Outdoor Skills
Hay fever: symptoms, causes and how to beat it
Tackle seasonal hay fever with these simple tips
April foraging: Best plants to find and how to use them
Spring is finally here – and with it comes longer days, warmer temperatures and blooming flowers. It's a great month to be outside, not only for spotting wild things but for gathering them, too. Find out what to forage in the UK this month how to do it responsibly.
When do the clocks change?
Find out when the clocks change – and why we change them. Plus, learn all about the history of daylight saving in the UK.
"There are 180,000 miles of drystone walls in the UK; let's show them a little love," says Adam Henson
Drystone walls are an essential part of Britain’s countryside, offering protection for our landscape and wildlife. Farmer Adam Henson explains why we need to keep the skills of drystone walling alive.
How to identify spring blossom
As light flows slowly into our woodlands and hedgerows, once-bare branches begin to bloom. The brief blossoming of blackthorn, rowan, wild cherry and hawthorn is a magical spectacle, wreathed in ancient folklore. Learn how to identify spring blossom found in the UK and best places to spot blossom with our ID guide.
Snowdrops guide: best walks, how to grow and when they bloom
After the darkness of winter, snowdrops are a welcome sign that spring will soon be here. Our snowdrop guide looks at the best snowdrop walks in the UK, when to plant snowdrops, when they bloom and how to care for them.
Beachcombing guide: what to find on the seashore, plus the best beaches to search
Extraordinary and beautiful treasures can be found along the British coastline. Here is our expert guide to beachcombing, including things to look out for, how to get started and the best beaches for beachcombing in the UK.
How to prune an apple tree in winter
A few simple snips and cuts in the winter months means strong, healthy fruit later in the year for your apple trees.
Best foraging courses in the UK
Interested in learning how to forage for plants, mushrooms and berries in the British countryside? Here is our pick of the best foraging courses from across Britain to help you learn the skills you need to get started safely.
Longshore drift: what it is and how it has shaped the UK's coastline
Remember longshore drift from school geography? Vaguely? Don't worry, here is a quick reminder on what it is and how it has shaped our beautiful beaches
How to stay safe and protect your home during a storm
When a storm strikes, staying safe and protecting your home are a priority. Safeguard yourself and your property from flooding with our list of helpful tips.
Elderberry guide: where to find, health benefits and recipe ideas
Late summer and early autumn are the perfect seasons for heading into the British countryside in search of elderberries. Learn how to identify, where to find, the health benefits and how to cook elderberries with our expert guide.
How to preserve autumn leaves and berries
Collect autumn leaves and preserve them in glycerine to create the perfect focal point for creative winter projects
Incredible natural phenomena to spot in autumn
From the haunting image of a broken spectre, to spooky cloud inversions and horrid fungal blooms, the great outdoors can be eerie at this time of year – here is our guide on the best natural phenomena to spot in autumn.
Guide to Britain's lichens: what they are, where to find them and how to identify
There are roughly 1,800 species of lichen in the UK, growing on stone, bark, even old leaves. But did you know they're not even a plant? Learn the amazing truth in our expert guide to lichen, plus the most common types to find in the UK.
The first signs of autumn
Autumn is a vibrant season of colour, woodland stomps and hot chocolates. But when does autumn start? And what are the first signs to look for?
British apple guide: traditional varieties and recipe ideas
The British apple season marks the start of autumn as trees heavy with fruit are harvested to be eaten fresh, cooked into crumbles or pies, and mulled to make cider. Discover the best British apple varieties for eating, cooking and drinking in our expert guide.
September foraging guide: best foods to find and recipe ideas
Make the most of the late summer bounty found in Britain's woodlands and hedgerows. Here is our expert guide on the best nuts, seeds and berries to forage for in September.
Strawberry guide: varieties, how to grow, and where to pick your own
Strawberries are the taste of British summertime and are surprisingly easy to grow. Find out more about the British strawberry growing season, including advice on how to grow your own, varieties and the best places to pick your own strawberries.
UK sand dune guide: best dunes to visit and wildlife to identify
Britain's sand dunes are teeming with wildlife, including hardy wildflowers butterflies and coastal birds. Learn more with our expert sand dunes guide, including wildlife identification and dunes to visit.
A beginner's guide to native British wildflowers
Britain's native wildflowers bring splashes of colour in the spring and summer months, while also providing an important food source for pollinators. Our species guide looks at common native British wildflower species, explaining how to identify and the best places to see them.
How to protect yourself against midges
Midges can be a huge irritation in the summer months across much of Britain, including Scotland, North Wales, the Lake District, Cornwall and Pembrokeshire. Here is our expert guide to midges, including a look at when midge season takes place in the UK, plus how to identify – and most importantly how to avoid being bitten.
Best mushroom identification books in 2024
Forage for fungi confidently with our pick of the best mushroom identification books on the market in 2024
20 easy garden projects
Discover a host of quick, easy and cheap DIY garden projects for children and families, as well as bigger garden jobs that will attract wildlife to your plot.