The Edible boletus, or King boletus, Boletus edulis, edulis indicating that it is edible and boletus coming from ‘clod’, as the round fist-sized caps of some of the most highly prized specimens are earth-coloured, is considered to be amongst the best edible funghi to be found in the world and is widely collected across theContinue reading “The Edible, or King Boletus”
Tag Archives: #Forestofbowland
Golden Plover
The month of September marks the end of Summer and the beginning of Autumn, a season of change and movement, when our days noticeably cool and our nights become longer. For many creatures this transition from Summer to Winter triggers ancient instincts which compel them to find safety and shelter from the cold and inclementContinue reading “Golden Plover”
The Grey Wagtail
The Grey Wagtail’s scientific name is Motacilla cinerea, Motacilla originating from the Latin word mota, meaning ‘move’ or ‘shake’, which is the root for words such as ‘motive’ and ‘mobile’ and cinerea coming from the Latin for ‘ashes’ or ‘grey’, being the root for ‘cinders’ and ‘incinerated’. Unlike a lot of scientific names which reallyContinue reading “The Grey Wagtail”
The Clumsy yet Crucial Cranefly
This article looks at the Cranefly, AKA Daddy Long-legs, both generic names for adult members of the Tilupidae family. Its larvae, the scourge of the gardener and lawn aficionado alike, are known as Leatherjackets. Craneflies are what are called ‘true flies’, meaning they only have a single pair of wings, and their family name TipulidaeContinue reading “The Clumsy yet Crucial Cranefly”
The Merveille du jour and some notes on moth-trapping
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”
Bridges over the river Hodder; Cromwell’s Bridge
The elegant and enigmatic arches of Cromwell’s Bridge cross the river Hodder at Great Mitton and are all that remain of a bridge originally commissioned by Sir Richard Shireburne and other locals in 1561 to enable the Anglican parishioners of Mitton Church, which the Shireburn family also built, to cross the river to go toContinue reading “Bridges over the river Hodder; Cromwell’s Bridge”
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”
Belted Galloways
The Belted Galloway is a very hardy breed of beef cattle, traditionally from South-west Scotland, able to subsist on pastures which are too poor for other breeds of cattle. Smaller than other breeds you might see in the British countryside, like the red/brown Limousine or the black and white Friesian, they are similar in sizeContinue reading “Belted Galloways”
Northwest Nature and History 