Northwest nature and history

The Hebrew Character Moth, and a few notes about moth migration

Appearance The Hebrew Character, Orthosia gothica, is a member of the Noctuidae family and named after the prominent mark on each of its wings which resembles the character ‘nun’ in the Hebrew alphabet or the form of a gothic arch (hence the scientific name gothica). It is a medium sized moth about 3.5cm long withContinue reading “The Hebrew Character Moth, and a few notes about moth migration”

Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team

This year marks the 61st anniversary of the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team which was created in April 1962 after a tragic incident near Beacon Fell on the 25th of March 1962. The incident, which involved 3 siblings who had been out for a walk on the fells in inclement weather, sadly ended in twoContinue reading “Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team”

A Woodland Walk, by William Billington

‘A Woodland Walk’ by Lancashire Poet William Billington (1825-1884), born at the Ribble valley village of Samlesbury on the 3rd April, 1825 A Woodland Walk I wandered forth to watch the infant Day Sow diamonds over plain and woodland copse; The Sun, just glancing o’er the mountains gray, With slanting beams, illumed their grassy slopes;Continue reading “A Woodland Walk, by William Billington”

Little Owls in Lancashire

In Lancashire’s rolling green countryside you can find every species of owl that is native to the British isles, even one species which some might argue isn’t technically native yet, despite having successfully bred here, the Eagle Owl. So far I’ve written about the Tawny Owl, the Short-eared Owl and I’ll get around to sharingContinue reading “Little Owls in Lancashire”

Walloper Well

Walloper well is found about halfway up Easington Fell on the road between Clitheroe and Newton, it is a well known local landmark having been there since before the Norman conquest. Its name ‘Walloper’ comes from the Norman term for the indigenous people of the British isles ‘Walha’. Although a local, and very misogynistic, folkContinue reading “Walloper Well”

The Comma

The Comma, Polygonia c-album, named after the comma shaped mark on its white underwings, is a very striking butterfly in appearance and can be found in large numbers at the right time of year on its favourite plants. They are orange and black with ragged looking wings which break up their outline and make themContinue reading “The Comma”

The March, or ‘Worm’ Moon

The March full moon occurs this year on Tursday the 3rd, here are some facts about the astrological phenomenon of full moons and how often they happen. Syzygy Syzygy is a real scientific term believe it or not and is pronounced “siz-a-gee”, and it’s worth 21 points in Scrabble, it’s an astronomical position that isContinue reading “The March, or ‘Worm’ Moon”

Bridges over the River Hodder; the bridge to Knowlmere Manor

Knowlmere Manor is an 18th century calendar house near Dunsop Bridge, calendar houses being an architectural style whereas features of the building correspond to numbers on a calendar, i.e: 52 windows, 12 gable-ends or 7 chimneys etc. The manor has two private access roads one of which crosses over the river Hodder, called Knowlmere ManorContinue reading “Bridges over the River Hodder; the bridge to Knowlmere Manor”