Periods of cold and stormy weather often cause birds to move about the country in search of shelter, upland birds may descend to lower altitudes and coastal birds may travel inland to escape icy winds. Many species habitually visit the same sites whenever conditions turn for the worse, with some relying upon our reservoirs asContinue reading “Bird watching at Stocks Reservoir”
Tag Archives: #Forestofbowland
Grey Crottle or Shield Lichen, Parmelia saxatilis, including some notes about various threats to Lichens in the Northwest of England
The clean air of the Northwestern fells, kept constantly damp by the prevailing westerly winds, makes them a perfect environment for many species of Lichens, and as these interesting and ecologically important organisms are often overlooked in most natural history guides, with the focus on more obvious and spectacular flora and fauna, I try toContinue reading “Grey Crottle or Shield Lichen, Parmelia saxatilis, including some notes about various threats to Lichens in the Northwest of England”
Oakenclough Paper Mill
Oakenclough paper mill sits below Oakenclough fell by the river Calder on the Western edge of the Forest of Bowland. Built in 1775 as a paper mill, powered by a water wheel in the river Calder, Oakenclough mill provided employment for many in an area that was entirely agricultural before the industrial revolution. The villagesContinue reading “Oakenclough Paper Mill”
Down on the farm in January
As we have passed the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice, we can now see the days slowly grow in length, minute by minute, day by day. On the farm the longer days are a sign that spring, the busiest time of year, is on its way, the increase in daylight also givesContinue reading “Down on the farm in January”
A Brief Look at the Long and Storied History of Stonyhurst College
The history of the Jesuit school of Stonyhurst College, situated near Hurst Green in the Ribble valley, is complex and long, stretching back as far as 1593. The imposing, 300ft long main Campus of the college sits in a landscaped 300-acre estate which was first owned by the Weld family who offered it as aContinue reading “A Brief Look at the Long and Storied History of Stonyhurst College”
The Short-eared Owl
The Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus, translating as ‘flame-coloured owl’, also known as the Strigid owl, is a medium-sized owl commonly found on the heaths and moors of the British isles. It is a day flying owl, a little bit bigger than a Barn owl, with longer wings and a blunter face, its plumage is aContinue reading “The Short-eared Owl”
The Poacher’s Moon
A full moon when snow is sitting on the ground is what poachers, keepers and bomber pilots dream of. When there are no leaves on the trees and a bright sky roosting Pheasants are plain to see in the tree canopy, and very easy for poachers to pick off with an air rifle or catapult,Continue reading “The Poacher’s Moon”
Bridges over the River Hodder, Part One; The Bowland Main
The Aqueduct carrying the Bowland Main was designed by the civil engineer William Booth Bryan for the Blackburn corporation and opened in 1882. It carries water from the Brennand and Whitendale rivers to Fishmoor reservoir above Blackburn in Lancashire. A section of the aqueduct is visible near Dunsop Bridge where it crosses the river Hodder,Continue reading “Bridges over the River Hodder, Part One; The Bowland Main”
Northwest Nature and History 