So far 2026’s barley harvest seems to be proceeding more steadily here than in the drought-stressed south and east of the country. While those regions saw some of the earliest starts on record in late June, northern and western crops are following a more typical timeline, benefiting from relatively better moisture retention in many areas.
Tag Archives: #Lancashire
The Shaded Broad-bar Moth
Biology, Ecology, etc of the Shaded Broad-bar Moth (Scotopteryx chenopodiata) The Shaded Broad-bar (Scotopteryx chenopodiata), a member of the Geometridae family (often called geometer moths or ‘inchworms’ in their larval stage), is a distinctive and relatively common moth across much of the British Isles. First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, it is a classicContinue reading “The Shaded Broad-bar Moth”
The Swaledale Sheep, Queen of the Hills
Swaledales are medium-sized, bold, and exceptionally hardy. Key traits include a black face with bright white markings, curled horns (larger in rams), and a weatherproof off-white fleece that is dense and durable. Their strong legs and feet, combined with excellent foraging ability, allow them to thrive on heather, rough grass, and sparse vegetation.
The Painted Lady, Master of Migration
The Painted Lady belongs to the Nymphalidae family (brush-footed butterflies) and is a medium-sized species with a wingspan of approximately 50 to 56mm. Its upper wings are vibrant orange with black tips and white spots, while the underwings feature a more muted, mottled pattern that provides camouflage when resting.
A Stroll Through Time: The Long History of Blackpool’s North Pier
The pier’s story begins in the early 1860s, when Blackpool was rapidly transforming from a modest bathing resort into a booming destination for industrial workers seeking fresh air and entertainment. In 1861, prominent local businessmen gathered at the Clifton Arms Hotel to discuss building a pier. They appointed the renowned pier designer Eugenius Birch, whose innovative cast-iron structures (he designed 14 piers altogether) would define many British seaside landmarks.
Borage, the Starflower
A fast-growing annual that typically reaches 30 to 60 cm (sometimes up to 1 metre) in height Borage’s stems and leaves are covered in stiff, white hairs that can feel prickly to the touch, a trait shared with many members of the borage family, including Comfrey. The leaves are large, oval to lance-shaped, with a wrinkled texture and a distinctive fresh, cucumber-like scent when crushed.
Yellow Flag Iris
Like many wetland plants, I. pseudacorus plays an important role in its ecosystem. Its dense clumps provide cover and nesting sites for birds such as Moorhen and Reed Warbler, while the rhizomes help stabilise banks and prevent erosion. The flowers are visited by a range of pollinators, particularly larger bees (including Bumblebees) that are strong enough to push open the petals to reach the nectar and pollen.
A Pint-Size History of the Inn at Whitewell
The Inn at Whitewell is a venerable old building with a long and storied history. It began its life in the late 14th century as a small manor-house overlooking the River Hodder and served as the residence for the keepers of the King’s Forest of Bowland.
Northwest Nature and History 