Carys Matthews
Group Digital Editor
Carys is the Group Digital Editor of countryfile.com and discoverwildlife.com and writes regular features for the print magazine. Away from the desk, she enjoys trail running, hiking, outdoor swimming and cycling in the British countryside and beyond.
Recent articles by Carys Matthews
From wild herds to festive favourites: All you need to know about reindeer and how they became a key part of Christmas
Reindeer may now be famed for their Christmas associations, but their history with humans goes back thousands of years
5 venomous mammals, including some cuties whose innocent looks hide their deadly streak
Did you know there are some venomous mammals? Here are 5
Who is Chris Packham? Everything you need to know about the Springwatch presenter
Naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham is best-known for presenting BBC nature series Springwatch and for his conservation work. Here is everything you need to know about Chris Packham.
Bioblitz beginner's guide: how to get started
All you need to know about bioblitzing, including how to start
Hedgehog guide: where to see and how to help local hedgehogs
The UK's hedgehog population is still in decline, but there are plenty of ways you can help. Here is our expert hedgehog guide, including where to see them, what they eat, whether they hibernate and how to help hedgehogs in your garden.
Best nature documentaries to stream
Find the best nature documentaries of all time to stream from the comfort of home with our ultimate TV guide. Plus, where to buy the accompanying books and DVDs.
Scotland’s best wildlife holidays
Leave the crowds behind with these five exciting trips to see some amazing Scottish wildlife – from eagles and otters to puffins and whales.
Record-breaking breeding year for Britain’s common crane
According to a new RSPB survey, Britain’s tallest bird, the common crane, had a successful year in 2020 with 64 pairs found to have successfully bred.
European badger guide: habitat, diet and where to see
Find out everything you need to know about badger social structure, behaviour, identification and breeding in our expert guide to European badgers.
Best British woodlands and forests to visit for autumn colour
The changing of the autumn colours in the UK's forests and woodlands is one the most magical seasonal spectacles. Here is a selection of the best British woodlands and forests to visit in autumn.
The best nature activities to do in autumn
From identifying bird species to making a nature collage, here is our selection of the best nature activities to do in autumn.
Volunteers asked to record PPE during this year's Great British Beach Clean
Volunteers are being urged to take action locally as part of this year's Marine Conservation Society's (MCS) Great British Beach Clean and citizen science survey, which aims to record the impact to wildlife of abandoned PPE.
Dame Judi Dench and Ricky Gervais calling for wild animal trade ban to help prevent future pandemics
Boris Johnson is urged to help end the wild animal trade and prevent the spread of future zoonotic pandemics and save lives in an open-letter signed by stars Dame Judi Dench and Ricky Gervais.
British owl species: how to identify, diet and where to see
Spotting an owl in flight or hearing the distinctive hoot of a tawny owl is an exciting wildlife encounter. Learn about the UK's owl species, including how to identify, where to see and what makes them so good at hunting at night.