The countryside in… april

Easy ways to make your garden more nature-friendly

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

30-minute birder Amanda Tuke sees the benefits of being distracted by birds at home, and on the coast

I HAVE written numerous pieces about mallard – this our most ubiquitous duck is a survivor. Mallard can be found almost everywhere, and I love them and never tire of watching them. They are underrated

The best of the season to inspire and admire

Andrew Jackson , a social housing director, nurtured a wildflower wonderland in the garden of his Beverley new-build home. It has since featured on Gardeners’ World and he also created a show garden at Harrogate Flower Show this year. He shares his blossoming journey