Author Archives: Northwest nature and history

Hazel

The Hazel, Corylus avellana, has smooth silvery bark, brilliantly green downy leaves, and early in the year forms bright yellow Catkins which dangle and sway in the wind, giving a welcome hint of spring yellow to the otherwise barren hedges and trees of winter. Quick out of the blocks It is particularly quick out ofContinue reading “Hazel”

Bird watching at Stocks Reservoir

Periods of cold and stormy weather often cause birds to move about the country in search of shelter, upland birds may descend to lower altitudes and coastal birds may travel inland to escape icy winds. Many species habitually visit the same sites whenever conditions turn for the worse, with some relying upon our reservoirs asContinue reading “Bird watching at Stocks Reservoir”

Grey Crottle or Shield Lichen, Parmelia saxatilis, including some notes about various threats to Lichens in the Northwest of England

The clean air of the Northwestern fells, kept constantly damp by the prevailing westerly winds, makes them a perfect environment for many species of Lichens, and as these interesting and ecologically important organisms are often overlooked in most natural history guides, with the focus on more obvious and spectacular flora and fauna, I try toContinue reading “Grey Crottle or Shield Lichen, Parmelia saxatilis, including some notes about various threats to Lichens in the Northwest of England”

Pendle throughout the year

The name Pendle Hill derives from the Ancient British word ‘pen’ meaning ‘hill’, which predates the First Century Roman Invasion. By about the 7th Century, when it was largely forgotten what ‘pen’ meant, the Old English word ‘hyll’ was added and by 1305 the name was recorded as ‘Penhul’ in the Charters of the ManorsContinue reading “Pendle throughout the year”

Oakenclough Paper Mill

Oakenclough paper mill sits below Oakenclough fell by the river Calder on the Western edge of the Forest of Bowland. Built in 1775 as a paper mill, powered by a water wheel in the river Calder, Oakenclough mill provided employment for many in an area that was entirely agricultural before the industrial revolution. The villagesContinue reading “Oakenclough Paper Mill”

Down on the farm in January

As we have passed the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice, we can now see the days slowly grow in length, minute by minute, day by day. On the farm the longer days are a sign that spring, the busiest time of year, is on its way, the increase in daylight also givesContinue reading “Down on the farm in January”

A Brief Look at the Long and Storied History of Stonyhurst College

The history of the Jesuit school of Stonyhurst College, situated near Hurst Green in the Ribble valley, is complex and long, stretching back as far as 1593. The imposing, 300ft long main Campus of the college sits in a landscaped 300-acre estate which was first owned by the Weld family who offered it as aContinue reading “A Brief Look at the Long and Storied History of Stonyhurst College”