The countryside in... january

There’s only one thing in nature that conjures the crisp, sharp beauty of the shoulder seasons for Nadia Shaikh ...

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

Toby explains how plants and trees set up natural defences and outlines what we can do to help

It’s a part of Iceland that’s off the tourist trail, but it’s brilliant for birding, writes Vanessa Wright

Karen Youngs encounters squabbling herons and glimpses an elusive predator on a waterside walk

Sue Bradley rustles up some enticing ways to enable you to enjoy, and benefit from, your garden over the months ahead