All about the Natural History and History of the Northwest of England
Ichneumon sarcitorius is a common and strikingly patterned parasitic wasp belonging to the vast Ichneumonidae family.
Often referred to as a ‘Darwin wasp’ this species is a vital component of its ecosystem, serving as a specialised natural predator that helps manage moth populations in a wide variety of habitats throughout the British Isles.
The Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, also known as Quickthorn, Whitethorn, or the May tree, is one of the most common small trees, (or large shrubs, depending on how you look at it), to be found in the British isles. Their scientific name comes from the Greek word for ‘strength’; Crataegus, and monogyna comes from mono, meaningContinue reading “The Hawthorn”
Regarding the Redshank, Tringa totanus, its Ecology, Conservation and Occurrence on the Coasts of Northwest England
Damson Days, a look at the ancient hedgerow fruit, its origins, uses and cultural history, including a simple recipe for a preserve
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
Picking Puffballs, a look at the ecology, habitat and historical uses of Calvatia gigantea, the Giant Puffball, including tips on foraging and a simple recipe
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, 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”
Northwest Nature and History