The Stoat, Mustela erminea, is a Mustelid, related to the Weasel and Otter, the first part of its scientific name; Mustela, relates to the species’ musty smell, and the second part; erminea, is the name given to a Stoat when it is wearing its winter coat. Handsome predator In winter the Stoat’s fur changes colourContinue reading “The Stoat’s Winter Coat”
Author Archives: Northwest nature and history
Day Five of a Northwestern Advent Calendar
Stone halls and lodges Fireplaces roaring sit snug In Bowland’s valleys A B-H
Day Four of a Northwestern Advent Calendar
December the fourth Brings the first snows of winter To Pendle’s summit A B-H
A Brief History of Browsholme Hall
Deep in the wooded countryside of Bowland sits the privately owned Elizabethan hall of Browsholme, inhabited by the Parker family and commonly stated in tourist brochures to be the oldest family home in the area, although several local family-owned farms also hold claims to this title. In this article i’ll briefly look at the historyContinue reading “A Brief History of Browsholme Hall”
Day Three of a Northwestern Advent Calendar
Where Deer browse in glades Of woods and forest sheltered From winter’s cold winds A B-H
Day Two of a Northwestern Advent Calendar
Swaledales gather round The feeder, thick wool fleeces Warm against the cold A B-H
Day One of a Northwestern Advent Calendar
December the first Brings frost and ice to the deep Hidden cloughs and woods A B-H
Tracking Animals in the Snow
Now that the first flurries of snow have dusted the Pennine Peaks (it’s just started snowing here in Padiham as I edit this! (Nov 2023)) I thought it would be a good time to publish this short guide to identifying some of the animal tracks you might see whilst out and about. A good wayContinue reading “Tracking Animals in the Snow”
Northwest Nature and History 