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”
Tag Archives: #Northwestnatureandhistory
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”
The Small Heath Butterfly and its Reliance on Grazed Pastureland
The Small Heath butterfly, Coenonympha pamphilus, a diminutive member of the Nymphalidae family, is a widespread yet increasingly vulnerable species across the British Isles. In Northwest England, this unassuming butterfly thrives in a variety of open, grassy habitats, but its populations are closely tied to specific ecological conditions, particularly those shaped by traditional land managementContinue reading “The Small Heath Butterfly and its Reliance on Grazed Pastureland”
Chitons, Armoured Knights of the Intertidal Realm
At first glance, Chitons (pronounced “Ki-ton”) don’t demand much attention; grey, unassuming and measuring only a few centimetres in length they usually go unnoticed by the casual passer-by or, at the least, are presumed to be limpets or a part of the rocks they live upon. Yet, like a lot of our wildlife, if youContinue reading “Chitons, Armoured Knights of the Intertidal Realm”
Albert and the Lion
There’s a famous seaside place called Blackpool,That’s noted for fresh air and fun,And Mr and Mrs RamsbottomWent there with young Albert, their son. A grand little lad was young Albert,All dressed in his best; quite a swellWith a stick with an ‘orse’s ‘ead ‘andle,The finest that Woolworth’s could sell. They didn’t think much to theContinue reading “Albert and the Lion”
Sea Campion, a Study of the Marine Wildflower and its Biology, using Occurrences on the Lancashire coast as an Example
Recently my wife and I re-visited a part of the Lancashire coast called Half Moon Bay, which lies between the pretty little village of Heysham and Heysham power station (not so little or pretty.) It’s a part of the country which is very dear to both of us, (in fact it’s where I proposed toContinue reading “Sea Campion, a Study of the Marine Wildflower and its Biology, using Occurrences on the Lancashire coast as an Example”
Northwest Nature and History 