Out & About

A countryside dweller's guide to the 2019 General Election: Who will do what, and where, and when?

With the general election fast-approaching, discover what each of the main parties plans for the countryside, farming and the environment.

Six absolutely spectacular images from the Historic Photographer of the Year competition

An ethereal image of Wells Cathedral, a windswept pier on the east coast and castle in Kent were among the pictures praised by judges for the third Historic Photographer of the Year competition.

Country Life Today: The most popular dogs' names of 2019 have been revealed

A poll of two million pet owners has revealed the most popular dog names in Britain, plus we take a look at the Mary Celeste and a magical combine harvester.

The chickens of Wyken Hall: Mischievous, adorable and the best listeners a person could ask for

‘In my left-leaning youth, they would attend meetings, but my comrades voted to remove them. That was when I realised my time there was up – the chickens were very concerned about the Albanian question!’

David Profumo's Fantasy League of angling fishing guests

David Profumo imagines who might attend his own dream angling dinner party.

The dogs we lost: 10 extinct British dog breeds

When a breed no longer has a job, be it turning a meat spit, hunting or herding, it often goes the way of the dodo.

Revealed: The most dog-friendly pubs in Britain

Looking for a place to take your pet? The winners of the Rover Most Dog-Friendly Pub of the Year awards have just been announced.

Jason Goodwin: 'They swerved, reversed direction and became a solid wall that struck Aphra at 30 miles an hour'

Our spectator columnist discusses the wonderful (and frightening) moments of owning a miniature poodle.

Britain's first giant tortoises: 'They’ve been around for 200 million years - we’re a blip to them'

Adrian Graham is passionate about his pets, which can live for up to 250 years and grow to the size of a rather tall man.

National Trust considers partial car ban in the Lake District

Bonfire Night poses 'most treacherous' time for hedgehogs — here's how you can help

Our spikey friends are dwindling in numbers, and with Guy Fawkes Night looming, the public are urged to take great care to protect them from further decline.

Cavalier King Charles spaniels: Handsome, good-natured and the aristocrats of the dog world

With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its royal heritage, says Catriona Gray

Curious Questions: Should animals wear clothes?

Martin Fone, decidedly not an animal person, ponders whether animals should wear clothes and, indeed, what a stylish pet would wear in the case that they do.

Country Life Top 10: Wellies - The best boots you can buy

Britain's Naughtiest Dog 2019: All the winners, from the Jack Russell who summoned the armed police to the pointer who vomits glitter

Sociable, sun-loving and incredibly patient with children, this innocent-looking Jack Russell actually enjoys a secret life of crime. Victoria Marston finds out more and introduces the runners-up of the Britain’s Naughtiest Dog Award. Photographs of Pici by Daniel Gould.

Curious Questions: Why are the least consequential choices the hardest to make?

Research has shown that humans and ants are similarly irrational in their decision-making tendencies.

The best winning pictures from the 2019 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition — and the stories behind them

A soaring eagle, a shocked marmot and an underwater garden like you've never seen before are among the finest pictures from the Natural History Museum's 2019 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

Walking St Cuthbert's Way in late summer: Heather in late-summer emperor’s purple, lit up by the last burst of warmth

The Cheviots and St Cuthbert’s Way are the right setting for reflection and remembrance, as Fiona Reynolds finds on her latest walk.

'Hectic workloads and family pressures' leave women unable to enjoy countryside, poll reveals

Half of British women surveyed said they did not have time to enjoy nature despite being aware of its positive impact on wellbeing.

Pici the Jack Russell named Britain's Naughtiest Dog for 2019