvine disappeared high on Everest; speculation about their achievements has been rife ever since. Robin Ashcroft takes a broad perspective
By Country Life Published
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How to eat nettles without being stung, by expert forager John Wright
The nettle is probably the first plant most of us can remember, thanks to its harsh sting, but it's also delicious deep fried and useful as a natural medicine.
By John Wright Published
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Packing a pinch: Everything you could ever want to know about the UK's crabs
Some are delicious to eat, some live thousands of feet underwater, some are the size of a fingernail. Step into the world of these curious crustaceans.
By Helen Scales Published
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Sir Peter Scott: the Olympic sailor, national glider-flying champion and Second World War veteran who became the father of wildfowl conservation
As well as helping found the WWF and designing its panda logo, he also took part in a hunt to find the Loch Ness Monster.
By Kate Green Published
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Tarquin Millington-Drake's tale of 500 hours, 45,000 photos, and the endless subtlety of the wild grey partridge
Photographer and author Tarquin Millington-Drake's dedication to capturing wild grey partridge is extraordinary. Paula Lester went to meet him.
By Paula Lester Published
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Britain's creepiest crawlie? The 250-million-year-old Scorpion Fly
A living prehistoric relic, the scorpion fly is a permanent guest at the ugly-bug ball, says Ian Morton.
By Ian Morton Published
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The terrible truth about the cuckoo, and the 'monstrous outrages' it perpetrates on its foster parents and siblings
The cuckoo is a bird whose behaviour is so horrendous — when judged by human standards, at any rate — that it wasn't until the advent of wildlife film that ornithologists finally acknowledged and accepted the depths that it plunges. Jack Watkins explains.
By Jack Watkins Published
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From the 'gatekeeper' to the 'Scotch argus', where did butterflies and moths get their strange names?
Members of the Society of Aurelians were artists, designers, silk traders and men-of-letters. So what inspired them to coin the many names of butterflies and moths we use today? The answer, reveals Peter Marren is beauty.
By Country Life Published