![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/IMG_3818.jpg\")
Maria Hodson and Tanya Jackson seek nightingales in East Sussex<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/DSC02709-scaled.jpg\")
Tim Bates hails the view from Yr Wyddfa<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/wildwomen-84.jpg\")
Carys Matthews goes wild in Findhorn, Moray<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/Unknown-2-scaled.jpg\")
Maria canoes the Wye<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/billa20171219069-scaled.jpg\")
Fergus Collins tries green woodworking<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/IMG_1548-scaled.jpg\")
Joe Pontin hikes Knoydart<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/d1141-9098-scaled.jpg\")
Daniel Graham (centre) explores Ennerdale, Cumbria<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n It\u2019s very difficult to have job envy working on BBC Countryfile Magazine. <\/em>Exploring beautiful places, meeting incredible people and have heart-stopping encounters with wildlife\u2026 I think I can speak for the whole team when I say it really is a dream job. We have all been lucky enough to find ourselves on a huge variety of adventures over the years and these have all featured in the magazine or on Countryfile.com<\/a> at some stage. But as most of our work takes place in a Bristol office where we produce a new magazine every four weeks, as well as writing and editing dozens of website articles, reviews, podcasts and newsletters, it\u2019s easy to forget to pause to take stock and remember these life-giving experiences; 200 magazines is a lot of content to remember! <\/p>\n\n
So here\u2019s a taster of the team\u2019s top days out in the British countryside \u2013 from holidays to crafting experiences to life-changing journeys. We want to share these with you to give you fresh ideas for fun times in 2023 and to give you a little bit more insight into the people who make this magazine. I\u2019d also love to hear your own favourite experiences inspired by the magazine. Please email me at: editor@countryfile.com <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Fergus <\/strong>Collins, <\/strong>editor <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n\nWILDLIFE <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
Ospreys, Loch of the Lowes <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/b14fa886-49ab-46ce-a4fd-f6e7acbb8cec.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nThe first time I ever saw an osprey was on a small loch in central Perthshire. These epic fish hunters were vanishingly rare when I was growing up, so to find a pair happily nesting on this enchanting, if rather gentle, loch felt extraordinary \u2013 and a mark of the species\u2019 wonderful resurgence in the UK. The Scottish Wildlife Trust has a visitor centre here, usually with a scope trained on the birds\u2019 nest so you can witness the intimate details of their lives \u2013 Iwas spellbound for hours. The Lows is one of a chain of small lochs \u2013 the Lunan Lochs \u2013 and all are rich in wildlife but far less visited than you\u2019d expect. Picnic by the water and expect a flyover osprey or hobby at any time. <\/p>\n\n
Fergus <\/strong>Collins, <\/strong>editor <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n\nBEACH <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
Mwnt, Ceredigion <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/c532ce7c-da73-4a85-a1f8-b54a6a331ccc.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nI\u2019ll never forget the warm summer\u2019s day I first set eyes on Mwnt Beach. After a drive down pretty hedgerow-lined country lanes that opened out to a gorgeous view of Cardigan Bay, the beach\u2019s perfect white sands and gently rolling waves quite took my breath away. Sheltered by the conical hill Foel y Mwnt \u2013 clamber to the top for panoramic views \u2013 this National Trust beach is one of the best places along the coast to spy dolphins in the bay. And as an ancient holy site, with its simple 14th-century white-painted stone church, it has an atmosphere all its own, too.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Margaret <\/strong>Bartlett, <\/strong>production <\/strong>editor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n\nACTIVE <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
Canoe the River Wye, Powys <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/28885431-904d-4ae7-993b-b05d16a1aa4b.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nAfter walks in the Wye Valley where I saw many happy canoers steaming along on this beautiful river, spending a day on the Wye\u2019s waters became a must-do. As inexperienced paddlers and with two eight-year-olds in tow, we opted to take on a gentle section, starting at Hay-on-Wye and journeying on peaceful grade-one waters, which still offered plenty of adventure. We had to get out and push on a gravelly, shallow stretch, spotted tiny fish, searched for signs of otters and finished with a cold drink at the Boat Inn, Whitney-on-Wye . Next on the wish-list are the river\u2019s white-water thrills! <\/p>\n\n
Margaret <\/strong>Bartlett <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n\nLOCATION <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
Dungeness, Kent <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/GettyImages_629088852_preview-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nOne of my first adventures after joining the team in 2014, Dungeness captured my imagination. Its eerie landscape of long shingle beach, abandoned fishing boats, derelict rail tracks and eclectic artist\u2019s huts creates an otherworldly atmosphere, influenced by the hulking presence of the nuclear power station and the sea stretching around this south-easterly headland. The grasslands, freshwater pits, shingle and wildflower meadows of Dungeness Nature Reserve thrive \u2013 it is Britain\u2019s third most biodiverse landscape. <\/p>\n\n
Maria <\/strong>Hodson, <\/strong>production <\/strong>editor <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\u2022 <\/strong><\/em>rspb.org.uk\/Dungeness<\/a> <\/p>\n\n
\n\nLOCATION <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
Yorkshire Wolds <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/E1GC0W_preview-1024x708.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nI\u2019d never considered visiting the East Riding of Yorkshire \u2013 awide unknown place north of the Humber and south of Scarborough. I was usually more drawn to the Dales or Moors of this grand county. But a press trip to the Wolds ended with me watching hares at dawn on these softly sculpted chalk downlands and being completely beguiled by the local history. Prehistoric mixes with Viking; Elizabethan manor houses brush shoulders with Victorian industry; I explored handsome market towns and perfect villages with pubs beside duck ponds. All this time, I never knew. <\/p>\n\n
Fergus <\/strong>Collins <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
<\/div>\nCRAFTS <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Bushcraft skills, Highland <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/wildwomen_80_preview-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSleeping under the stars in the spectacular Culbin Forest for a women\u2019s-only bushcrafting retreat in 2018 was one of my favourite trips for the magazine. Set on the Moray Firth coastline, we foraged along the seashore and learned how to cook over a fire, plus mastered essential knot tying skills. It was a magical experience with a friendly group of women that gave me renewed confidence to take on more solo adventures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carys Matthews, online editor <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nGreen woodcraft, National Forest <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/billa20171219133_preview-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSix years on and I am still grateful for a day I spent with the perfectly named Peter Wood of Greenwooddays learning entry-level green woodworking skills in a Nottinghamshire woodland. It was December but the work \u2013 and open-fire-brewed tea \u2013 kept me warm as Peter showed me how to make a three-legged stool using saws, froes, shave-horses and pole-lathes. It was pure sylvan magic with a master craftsman. If I had my career again\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fergus Collins <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n
LOCATION <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
Loch Morlich, Cairngorms National Park <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/57a19453-e700-42ff-afc6-2b4aea4370ae.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nFor a family-friendly camping adventure somewhere wild and unspoilt, head to Glenmore in the Cairngorms. It\u2019s on the banks of Loch Morlich \u2013 asafe, shallow lake with a sandy beach that backs on to an ancient Caledonian pine forest. There\u2019s so much to explore, whether you\u2019re renting kayaks from the watersports caf\u00e9 or heading off on a mountain bike trail. See the wolves at the Highland Wildlife Park, climb up Cairngorm Mountain and visit nearby Loch Garten RSPB Reserve, an osprey breeding site where knowledgeable rangers will entertain your kids with fascinating talks about blaeberries. Red squirrels abound at both lochs \u2013 you\u2019ll have to be patient to see one \u2013 but there\u2019s also the chance to see otters, deer and even golden eagles.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Tanya <\/strong>Jackson <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\u2022 campingintheforest.co.uk\/glenmore-campsite<\/a> <\/p>\n\n
\n\nWILDLIFE <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
Nightingales, Sussex <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/naturepl_01147898_preview-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nIt\u2019s no secret that nightingales are on borrowed time in the UK \u2013 all the more reason to try to hear them while they\u2019re still here. One way to do it is to book on to a Singing with Nightingales event, as Maria Hodson and I did last spring. Camp wild at a secret location in Sussex or Gloucestershire, take a bird safari with conservationist and folk singer Sam Lee, enjoy food, drinks and music around the fire, then embark on a 20-minute night walk to hear Sam and a guest musician tempting the little bird into a duet. Magical. <\/p>\n\n
Tanya <\/strong>Jackson <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\u2022 <\/strong>thenestcollective.co.uk\/singing-with-nightingales<\/a>
Read all about Tanya\u2019s experience in the April issue. <\/em><\/p>\n\n
\n\nACTIVE <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
Surf Croyde Bay, Devon <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/GettyImages_1329215918_preview-1024x674.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nNorth Devon is fantastic for surfing spots and Croyde Bay is a personal favourite, due to its beautiful sand dunes, small village surf community, craggy coastal scenery and Atlantic waves, which can reach epic proportions. Even those with no desire to attempt big-wave surfing can find a thrill watching the adrenaline seekers paddle out to take their chances. With fine conditions, Croyde Bay has a long history of surfing \u2013 the original pioneers, 100 years ago, surfed the waves on wooden planks known as \u2018coffin lids\u2019. Thankfully, these days you can hire decent kit on the beach, if you don\u2019t have your own board and wetsuit. <\/p>\n\n
Maria <\/strong>Hodson <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n\nBEACH <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
Kenneggy Sands, Cornwall <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/5b125b10-ed50-4916-af5f-d85a2855fc94.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nThis sweeping beach lies on a heartbreakingly lovely stretch of coastline. Even in August, there\u2019s a laid-back feel, with few other beachgoers around. Reach the sands via a short walk and a gentle scramble over rocks. There are no loos, or caf\u00e9, or lifeguard. And it\u2019s tidal, so take care you don\u2019t get cut off. But it\u2019s blissfully peaceful and gorgeous. <\/p>\n\n
To get there, walk along the coast path for 2.5km from the large car park at Praa Sands. Or take a narrow and winding lane off the A394 Penzance Road to the small car park at Prussia Cove, one kilometre from the beach on foot. Not recommended for children\u2019s buggies.<\/p>\n\n
Joe <\/strong>Pontin, <\/strong>features <\/strong>editor <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n\nACTIVE <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
Lake District, Cumbria <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/d0c411d7-1208-474b-be6a-46256a3900b8.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nA few springs back, my mum, brother and I set out on an adventure \u2013 a 25-mile walk through the wilds of the Lake District. The route was to include three waters, four fell tops, a dozen waterfalls and over 1,400m accent. Our challenge? To prove that even the most remote corners of the country could be enjoyed by your average country rambler. Making this all possible was the humble walker\u2019s hostel. Instead of completing the route in one arduous day, we split it into three, seeking food and lodgings at YHA Buttermere, Honister and Black Sail. I think about this trip often and can still picture the look of accomplishment on my mum\u2019s face at the end of the journey. <\/p>\n\n
Daniel <\/strong>Graham, <\/strong>outdoors <\/strong>editor <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\u2022 <\/strong>To plan your own quest, visit yha.org.uk<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n
<\/div>\nGARDENS <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Great Dixter, East Sussex <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/GPTTD1_preview-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHome of prolific gardening writer Christopher Lloyd, the beautiful timbered manor house and grounds of Great Dixter is a fine example of how your fantasy cottage garden would look on a vast scale, with billowing herbaceous borders, diverse kitchen gardens, jewelled carpets of spring bulbs and peaceful meadows. Come here for inspiration and tranquillity, leave with some well-nurtured plants from the nursery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tanya Jackson, digital editor <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 greatdixter.co.uk<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStourhead, Wiltshire <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/1537493_preview-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nStourhead Estate is a classic example of grand 18th-century garden design, complete with Palladian temples, bridges and a tower. Henry Hoare II, who inherited Stourhead, styled and created the impressive gardens and architectural additions to the manor, inspired by great landscape artists of the time. Enjoy visiting at any time of the year \u2013 there\u2019s something here for the whole family to enjoy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hilary Clothier, picture editor <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 <\/strong><\/em>nationaltrust.org.uk\/stourhead <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n
WILDLIFE <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
St Kilda, Outer Hebrides <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/2c519e10-15e8-48f3-827d-201c247ac0a0.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nHands down, sea kayaking around St Kilda in 2016 was the greatest wildlife adventure of my life. This archipelago marks the most north-westerly point in Britain and access isn\u2019t easy \u2013 inclement weather regularly prevents boats from making the crossing. But fortune smiled and the MV <\/em>Cuma <\/em>prevailed. The few days spent paddling around the main island Hirta, which boasts Britain\u2019s highest sea cliffs, and to the towering sea stacks of Stac Lee and Stac An Armin, home to vast gannet colonies, were simply magical. Wildlife abounds here \u2013 basking sharks, minke whales, a pod of orcas, white-tailed eagles, great skuas, Soay sheep, puffins and seals galore variously graced the shore, sea and sky. Unbeatable. <\/p>\n\n
Maria <\/strong>Hodson <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\u2022 <\/strong>island-cruising.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n
\n\nACTIVE <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
Walk Yr Wyddfa, Wales <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/4e2fdf68-9c95-4b2c-8a8c-d6f1e894c2af.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nI had always been inspired by stunning photos of Eryri (Snowdonia) featured in the magazine and was keen to explore this area. We planned our trip for September 2019, stopping off en route at Penrhyn Quarry to experience the worlds\u2019s fastest zip wire, which I can highly recommend. Taking the Pyg Track to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), I realised photos don\u2019t do this area justice \u2013 the scenery is simply stunning. Blessed with glorious weather, we experienced incredible mountain views as far as the eye could see and glistening turquoise lakes, making for a truly memorable walk. <\/span><\/p>\n\n
Tim <\/strong>Bates, <\/strong>art <\/strong>editor <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n\nWILDLIFE <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
Starling murmurations, Somerset <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/a4b3a537-e345-44d3-90d4-97b09ddaa23f.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nIn January 2017, our team visited RSPB Ham Wall in Somerset to witness one of the most amazing wildlife spectacles I\u2019ve seen in the UK. Arriving mid-afternoon, we spent time bird-spotting from the hides. As dusk fell from quiet surroundings, the sky darkened and thousands of starlings began to fly in and head towards the reeds to settle; they flew up around us, dancing in the sky like a choreographed ballet. It was an incredible sight and a privilege to witness \u2013 and you, too, can see starling murmurations all over the UK. Find your local site at rspb.org.uk<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n
Hilary <\/strong>Clothier <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n\nACTIVE <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
Lough Erne <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/Lough-Navar-Forest-Aghameelan-viewpoint.2_preview-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nOne day at work, I was looking at a map of Northern Ireland and something caught my eye; an intricate network of loughs, waterways and islands in the south-west corner, bound by huge tracks of woodland and reeling escarpments. A few months later I was there, delighted to discover that County Fermanagh and its 40 miles of lakes was as enthralling in real life as it was on the map. For anyone considering a visit, my top three must-dos are kayaking on Lough Erne, the Lough Navar Forest Drive and Marble Arch Caves. <\/p>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/02\/IMG_4773-3_preview-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n