The Common Inkcap, Coprinopsis atramentaria

As the autumn rains soak our countryside, the fruiting bodies of fungi sprout forth, bewitching us with their bewildering multitude of forms.
One of the most bizarre of these is the Common Inkcap.

Chanterelle; Notes on Biology and Foraging

Chanterelles belong to the Cantharellaceae family and their scientific name derives from the Greek word kantharos (κάνθαρος) which is a type of cup, describing their distinctive funnel or trumpet-like shape, with cibarius coming from the latin cibus which simply means ‘food’.

Farming, the Next Generation

The United Kingdom’s agricultural sector stands as a pillar of food security, rural economies, and environmental management, yet it faces a generational shift amid rapidly evolving challenges. With the average farmer’s age around 60, the industry urgently needs fresh talent to ensure its sustainability yet many have abandoned the profession. For a long while theContinue reading “Farming, the Next Generation”

World War Two air crashes in the Forest of Bowland

Dotted around the Bowland fells are the sites of over 14 air crashes in which over 25 air-crew and passengers have lost their lives, most of these occurred in the Second World War, here are the locations of some of these and details about the causes of these sad accidents. January 1943 In January 1943Continue reading “World War Two air crashes in the Forest of Bowland”

Northwest Recipes, Hawthorn jelly

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”

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