Between the patches of dappled sunlight and shadows that the overhanging Alder leaves cast on the slow-moving river a flash of iridescent blue catches the eye. This is the Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens), a damselfly of such striking beauty that it seems more like a fragment of stained glass than a creature of flesh andContinue reading “The Banded Demoiselle”
Category Archives: Natural history
The Ecological Importance of Urban Gardens
Introduction Our street is much like any other in the UK, it’s in the middle of a largish housing estate, built in the 70’s and situated between boxy brick council houses built in the 50’s and a grey, rabbit-warren like concrete council estate built in the 80’s, known locally as ‘Lego-land’. Along our street sitsContinue reading “The Ecological Importance of Urban Gardens”
The Greater Butterfly Orchid
The Greater Butterfly Orchid, Platanthera chlorantha is a herbaceous perennial that typically grows to a height of 20 to 60 cm. It is easily recognised by its pair of broad, shiny, elliptical leaves at the base, with smaller, lanceolate leaves higher up the stem. The plant’s flower spike, which blooms from May to July, bearsContinue reading “The Greater Butterfly Orchid”
Comfrey
Comfrey, Symphytum officinale, also known as ‘knitbone’ is a hardy perennial herb, native to the British Isles and thriving in our temperate climate, especially in the damp, fertile soils often found along riverbanks, ditches, and meadows. From late spring to early autumn this attractive-looking wildflower produces clusters of delicate tubular flowers, typically in shades ofContinue reading “Comfrey”
Greater Stitchwort
We’re lucky where we live, in that we have access to the countryside only 100 yards from our front door, you need only walk round the corner, cross the road and you’re on a stretch of Common Land called Hapton Moor. I walk up there at least once a week and almost always find somethingContinue reading “Greater Stitchwort”
Malus sylvestris, the Crabapple (Including a Chapter on the Plant’s Use in English Literature)
You may find many treasures on a spring-time walk down our countryside’s old lanes; the delicate white flowers of Blackthorn, scarlet Campion, or butter-yellow Cowslip, yet for me one of spring’s gems shines brighter than the others, and that is the pink and white bloom of the Crabapple tree. Malus sylvestris The scientific name ofContinue reading “Malus sylvestris, the Crabapple (Including a Chapter on the Plant’s Use in English Literature)”
What’s that Creature Creeping in the Trees?
Deep in our woods and gardens, creeping around in the trees, a small unassuming creature quietly goes about its business, unnoticed by the casual observer. It is known to scientists as Certhia familiaris, but to most of us it is known merely as the Treecreeper, and is, I think, a bird deserving of closer attention.Continue reading “What’s that Creature Creeping in the Trees?”
Rockpooling for Blennies
Blennies are a captivating group of small, often colorful, fish that inhabit marine and brackish waters. Belonging to the suborder Blennioidei, they are known for their quirky behaviors, distinctive appearances, and remarkable adaptability. They are typically quite small in size, ranging from 3 to 15 centimeters in length, though some species can grow slightly larger,Continue reading “Rockpooling for Blennies”
Northwest Nature and History 