We have a shelf in our house with all sorts of knick-knacks and treasures arranged upon it, an eclectic collection of interesting and shiny objects that we’ve chosen in a manner akin to a Magpie, and carefully placed like a Bower bird. These things include seashells, candles, Mamod steam engines, interesting coins and things I’veContinue reading “Shepherd’s Crowns”
Author Archives: Northwest nature and history
Oh! come Across the Fields
Oh! Come Across the Fields, by Edwin Waugh Now, from dreary winter’s dream awaking, glad nature robes herself to meet the spring; Hark, how the blithesome birds are making, among the trees their songs of welcoming! Oh, come across the fields, my love, and through the woods with me; As nature moves toward the spring,Continue reading “Oh! come Across the Fields”
Slaidburn Steam Rally
Slaidburn Steam Rally, or The Slaidburn Steam and Vintage Vehicle Display, to give it its official name, is an annual event held in the village of Slaidburn in the Forest of Bowland. Although originally conceived as solely for steam a variety of other vehicles now attend, including vintage cars and tractors, alongside stalls showcasing localContinue reading “Slaidburn Steam Rally”
Comfrey
Comfrey, Symphytum officinale, also known as ‘knitbone’ is a hardy perennial herb, native to the British Isles and thriving in our temperate climate, especially in the damp, fertile soils often found along riverbanks, ditches, and meadows. From late spring to early autumn this attractive-looking wildflower produces clusters of delicate tubular flowers, typically in shades ofContinue reading “Comfrey”
Clitheroe’s Ancient Wells
The market town of Clitheroe is unique in Lancashire for being the only one built predominantly of, and on Limestone and owes much of its existence to the waters which bubble up through its calciferous bedrock. It was founded around three ancient wells, St Mary’s Well, Heald Well, and Stocks Well, which served not onlyContinue reading “Clitheroe’s Ancient Wells”
May, a Lancashire Dialect poem by John Rawcliffe
May Though every month for me’s a cherm,Aw’m fain as Winter’s hed his term;For thy breath’s gradely sweet an’ werm, Aw like thee, May!Tha looks best deawn bi th’ owd Stydd ferm At break o’ day. Wheer th’ banks o’ Ribble’s weshed wi’ t’ flood,Aw tramped through mony a field an’ wood;Aw see tha’s paintedContinue reading “May, a Lancashire Dialect poem by John Rawcliffe”
Greater Stitchwort
We’re lucky where we live, in that we have access to the countryside only 100 yards from our front door, you need only walk round the corner, cross the road and you’re on a stretch of Common Land called Hapton Moor. I walk up there at least once a week and almost always find somethingContinue reading “Greater Stitchwort”
Herdwicks
Forged by the Fells Herdwicks are an ancient sheep breed native to the Lake District, with 95% of the estimated 50,000 breeding ewes concentrated within a 20 mile radius of Coniston Water. Their name derives from the Old Norse herdvyck, meaning “sheep pasture,” hinting at the breed’s deep historical roots in the area. Local folkloreContinue reading “Herdwicks”
Northwest Nature and History 