The Victorian era was famed for exploration and this included the so-called plant-hunters, who roamed the world in search of ornamental plants, fruits, vegetables and medicines. However, some of their finds now cause problems in the form of invasive plant species, more colourfully known as alien invaders. Whilst some finds are now popular with gardeners, such as honeysuckle, anemones and clematis, invasive types can crowd out native species, affect rivers and damage roads and buildings. Examples include the Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed from Asia, and the amusingly named American Continue Reading
The Arnside Bore in Morecambe Bay
On the highest tides, a most unusual sight can be seen in the Kent Estuary in Morecambe Bay, called the Arnside Bore, one of the UK's twenty or so tidal bores. Named after a town in the estuary, it is quite a spectacle and it often draws crowds of onlookers. The source of the Kent is the Kentmere Valley near Ambleside and the river then flows down through Kendal to Morecambe Bay. Arnside is on the south side of the estuary and is a pleasant place to wander, with a good choice of shops, pubs and cafes. Along with scenic views of the distant Lake District fells, there is a much-photographed Continue Reading
Tidal bores: a UK natural spectacle
Some of the highest tides in the world occur in the UK, leading to the formation of tidal bores: a line of surf or waves travelling upstream against the river flow. Indeed, of the hundred or so worldwide, about twenty are found in the UK's estuaries, from Devon to southwest Scotland and East Anglia to the Humber Estuary. The largest and most famous is the Severn Bore and in the right conditions attracts large crowds of spectators to watch surfers and canoeists try their luck. However, most others are smaller affairs unsuited to such outdoor pursuits, although still wonderful to see, such as Continue Reading
