MAY 2025
Contents CS Cover story
68 Travel to the end of the line
10 Wild fish from remote beaches
40 Prepare to see The Salt Path on the big screen
30 Explore Dartmoor’s wide open moorland and craggy tors
B e e s t o n i s h
; H a m r u
C y m i c t u r e s
; S p o r t P
G r i m e s
; A m y l ke s
Fo u
Ta n n e r ; J u s t i n
; S t e v e n l a m y
; A
S ay e r s
S t e v e
:
P h o t o s
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS
PAGES 8–23 • A harvest mouse on the look out. • CS Remote beaches for wild fishing. • Government grants licences for the release of beavers in England. • New green road bridge for wildlife. • Science reveals how birdsong evolves. • Detectorist unearths a colossal Iron Age hoard in Yorkshire. • All about the fire festival Beltane. • Meet Countryfile’s new presenter. • Make a herb-infused vinegar.
FEATURES
30
SECRET DARTMOOR Romantic tors, ancient history and pretty villages –Dartmoor National Park offers the perfect spring escape.
40
POWER OF THE PATH CS We chat to Raynor Winn about The Salt Path and what it feels like to have your book turned into a major film.
56
HERO OF THE HEDGEROW CS Meet West Country woodsman Paul Lamb who is on a mission to keep traditional hedgelaying methods alive.
62
FUTURE OF FARMING: PART 1 CS With our food systems under great pressure, we report on how farmers are adapting in rapidly changing times.
68
ALL ABOARD! CS Author Nige Tassell travelled to the end of the line on 16 rail routes across Britain – and all without a single delay.
74
DAUGHTERS OF THE SOIL Artist and photographer Joanne Coates chronicles the lives of women in agriculture in her new exhibition.
6
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