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
Tag Archives: #Summer
Picking Puffballs
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
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”
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”
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”
Northern Shores: 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 partContinue reading “Northern Shores: Sea Campion”