Tag Archives: #Uplands

Grey Crottle or Shield Lichen, Parmelia saxatilis, including some notes about various threats to Lichens in the Northwest of England

The clean air of the Northwestern fells, kept constantly damp by the prevailing westerly winds, makes them a perfect environment for many species of Lichens, and as these interesting and ecologically important organisms are often overlooked in most natural history guides, with the focus on more obvious and spectacular flora and fauna, I try toContinue reading “Grey Crottle or Shield Lichen, Parmelia saxatilis, including some notes about various threats to Lichens in the Northwest of England”

The Short-eared Owl

The Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus, translating as ‘flame-coloured owl’, also known as the Strigid owl, is a medium-sized owl commonly found on the heaths and moors of the British isles. It is a day flying owl, a little bit bigger than a Barn owl, with longer wings and a blunter face, its plumage is aContinue reading “The Short-eared Owl”

The Stoat’s Winter Coat

The Stoat, Mustela erminea, is a Mustelid, related to the Weasel and Otter, the first part of its scientific name; Mustela, relates to the species’ musty smell, and the second part; erminea, is the name given to a Stoat when it is wearing its winter coat. Handsome predator In winter the Stoat’s fur changes colourContinue reading “The Stoat’s Winter Coat”

The Village of Keasden

The picturesque village of Keasden is situated in the far Northeastern corner of Bowland, just over the Yorkshire/Lancashire boundary, it is a small hamlet consisting of little except St Matthew’s church, built in 1873, a phonebox and a scattering of farmhouses. The name Keasden originates from ‘cheese den’, or ‘cheese valley’, as the area’s richContinue reading “The Village of Keasden”

The Water Ouzel

The Dipper, or Water Ouzel Cinclus cinclus, (cinclus originating from a Greek word ‘kinklos’, meaning ‘small’) is the British isle’s only aquatic song-bird, it is sleek yet dumpy at the same time with beautifully dark, chestnut coloured plumage and one of the finest swimmers you will ever witness. Aquatically Adept An expert swimmer the DipperContinue reading “The Water Ouzel”

The Abandoned Steam Crane in Jumbles Quarry

Stocks reservoir sits at the head of the Hodder valley in Lancashire and was constructed over the latter half of the 1920s, opening in July 1932, you can read about the history of the reservoir here; Sources of Stone For the construction of the dam and its many associated buildings, culverts, causeways, bridges etc nearbyContinue reading “The Abandoned Steam Crane in Jumbles Quarry”