Hello, I’m Fergus and I’m taking over from Cavan as editor of Countryfile magazine in December this year.

I used to work on BBC Wildlife magazine and I’m delighted that there’s plenty of nature in Countryfile magazine, too. Wildlife brings our countryside to life and if you learn to identify a few birds, insects and plants, any walk becomes richer and more exciting.

Birdsong, of course, provides the soundtrack to any outing. However, at this time of year, our birds are busy feeding up on autumn berries and seeds to prepare for the tougher times ahead. One bird you will hear is the robin. The male sings throughout winter, a wistful cascade of notes sung from the now bare branches of trees. It’s as if he likes to get a headstart on staking out a breeding territory for next spring. www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/r/robin/index.aspx

Other birds are on the move. There seem to be a huge influx of redwings this year. These jaunty little thrushes with flashes of red on their flanks are winter visitors from Scandinavia and love to plunder hedgerow berries. If you live in a city, you might hear them migrating overhead at night. They make a high-pitched ‘tseeeeep’. Once you’ve heard it for the first time, you’ll never forget it. It’s a great way to impress friends on a walk home from the pub. www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/r/redwing/index.aspx

Late autumn is a also great time to walk in the woods. The fallen leaves and stark trees create a heady atmosphere and the lack of foliage makes it much easier to spot mammals such as deer and foxes. I’ll be off to my favourite forest near Bristol: Lower Woods. It’s magical and very few people go there. www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/lower_woods.htm

Countryfile presenter Matt Baker is lucky enough to have his own ancient wood to roam in. Read about his experiences…

The other Countryfile presenters have been getting to grips with British wildlife too. Julia Bradbury visited one of my favourite wildlife havens earlier this year – Skomer off the coast of west Wales. And she came face to face with the Pembrokeshire parrot. Read more...

Meanwhile, John Craven explains why the world needs to love wetlands - crucial habitats for a number of species. Read more...

There’s plenty more about our wonderful wildlife on the Countryfile website such as these articles by Kate Humble and the BBC’s best birdwatcher, Stephen Moss…

Find out more about British wildlife.