Author Archives: Northwest nature and history

My Entry for @Naturalcalendar’s “Tree skeletons and sky” competition on Twitter, check it out, there’s some really good entries!

Every end bringsA chance for new life to springForth viridescent Link: Natural Calendar A B-H

The Short-eared Owl

The Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus, translating as ‘flame-coloured owl’, also known as the Strigid owl, is a medium-sized owl commonly found on the heaths and moors of the British isles. It is a day flying owl, a little bit bigger than a Barn owl, with longer wings and a blunter face, its plumage is aContinue reading “The Short-eared Owl”

Downham Hall

Downham Hall is the home of the Assheton family who own Downham estate, it was designed by architect George Webster in 1835 and built on the foundations of and with stone from an earlier sixteenth century hall. It was rebuilt in a simple, classical style compared to other buildings that George Webster designed in orderContinue reading “Downham Hall”

The Poacher’s Moon

A full moon when snow is sitting on the ground is what poachers, keepers and bomber pilots dream of. When there are no leaves on the trees and a bright sky roosting Pheasants are plain to see in the tree canopy, and very easy for poachers to pick off with an air rifle or catapult,Continue reading “The Poacher’s Moon”

Bridges over the River Hodder, Part One; The Bowland Main

The Aqueduct carrying the Bowland Main was designed by the civil engineer William Booth Bryan for the Blackburn corporation and opened in 1882. It carries water from the Brennand and Whitendale rivers to Fishmoor reservoir above Blackburn in Lancashire. A section of the aqueduct is visible near Dunsop Bridge where it crosses the river Hodder,Continue reading “Bridges over the River Hodder, Part One; The Bowland Main”