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Bauer Media has announced that Trail magazine will be moved entirely online, while Modern Gardens magazine will cease publication entirely
Trail magazine, a publication for hikers and backpackers owned by Bauer Media, has announced that it will cease as a printed publication, moving entirely online.
Bauer Media says that the decision was made after “a strategic review,” claiming that Trail is “embracing a digital future in 2026 by focusing exclusively on its thriving online presence.”
Trail, which has been in publication for 35 years, will continue to be published physically until the end of this year, with the February 2026 issue marking the final print edition. The magazine will then be available exclusively on the Live for the Outdoors website.
In its explanation of the decision, Bauer Media states that online traffic for the magazine was up 125% in 2025, while the printed version of the magazine has been impacted “by today’s challenging market conditions.”
Oli Reed, group editor of outdoor brands at Bauer Media, says: “While it will be an incredibly sad day when we send that final print issue to press, we’re excited to continue sharing Trail content online. Our passion for the outdoors remains stronger than ever, and we’re committed to keeping that same spirit of adventure alive on Live for the Outdoors.”
Bauer Media simultaneously announced the “difficult decision to cease publication” of gardening publication, Modern Gardens magazine, with the final January 2026 issue on sale from December 17th.
The media conglomerate goes on to explain that while the print title will close, “Bauer Media will maintain its market-leading position in the gardening sector through its broader portfolio.”
While speaking about the shutdown of Modern Gardens, Simon Caney, group editor of gardening at Bauer Media, also focuses on the company’s continued market reach, commenting: “As we move forwards, Bauer Media remains the UK’s leading gardening publisher, with Garden News and Garden Answers holding a 43% share of the newsstand market.
“Those titles continue to deliver trusted expertise, practical inspiration, and a strong sense of connection for millions of gardeners across the country and remain at the heart of our commitment to the gardening community.”
Trail and Modern Gardens are the latest in a string of UK magazines and newspapers ceasing publication in recent years, either in print or as a whole.
The Lady, Britain's longest-running women's magazine, formally announced that it would cease publication in April, citing declining sales and an aging readership.
Antique Collecting magazine, which had been in publication since 1966, also announced its final issue in August, with publisher ACC Art Books providing refunds to subscribers who had paid for issues in advance.
South London Press newspaper closed suddenly in May of this year after 160 years of publication, with staff contracts being abruptly terminated.
According to research and data agency, ABC, print circulations at UK regional daily newspapers have declined by an average of 16% between 2023 and 2024.
In addition, a report by IBIS World states that over the five years through 2025-26, the UK newspaper printing industry's revenue is expected to slump at a compound annual rate of 5.1%.
On the other hand, many publishers have highlighted a concurrent rise in book sales and the increasing popularity of ‘bookazines’ – single-topic, in-depth publications with a focused subject matter.
At the recent Power of Print seminar, founder of Anthem Publishing, Jon Bickley, highlighted how a return to printed publications including bookazines and colouring books revitalised his company and resulted in millions of pounds of additional sales.
This was in contrast to the company’s earlier efforts to move its publications online, which Bickley cited as having had a significant negative impact on revenue.
Speaking about the fate of Modern Gardens and Trail, Steve Prentice, co-chief executive officer of Bauer Media UK Publishing, adds: “These decisions were not taken lightly and reflect broader market challenges that form part of our ongoing efforts to ensure a sustainable and focused publishing strategy.
“Our commitment to delivering exceptional content across both print and digital platforms remains as strong as ever, as does our focus on quality, innovation, and audience engagement.”
