Category: Notes from the sticks

FROM our house in Lancashire we can see Pendle Hill, which rises quite abruptly from the valleys each side of it to a height of 1,827ft (557m). On the west … Continue readingUnsung heroes of the air

LAST weekend I went to an agricultural show in Great Harwood not far from us. As often at these events there was a display of classic cars, but what interested … Continue readingTransports of delight

IF you are one of the estimated 10million hay fever sufferers in Britain, you might want to look away now. One of the main causes of this condition is grass … Continue readingSuper grass

ONE of the most spectacular plants you will ever see in this country is giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). It can grow to 16ft or even more with leaves up to … Continue readingGiant hogweed: Look but don’t touch

THIS is The Victoria pub in Great Harwood, a small Lancashire town not far from us. However if you asked a local for directions they would probably not realise where … Continue readingThe Art Nouveau palace in a back street

OF all the beautiful birds we have, I think my favourite is the bullfinch, with the male’s bold colours and markings subtly echoed by the female. The white rump is … Continue readingWelcome back, bullfinches

THE science classroom at my grammar school had some stick insects in a tank, and every holiday someone took them home to look after them, usually me. They ate privet, … Continue readingOur lesser spotted trout

DURING the winter I have been aware of many different kinds of lichen on branches and walls. Now that the leaves and flowers are coming out the lichens are fading … Continue readingA liking for lichen

WE have frequent vehicle rallies round here, taking advantage of the twisty country lanes and the beautiful scenery. Often they involve vintage or classic cars, but last weekend it was … Continue readingKeep on truckin’

THE weather forecast looks propitious so Pendle Hill should be swarming this morning with children either rolling eggs or looking for them. For centuries there has been an Easter tradition … Continue readingFor whom the egg rolls