All about the Natural History and History of the Northwest of England
The arrival of spring often feels hard-won here in northern England, winters linger longer here than in the south, with colder temperatures and more frequent frosts delaying the greening of the landscape.
Yet, as days lengthen and occasional milder spells arrive, typically from late February through March, the first tentative signs of nature’s renewal appear on the trees.
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”
Common ivy, scientifically known as Hedera helix, is an evergreen climbing plant native to, and ubiquitous throughout the British Isles, excepting the far north and a few spots like the Isle of Man.
A look at one of our Most Common Foliose Lichens, with some Notes about Uses for Measuring Air Pollution and Chemical ‘K, C and Pd Identification Tests
The spindle tree, Euonymus europaeus, is an attractive-looking deciduous shrub, or small tree, that graces hedgerows, woods and wasteland throughout the British isles.
Damson Days, a look at the ancient hedgerow fruit, its origins, uses and cultural history, including a simple recipe for a preserve
Autumn is traditionally the time of year we stock up for winter and, if you have the time and patience, it’s the season to forage for hedgerow berries to preserve in chutneys, jams and jellies. These make perfect Christmas gifts or you can keep them in the cupboard and bring them out to compete inContinue reading “Northwest Recipes, Hawthorn jelly”
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