#Lancashire – Page 6 – Northwest Nature and History

The Knots of Morecambe Bay

The vast tidal estuary of Morecambe Bay is one of the most significant sites for birdlife in the British Isles, supporting over 240,000 birds annually. Among its most iconic avian visitors is the Knot, Calidris canutus, a small, stocky wading bird known for its remarkable migrations and mesmerising flock displays. A holarctic species, breeding inContinue reading “The Knots of Morecambe Bay”

The History of Dunnow Hall

Part of a Collection of Articles looking at the Communities of the Hodder Valley The story of Dunnow Hall begins in the late 11th century, when the Manor of Slaidburn became part of the Lordship of Bowland, a vast Royal Forest and Liberty spanning nearly 300 square miles across the historic borders of Lancashire andContinue reading “The History of Dunnow Hall”

Padiham on Parade 2025

Here are some shots from Padiham on Parade 2025, we only had time for a flying visit so missed the main events and a lot of people had gone home by this time. To learn more about Padiham Town Hall see here: Padiham Town Hall For some shots of Padiham on Parade 2024 and 2023Continue reading “Padiham on Parade 2025”

Common Honeysuckle, a look at Lonicera periclymenum, one of our most Beloved Hedgerow Climbers

Common Honeysuckle, Lonicera periclymenum, also known as Woodbine, is one of those plants that easily goes unnoticed until it bursts into flower, filling the air with a heady, sweet perfume that draws you in as you pass. Twisting and twining its way through our hedgerows, these tubular blooms shift from creamy white to yellowish-pink throughContinue reading “Common Honeysuckle, a look at Lonicera periclymenum, one of our most Beloved Hedgerow Climbers”

Old Clitheroe, a Poem by Thomas Birch Dedicated to the Ancient Ribble valley Market Town

Old Clitheroe There’s a spot in Old England that’s still dear to me, On the banks of the Ribble that runs to the sea; In the shade of Old Pendle, whose summit I’ve trod, Ere a thought of its grandeur had entered my “nod.” I’ve traversed its meadows and pastures so green, In my wand’ringsContinue reading “Old Clitheroe, a Poem by Thomas Birch Dedicated to the Ancient Ribble valley Market Town”

Hairy, or Forage Vetch, Vicia villosa

Hairy vetch, Vicia villosa, commonly known as Fodder vetch, is a vibrantly coloured and highly adaptable wildflower belonging to the Fabaceae family, which includes peas, beans, and other legumes. Native to the British isles and found in a wide array of habitats the plant typically grows as a climbing or scrambling herbaceous perennial, reaching heightsContinue reading “Hairy, or Forage Vetch, Vicia villosa”

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”

Dunsop Bridge’s Beginnings

Part of a Series of Notes about Dunsop Bridge and other Hodder Valley Communities At the heart of Great Britain, in the centre of the Forest of Bowland, sits the pretty, well-kept village of Dunsop Bridge. Just 9 miles northwest of the Ribble valley town of Clitheroe, this tiny settlement is often celebrated as theContinue reading “Dunsop Bridge’s Beginnings”