Author Archives: Northwest nature and history

Whalley Viaduct

Whalley viaduct soars over the small town of Whalley in the Ribble valley and has been a familiar and well-loved landmark for many generations. Construction began in 1846 and was completed in 1850, its architectural style reflecting that of the nearby 14th century Cistercian abbey. The 679 yard-long viaduct is 70ft tall at its highestContinue reading “Whalley Viaduct”

The Sky in September

The next few days are very eventful for observers of the sky and its many machinations, to begin with early tomorrow morning (Wed the 18th of September as of writing) a partial eclipse of the moon may be visible from the British Isles. The eclipse will occur from 1.41am to 5.47am with the best time to observeContinue reading “The Sky in September”

Northwest Walks, Beacon Fell to Brock Bottom and back again

This is a short 3 mile walk around Beacon Fell Country Park, it should take about a couple of hours, including time to have a picnic! The going is fairly easy as a large proportion of the route is on country lanes or paved, and the descent and return back to the carpark are onContinue reading “Northwest Walks, Beacon Fell to Brock Bottom and back again”

Juniper in Bowland

The fragrant Juniper, Juniperis communis, (Communis being latin for ‘common’, which is unusual as vulgaris is more commonly used to convey this meaning) is the plant from which gin gets its name and flavour, and along with the Yew and the Scots pine, is one of the three species of conifer that remained native toContinue reading “Juniper in Bowland”

Blobbygate (The story of Noel Edmonds, Mr Blobby and Morecambe)

Recently news has broken of a fresh attempt by 75 year-old tv presenter Noel Edmonds to make a comeback onto the UK’s television screens. Inspired by former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson’s enormous success with his show ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ Noel, famous for tv light-entertainment shows such as Swap Shop, Noel’s House Party, Top Gear (beforeContinue reading “Blobbygate (The story of Noel Edmonds, Mr Blobby and Morecambe)”

The Crook O’ Lune, Part One; an Introduction

Part One, an Introduction The Crook o’ Lune is well-loved beauty spot on a sweeping bend of the river Lune, famous for its panoramic views up the wooded valley towards the distant moors. Locally very well-known it has been a destination for many generations of daytrippers, with a grassy green picnic site, river banks forContinue reading “The Crook O’ Lune, Part One; an Introduction”

The Rowan

The Rowan or Mountain Ash, Sorbus aucuparia, a common tree of the cloughs, woods and hedgerows of the Northwest, is fruiting at the moment, there seem to more berries than in previous years and the bright red fruit will attract flocks of fieldfare, Blackbirds, Ring Ouzel, Long-tailed tits and many other birds over the autumnContinue reading “The Rowan”