Category Archives: #Lancashire

The Common Stonefly

The Common Stonefly, Diura bicaudata, (Diura meaning ‘day’ and bicaudata meaning ‘two tailed’) is a common insect in the rocky cloughs and streams of our uplands. It belongs to the order Plecoptera (from the Greek, ‘pleated wing’), which is an ancient order of insects originating at least 250 million years ago. There are 34 speciesContinue reading “The Common Stonefly”

The Melancholy Thistle

The Melancholy Thistle, Cirsium heterophyllum, Cirsium originating from the Greek word ‘kirsos’, meaning swollen vein which refers to thistles being used as a cure for varicose veins, and heterophylum meaning ‘different leaf’, is a fairly tall thistle with a deeply-furrowed, wooly stem, large flower-heads and soft, downy leaves with an almost felt-like underneath. It prefersContinue reading “The Melancholy Thistle”

Ralph Pudsey and the Silver Bit, a Ribble Valley Fairytale

In Deepest, Darkest Yorkshire, under the shadow of Pendle, in the church of St Peter and St Paul, in the ancient village of Bolton-by-Bowland, can be found one of the most ornate tombs in all of Christendom. This is the final resting place of the medieval landowner and noble Sir Ralph Pudsey, his three wivesContinue reading “Ralph Pudsey and the Silver Bit, a Ribble Valley Fairytale”

The Salmon Run

At the moment you might be lucky enough to see Salmon running on the streams and rivers of the Northwest as they make their arduous and risky journey upstream to their spawning grounds. Where to watch Weirs such as at those at Abbeystead and Waddow hall near Clitheroe and waterfalls such as Stainforth where theyContinue reading “The Salmon Run”

Hen Harriers, Fates and Fortunes, Part One

The Hen Harrier, Circus cyaneus, is a medium-sized bird of prey, found throughout Europe and resident in the UK. Its scientific name aptly describes the appearance of the bird, with circus, the Latin for ‘circle’ or ‘ring’, referring to the propensity of the female and juvenile birds to have white rings around their tails, (whichContinue reading “Hen Harriers, Fates and Fortunes, Part One”

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”

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”