Tag Archives: #Yorkshire

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

The History of Dunnow Hall

Part of a Collection of Articles looking at the Communities of the Hodder Valley The story of Dunnow Hall begins in the late 11th century, when the Manor of Slaidburn became part of the Lordship of Bowland, a vast Royal Forest and Liberty spanning nearly 300 square miles across the historic borders of Lancashire andContinue reading “The History of Dunnow Hall”

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”

Heather Beetle Outbreaks, a Brief Study of the Ecology of Lochmaea suturalis and Effects of Population Outbreaks on Moorland Habitats and Communities

The heather beetle, Lochmaea suturalis, is a small, unassuming olive-brown leaf beetle measuring about 6mm, and it has long been a part of our moorland ecosystems. While unremarkable in appearance, this native insect can wreak havoc when its populations surge, causing devastating outbreaks that threaten heather moorlands, their biodiversity, and the communities that depend onContinue reading “Heather Beetle Outbreaks, a Brief Study of the Ecology of Lochmaea suturalis and Effects of Population Outbreaks on Moorland Habitats and Communities”

Dunsop Bridge’s Beginnings

Part of a Series of Notes about Dunsop Bridge and other Hodder Valley Communities At the heart of Great Britain, in the centre of the Forest of Bowland, sits the pretty, well-kept village of Dunsop Bridge. Just 9 miles northwest of the Ribble valley town of Clitheroe, this tiny settlement is often celebrated as theContinue reading “Dunsop Bridge’s Beginnings”