Sphagnum moss belongs to the genus Sphagnum, comprising over 30 species in the British Isles, many of which can be very challenging to distinguish.
Tag Archives: #Northwestnatureandhistory
The Black Seam Lancashire’s Coal Mining History
Lancashire has a long history of coal mining, dating back to the early Roman era at least, with small-scale exploitation of shallow seams and natural outcrops being archaeologically evident throughout the county.
Long-eared Owls
Long-eared owls, Asio otus, are one of our most secretive and elusive birds of prey. With their distinctive ‘ear’ tufts (which are actually feather extensions for camouflage and expression), striking orange eyes, and mottled brown plumage, these medium-sized owls are unmistakable, yet they are rarely seen, as they blend so well into the landscape and prefer to secrete themselves in dense foliage during the day.
Earthtongue Fungi
Earthtongue fungi, belonging primarily to the family Geoglossaceae, are a fascinating group known for their distinctive tongue- or club-shaped fruiting bodies that emerge from the soil in eerie-looking black or dark protrusions.
“Didn’t It Rain”
On one rainy evening in May 1964, an abandoned railway station in Manchester became alive with the soul-stirring sound of gospel and blues.
Forest City: a Critical Dissection of Proposals, and Suggestions of Viable Alternatives
Forest City 1 is a recently proposed city development planned for agricultural land on the Cambridgeshire-Suffolk border. A private initiative its purported aims are to address the housing crisis in the UK and stimulate economic growth.
Here I dissect these proposals, uncover the flaws within them that may cause irreparable harm to our environment and society, and suggest some viable alternatives and solutions.
The Northern Lights
The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, must rank amongst one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. These shimmering curtains of light, dancing across our night skies, casting ethereal ribbons of green, purple and red, have inspired awe, myths, and scientific curiosity for centuries.
The Duties of a Gamekeeper: January, the Hard Month
The month of January, in the heart of winter when claws of ice, wind and rain grip the British countryside, can prove hard for those that work outdoors, it is also a pivotal time when decisions must be made and tallies taken, especially for our 3000+ gamekeepers.
Northwest Nature and History 