#Spring – Page 3 – Northwest Nature and History

Northern Shores: The Common Redshank

Regarding the Redshank, Tringa totanus, its Ecology, Conservation and Occurrence on the Coasts of Northwest England

The Marvellous Migratory Silver Y Moth

Notes on the moth species Autographa gamma and its ecology in Northwest England, including a chapter on the phenomenon of Phototaxis

Damson Days

Damson Days, a look at the ancient hedgerow fruit, its origins, uses and cultural history, including a simple recipe for a preserve

Wild Carrot, or Queen Anne’s Lace, a Common Wasteland Wildflower

Wild Carrot, Daucus carota, is a common and widespread wasteland wildflower yet is often overlooked by botanists and passers-by, read about this interesting and ecologically important ancestor of the domesticated carrot here

A Troubling Trend; Fly-Camping in Britain’s National Parks

All across the United Kingdom, from Dartmoor to the Dark Peak, a troubling trend is emerging; the destructive, disruptive and disrespectful activity known as fly-camping. Often confused with the responsible pastime of ‘wild-camping’, fly-camping refers to unauthorised, irresponsible overnight stays where groups pitch large tents by roadsides or in beauty spots, bringing in items suchContinue reading “A Troubling Trend; Fly-Camping in Britain’s National Parks”

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”

Oh! come Across the Fields

Oh! Come Across the Fields, by Edwin Waugh Now, from dreary winter’s dream awaking, glad nature robes herself to meet the spring; Hark, how the blithesome birds are making, among the trees their songs of welcoming! Oh, come across the fields, my love, and through the woods with me; As nature moves toward the spring,Continue reading “Oh! come Across the Fields”

Comfrey

Comfrey, Symphytum officinale, also known as ‘knitbone’ is a hardy perennial herb, native to the British Isles and thriving in our temperate climate, especially in the damp, fertile soils often found along riverbanks, ditches, and meadows. From late spring to early autumn this attractive-looking wildflower produces clusters of delicate tubular flowers, typically in shades ofContinue reading “Comfrey”