The countryside in… august

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

Peak autumn has a treasure trove of non-feathered riches to discover, says James Lowen

Bringing you some of the gardening news highlights

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

Easy ways to make your garden more nature-friendly