Forged by the Fells Herdwicks are an ancient sheep breed native to the Lake District, with 95% of the estimated 50,000 breeding ewes concentrated within a 20 mile radius of Coniston Water. Their name derives from the Old Norse herdvyck, meaning “sheep pasture,” hinting at the breed’s deep historical roots in the area. Local folkloreContinue reading “Herdwicks”
Tag Archives: #Cumbria
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”
Build your Nest High; Can Crows predict the weather?
The Crows are building their nests at the moment, high in the canopies of the tallest trees. As of writing, at the start of April, many have finished construction so will be adding the finishing touches, such as nest linings, and settling in. Country folklore has it that if they have built their nests lowContinue reading “Build your Nest High; Can Crows predict the weather?”
Limekiln Landscapes; the Legacy of Bowland’s Limekilns
Hidden away deep in the Forest of Bowland, sagged and slumped under the weight of time and overgrown with mosses, ferns and lichens, lie relics of a once great industry; the manufacture of Quicklime. These unassuming structures, now mostly reclaimed by time and nature, were once vital to the agricultural and economic life of theContinue reading “Limekiln Landscapes; the Legacy of Bowland’s Limekilns”
Beauty and the Beast; the Lacewing and the Lion
Lacewings are amongst the most enchanting and delicate insects encountered in the British isles and are named so for their exquisitely intricate wings, which resemble fine lace due to the network of veins that crisscross them. These wings are typically held roof-like over their bodies when at rest, giving them a distinctive silhouette and areContinue reading “Beauty and the Beast; the Lacewing and the Lion”
The Upland Collection
Here is a list of some of the articles I have published which fall under the broad category of ‘moorland’ or ‘uplands’, it’s by no means exhaustive as there will be some I’ve missed out, some which overlap other themes and others which sit on the fringes. I hope you find it a useful and/orContinue reading “The Upland Collection”
Northwest Nature and History 