BBC Countryfile Magazine

“In the dark days of winter, it’s a great comfort to relive past adventures – and perhaps anticipate future ones. This month, I get to share with you perhaps the most memorable weeks I have ever had in the UK. For the past two springs, I’ve travelled to Assynt, a beautiful and haunting region of mountains, lochs and extraordinary coastline, where I have chanced upon quiet walking, climbing, foraging and fishing. The sense of space, of landscape unwilling to be tamed, is a reminder that there are places that challenge us, that aren’t bound by the confines of digital life, that are still home to abundant nature. I hope I have conveyed a smidge of the atmosphere of that wonderful place and its inhabitants (page 18). One regret is that I didn’t…

TAKING THE HELM From the summit of Helm Crag, a walker watches the sun rise over the mist-filled valley of Grasmere in the Lake District. At only 405m, Helm Crag is a modest height, but its distinctive rock formations make it a popular landmark. Also known as the Lion and the Lamb, the summit is easily reached by most walkers. Wainwright wrote of it: “The virtues of Helm Crag have not been lauded enough. It gives an exhilarating little climb.” RED SKY WARNING Sweeps of crimson, violet and indigo fill the sky and reflect off the glinting sand as dawn breaks over Freshwater East in Pembrokeshire. In the 18th century, smugglers operated from this beach and stashed contraband in the cliffs. STERLING MOSS The vivid orange shoots of bristly haircap moss (Polytrichum piliferum) emerge on…

Did you know you can see as many as 2,000 stars in the night sky in Britain’s darkest places, such as our national parks and AONBs? Throughout February, a series of dark skies festivals will be taking place across the UK, helping you make the most of this incredible natural wonder. Cycling, walking, running, caving, kayaking, nocturnal wildlife watching and stargazing safaris are all on offer. Here are three festivals to enjoy: • SOUTH DOWNS DARK SKIES FESTIVAL 4–17 February southdowns.gov.uk • NORTH YORK MOORS AND YORKSHIRE DALES 10–26 February northyorkmoors.org.uk • WELSH DARK SKIES WEEK 17–26 February discoveryinthedark.wales Love is in the air Celebrate the riches of the night sky this February with your Valentine. Wildlife watch… BRAND NEW BADGERS It’s a busy month in the badger sett – the chilly last days of winter may seem…

To some it’s a weed that causes pain; to others, it’s a medicine that cures it. Personally, I believe we should be cramming nettles into our diets however we can. Not only are they free, they are also really abundant, delicious and super for our health. Research suggests nettle tea can help fight infections, reduce pain and swelling, lower blood pressure and stabilise sugar levels, and that it is packed with powerful antioxidants. In the spring, I like to make it with fresh nettle tops. They have such a good flavour. I also pick enough to dry, so I can enjoy this tea all year. SERVES 2 INGREDIENTS • A large handful of fresh nettle tops or half a handful of dried nettles • Half a lemon • Runny honey, to sweeten (optional) METHOD 1. Place a…

Once one of England’s most profitable canals, the northern branch of the now disused Somersetshire Coal Canal is the route of a new walking path, the Coal Canal Way, taking in many fascinating sites of the area’s industrial past. The route is a series of tranquil walks which, when taken together, cover 10.6 miles, from Paulton to Dundas. Look out for boat-weighing machine Weight-House C, aqueduct tunnels and former coal pits. coalcanal.org 25 JANUARY DYDD SANTES DWYNWEN Dydd Santes Dwynwen (Saint Dwynwen’s Day) is the Welsh patron saint of lovers. A fourth-century Welsh princess, Dwynwen was forbidden to marry the man she loved. It’s said God granted her three wishes and she asked him to help all true lovers.…

You will need: needle-nose pliers 1 Ever zip up your jacket, trousers or backpack, only for the teeth to separate and pull back open? You could go to the expense of replacing the whole zipper, but often all you need to do is tighten the slider. It’s free, quick and easy to do. 2 Pull the slider right down tothe bottom stop. Over time, the mouth of the slider can open slightly, meaning the teeth don’t bite together properly when the slider is pulled up. It’s often this that causes the zipper to separate (though not always). 3 Take the needle-nose pliersand squeeze the mouth of the slider to tighten it to its original position. You may need to do this on both sides of the slider. It’s important to do this gently…