Category Archives: Uncategorized

Upland Farming in the Backend of the Year

This time of year, (around the end of November / start of December as of writing) is known as the “hinge of the year” by upland farmers. The clocks have gone back, the bracken has bleached to rust, and the last of the swallows are long gone. Up on the fells the year’s main outdoor work might be done, yet it never really stops. This is the season of maintenance, mending, and quiet worry.

Bill’s Christmases

A Poem by Cicely Fox Smith “Christmas,” said Bill, “on Christmas cards, it’s winders all aglow,An’ lots o’ stuff to eat an’ drink an’ a good three feet o’ snow,An’ a bunch o’ bouncin’ girls to kiss under the mistletoe. Holly an’ robin redbreasts too, as rosy as can be,An’ waits an’ chimes an’ allContinue reading “Bill’s Christmases”

Broken Pledges

In July 2024, the Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, assumed power with ambitious pledges to restore nature, combat climate change, and position the UK as a global leader in environmental stewardship.

However, by November 2025, several policy decisions, particularly in planning and infrastructure, have drawn sharp criticism for diluting longstanding environmental protections, and it has become apparent that Labour have reneged on these pledges (1).

If anyone’s wondering why some of my posts are being reposted it’s because of a glitch with jetpack/wordpress!

Some of my posts appear to have inexplicably been moved from ‘published’ to ‘draft’, so to make sure they are visible I’m having to re-publish them. It’s probably just a weird glitch but I’m not a software engineer so I don’t understand what’s going on, anyway hope this explains things! A B-H

A Troubling Trend; Fly-Camping in Britain’s National Parks

All across the United Kingdom, from Dartmoor to the Dark Peak, a troubling trend is emerging; the destructive, disruptive and disrespectful activity known as fly-camping. Often confused with the responsible pastime of ‘wild-camping’, fly-camping refers to unauthorised, irresponsible overnight stays where groups pitch large tents by roadsides or in beauty spots, bringing in items suchContinue reading “A Troubling Trend; Fly-Camping in Britain’s National Parks”

Cinnabar and Ragwort

The common perception of moths is as dull-coloured, crepuscular creatures, more often than not seen at night or appearing as the sun goes down to thunk into window panes, or, if they get into the house, lightbulbs. But, as with most things in nature, things aren’t quite so simple and straight forward, as there areContinue reading “Cinnabar and Ragwort”

The March, or ‘Worm’ Moon

The March full moon occurs this year on Friday the 14th, here are some facts about the astrological phenomenon of full moons and how often they happen. Syzygy Syzygy is a real scientific term believe it or not and is pronounced “siz-a-gee”, and it’s worth 21 points in Scrabble, it’s an astronomical position that isContinue reading “The March, or ‘Worm’ Moon”