Larry the lapwing

'Larry the Lapwing' is a giant lapwing owned by the RSPB, inflated by a blower powered by a generator. Larry was spotted outside Thorneyholme school ('An Outstanding School in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty') on Saturday scaring cyclists taking part in the Tour of Britain. Photos of this frighteningly big (12 foot) bird will soon be available so check back shortly! Lapwings normally head for the coast in the autumn and as there was a stiff breeze on Saturday, Larry had to be tied down with guy ropes otherwise he was joining the others. Larry and a giant peregrine Falcon were both there to promote the Forest of Bowland, AONB to the world via TV coverage of the Tour. Despite my best efforts, this has not happened exactly as I had hoped. The TV helicopter spent quite a while overhead but I haven't seen the footage used yet.


Forest of Bowland AONB website

Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillar

On Sunday I was out on my bike having a gentle ride around the lanes in the Longridge area. I was cycling down Hothersall Lane and could smell a distinct aniseed smell where I had noticed a stand of Sweet Cicely earlier in the year. (Sweet Cicely is a lovely plant and gives off an anseed smell when bruised). I stopped to see if there were any seeds left and then saw the biggest caterpillar that I have ever seen in my life. About as thick and long as my middle finger, light brown with several bands and with 4 'eyes'. It was munching a leaf of rosebay willowherb. Looking at a specialist moth site, it seems that this was probably the caterpillar for the Elephant Hawkmoth which is presumably about the same size as a small bat!


Forest of Bowland AONB website