Wonder of the day The Merveille du jour Griposia aprilina, ‘wonder of the day’, is out and about at the moment. This attractive, black and white patterned, emerald green moth, reckoned as one of the most beautiful to be found in the British isles, is aptly named as it is a little wonder to behold.Continue reading “The Merveille du jour and some notes on moth-trapping”
Category Archives: Natural history
Guelder Rose
In late summer our hedgerows begin to take on many different hues, from subtle coppers and ochres through to vivid ambers and crimson. One native species which really adds a punch to this autumnal palette is the Guelder Rose Vibernum opulus. Sometimes called the Dogberry the foliage of this hedge shrub develops into striking tonesContinue reading “Guelder Rose”
The Beefsteak Fungus
Beefsteak Fungus, Fistulina hepatica (Fistulina coming from the Latin Fistulosus, meaning ‘full of pipes’, and hepatica coming from the Greek word hepatikos, meaning ‘of the liver’) is also sometimes known as the Beefsteak Polypore, Ox Tongue Fungus and Liver Fungus. It is very common in some areas and highly regarded by connoisseurs of funghi, appearingContinue reading “The Beefsteak Fungus”
The Teasel
The Teasel, Dipsacus fullonum, is a tall, distinctive looking and handsome wildflower found throughout the British isles wherever nature has been given free reign to do whatever it likes, for this reason some refer to it not as a wildflower, but as a weed. In the first year of its growth it is a fairlyContinue reading “The Teasel”
Bog, or Lancashire Asphodel, an example of how modern science can back up ancient wisdom
Bog Asphodel, Narthecium ossifragum, also known as ‘Lancashire Asphodel’ or ‘moor gold’ in the north of England, grows in wet patches of bog and is a little orange-coloured plant with flowers that look like a little spike of orange wheat. They flower from July to August and if you look closely you can see thatContinue reading “Bog, or Lancashire Asphodel, an example of how modern science can back up ancient wisdom”
Bilberry Season is here!
Bilberries Bilberry, or Whinberry, season traditionally begins at the start of August and doesn’t last long, although this year it looks like it’s going to be another fairly productive one. There are many regional names for Vaccinium myrtilus, in some parts of Ireland and Scotland it’s called a blaeberry, in the South of England aContinue reading “Bilberry Season is here!”
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet, Filipendula ulmaria, is a common wild flower in the countryside, found growing in damp meadows and woods, on roadside verges, along hedgerows and near streams, it usually flowers between June and September. Its frothy tufts of delicate, graceful, creamy white flowers have a distinctive, sweet fragrance, possibly one of the reasons for its commonContinue reading “Meadowsweet”
Water Voles
Water Voles, Arvicola amphibius, prefer the banks of slow-moving rivers, streams and lakes with plenty of cover and minimal disturbance. They are much larger than other voles, their bodies can be up to 20cm, with a long tail and short, brown fur, which means they are very often mistaken for brown rats, they have aContinue reading “Water Voles”
Northwest Nature and History 