The Wolf-moon Tonight, given that the weather forecast is cloudy and rainy, there is a slim chance that you might be able see the full beauty of the January full moon, also known as the ‘Wolf moon’ or ‘Old moon’. The Northwest of England has several dark sky discovery sites in and around it, theseContinue reading “Seo Wulf-mona”
Tag Archives: #Forestofbowland
Skiing for Sheep, Chapter Two
On the western flank of Pendle, in a rather peculiar location that I can only surmise was chosen for its spectacular views, is one of the Ribble valley’s most unique and venerable sports venues, Pendle Ski Club. At the time of this story (1995) we were members and used the facilities quite a lot. (WeContinue reading “Skiing for Sheep, Chapter Two”
Yellow Brain Fungus / Witches’ Butter
Those cold, damp January days, when nobody feels like venturing out so you can have the countryside completely to yourself, often offer the best opportunities for poking about the bare hedges and woods to see what treasures catch your eye. In this case, early on the First of January, the prizes I found, shining likeContinue reading “Yellow Brain Fungus / Witches’ Butter”
The Logs upon the Fire
Beechwood fire burns bright and clear, if the logs are kept a year. Store your Beech for Christmastide, with New Year Holly cut beside. Chestnut’s only good, they say, if for years ’tis stored away. Birch and firwood burn too fast, blaze too bright and do not last. Flames from Larch will shoot up high,Continue reading “The Logs upon the Fire”
The Symbolism of the Holly
Holly, scientifically known as Ilex aquifolium, from acus, meaning ‘needle’, and folium, meaning ‘leaf’, is more than just a decorative element during the Christmas season; it’s also a plant steeped in tradition, mythology, and symbolism. Historical Significance It has been a symbol of the winter solstice since pre-Christian times, its evergreen leaves representing the continuityContinue reading “The Symbolism of the Holly”
Northwest Recipes; Winter Venison Chilli
Venison is one of the healthiest and most environmentally sustainable meats available and we have a plentiful supply of it here in the British isles, but we don’t utilise it anywhere near as much as we could. In the countryside of Northwest England you can find Roe, Red and Sika deer and their venison canContinue reading “Northwest Recipes; Winter Venison Chilli”
Skiing for Sheep, Chapter One
In January 1995 a snowstorm hit the North of England causing chaos in some parts of the region. Six people lost their lives in the ferocious blizzards, which were much earlier and more severe than forecast, villages and farms were cut off and thousands were stranded unable to make their way home. At the timeContinue reading “Skiing for Sheep, Chapter One”
The Bold Otter
Otters, Lutra lutra, are making a big comeback in the Northwest, being seen more and more on rivers, streams and ponds where they haven’t been seen for generations. Previously only spotted on our main rivers like the Ribble and Wyre numbers seem to have climbed recently and this is a good sign that they findContinue reading “The Bold Otter”
Northwest Nature and History 