Summer’s last stand

The best rare birds seen all around Britain in August

Lean in to the season of crunching leaves and misty magic

Does the abundance of rowan berries really forecast snowy days and a hard winter, muses Tessa Waugh , as a home meet draws people of all ages, stages and pre-dawn routines

An early-morning dog walk through the woods sees John Lewis-Stempel coming face to face–or skin to spider silk–with the industrious magic of a September dawn

Autumn is a brilliant time to get outdoors, connect with nature and boost your sense of wellbeing. Tune into meditative forest-bathing, wild swim in the sea and raise your eyes to the mystery of star-studded skies. Or simply walk, reflect and get creative, says Kerry Fowler

Is the thought of long dark nights and bad weather filling you with dread? Remind yourself of the reasons to embrace this season,