All about the Natural History and History of the Northwest of England
(Excerpt) The concept of rewilding seeks to restore self-sustaining ecosystems by reducing intensive human management, reintroducing key species or processes, and allowing natural dynamics greater play.
In the densely populated and long-managed landscape of Britain the concept has evolved from a niche conservation theory into a mainstream yet polarising approach, generating disputes over land-use, rural livelihoods, biodiversity outcomes, and, most recently, wildfire risk.
Swaledales are medium-sized, bold, and exceptionally hardy. Key traits include a black face with bright white markings, curled horns (larger in rams), and a weatherproof off-white fleece that is dense and durable. Their strong legs and feet, combined with excellent foraging ability, allow them to thrive on heather, rough grass, and sparse vegetation.
This time of year, (around the end of November / start of December as of writing) is known as the “hinge of the year” by upland farmers. The clocks have gone back, the bracken has bleached to rust, and the last of the swallows are long gone. Up on the fells the year’s main outdoor work might be done, yet it never really stops. This is the season of maintenance, mending, and quiet worry.
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”
Forged by the Fells Herdwicks are an ancient sheep breed native to the Lake District, with 95% of the estimated 50,000 breeding ewes concentrated within a 20 mile radius of Coniston Water. Their name derives from the Old Norse herdvyck, meaning “sheep pasture,” hinting at the breed’s deep historical roots in the area. Local folkloreContinue reading “Herdwicks”
Here is a list of some of the articles I have published which fall under the broad category of ‘moorland’ or ‘uplands’, it’s by no means exhaustive as there will be some I’ve missed out, some which overlap other themes and others which sit on the fringes. I hope you find it a useful and/orContinue reading “The Upland Collection”
The Northwest of England is home to some remarkably beautiful landscapes, shaped over millennia by traditional farming practices.
It is a part of the world famous for its ancient drystone walls and barns, built from the bones of the land and woven seamlessly into its very fabric in such a way that manmade and natural complement each other.
I’ve poked and peered into all sorts of corners in my history articles, from Abbeystead to Whalley and everywhere between, but feel that I’ve overlooked some of the historical locations closer to home, around the towns of Padiham and Hapton where I live and work. With this in mind I set out the other dayContinue reading “Closer to Home, Exploring the History around our Town; Hambledon Firing Range”
Northwest Nature and History