Version 2 of an article originally published in 2023, looking at the land management practice known as controlled burning, heather burning or muirburn, updated and amended with latest research, data, policy and regulations
Tag Archives: #Heather
Heather Beetle Outbreaks, a Brief Study of the Ecology of Lochmaea suturalis and Effects of Population Outbreaks on Moorland Habitats and Communities
The heather beetle, Lochmaea suturalis, is a small, unassuming olive-brown leaf beetle measuring about 6mm, and it has long been a part of our moorland ecosystems. While unremarkable in appearance, this native insect can wreak havoc when its populations surge, causing devastating outbreaks that threaten heather moorlands, their biodiversity, and the communities that depend onContinue reading “Heather Beetle Outbreaks, a Brief Study of the Ecology of Lochmaea suturalis and Effects of Population Outbreaks on Moorland Habitats and Communities”
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”
Hen Harriers, Fates and Fortunes, Part One
The Hen Harrier, Circus cyaneus, is a medium-sized bird of prey, found throughout Europe and resident in the UK. Its scientific name aptly describes the appearance of the bird, with circus, the Latin for ‘circle’ or ‘ring’, referring to the propensity of the female and juvenile birds to have white rings around their tails, (whichContinue reading “Hen Harriers, Fates and Fortunes, Part One”
Top Withens (reblog of a piece by James Elkington)
High on Haworth moor lies the ruined farmhouse of ‘Top Withens’ – also known as ‘Withens Farm’. Normally no one would pay much attention to an old … Top Withens
Summer in Lancashire; Silage, Ospreys, Deer, Adders and some other random observations
One ambient summer sound of the Lancashire countryside is the constant whirring sound of farm machinery cutting, rowing up, and baling grass to make into silage, though many farmers have been late to get it in this year due to the exceptionally wet spring. Silage doesn’t have to be completely dry when it is baled,Continue reading “Summer in Lancashire; Silage, Ospreys, Deer, Adders and some other random observations”
Northwest Recipes, Bowland Roast Grouse
Bowland Roast Grouse This recipe is for a version of the classic English roast dinner which substitutes the traditional Lamb or Beef for Grouse, which is relatively inexpensive*, available from local suppliers, healthy and environmentally friendly. If made with locally sourced ingredients, as much as is possible anyway, it should give you a proper tasteContinue reading “Northwest Recipes, Bowland Roast Grouse”
The Large Heath Butterfly
The Large Heath Butterfly, Coenonympha tullia, also known as the Common Ringlet and, locally, as the Manchester Argus, is mainly found in wet boggy moorland areas of northern England and Scotland, with a few isolated colonies in Ireland, Wales and Southern England. They can be found at a few spots in the Northwest; Winmarleigh nearContinue reading “The Large Heath Butterfly”
Northwest Nature and History 