Astronaut’s View of The Earth at Pennington

The world has come to Pennington Flash, with a floating globe over the lake at the Leigh Country Park.

Floating Earth, is an art installation by Luke Jerram, brought to the North West by Wigan Council and The Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Carbon Landscape project. It is a 10metre diameter globe, using high resolution NASA imagery. It shows an exact scaled down version of the planet and is the view that astronauts see when they are in space – or the “overview effect”.

It is a unique way to see earth in all its glory, and astronauts are often become overwhelmed by the beauty and the wonder but it also makes them realise how small our world is and how important it is.

Many astronauts become environmentalists after being in space because of this view of our planet.

Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive Tom Burditt said: “We are all on one planet, we’re all interconnected and we all need to look after our home.”

Alongside the floating earth there are audio recordings of people talking about the importance of our planet.

Photos: Luke Jerram’s globe at Pennington by Becky Royce

More details here www.wigan. gov.uk/News/Articles/2021/Nov/ Artist-Luke-Jerram.aspx

The Wildlife Trusts

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the wildlife in Lancashire, seven boroughs of Greater Manchester and four of Merseyside, all lying north of the River Mersey. It manages around 40 nature reserves and 20 Local Nature Reserves covering acres of woodland, wetland, upland and meadow. The Trust has 30,000 members, and over 1,200 volunteers. To become a member of the Trust go to the website at www.lancswt.org.uk or call 01772 324129

CLITHEROE

By Megha Seth

Clitheroe is an ancient market town in the Borough of Ribble Valley district, Lancashire.

It was also known as Clyderhow and Cletherwoode, among others. The name is believed to come from the Anglo-Saxon phrase ‘Rocky Hill’. It was the administrative centre for the lands owned by the Honour of Clitheroe. A shopping haven catering to everyone’s taste with unique keeps that one usually does not come across even on high street markets, Clitheroe has plenty to offer to its tourists. From its vibrant night-life to classy entertainment and spectacular countryside views of Ribble Valley, this town is the perfect place for a short getaway with family and friends. A melting pot of culture, nature, and history, get your travel list ready as you tick off items.

PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN CLITHEROE Clitheroe is a town that has a lot to offer to its visitors in terms of local experience. We have carefully curated a list for you to indulge in the Clitheroe experience completely.  Clitheroe Castle and Museum The Clitheroe Castle is beautifully nestled above the town of Clitheroe with breathtaking panoramic views of Ribble Valley. Above 800 years old, dominating the Clitheroe skyline, apart from the castle, there is also a museum, a gift shop, and a cafe that makes it an A1 must-visit spot when in Clitheroe. The Clitheroe Castle Museum is an award-winning site that offers not only a recreational space but also imparts knowledge about the story of the town, how the landscape was formed 350 million years ago, and about Ribble Valley and its contribution towards being a haven for wildlife. The galleries have displays of the rich heritage of Clitheroe, industries, legends, and folklore. With its gate open all year round, the castle and museum make a great spot for a picnic as well, with its lush green surrounding outdoor park.  Forest of Bowland An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a protected space under the National Parks and Access to Countryside Act. The Forest of Bowland has a diverse variety of stunning natural landscapes, shaped by both natural and anthropogenic activities. The serenity and beauty of the area give it the prominent status of AONB. From the grand upland core to the rolling lowlands, escarpments, settlements, and wildlife, the landscape’s historic and cultural fusion remains unmatched to any other.  Bowland Brewery Who does not enjoy a couple of cold beers on a sunny afternoon or after an exhausting day? If you are fascinated by how this

refreshing drink is made then Bowland Brewery is a spot that you cannot miss. Established in 2003 on the edge of Forest of Bowland Area, the microbrewery takes its inspiration from the Forest of Bowland- an area of breathtaking natural beauty in the Ribble Valley. Now, as its reputation and demands have soared, they have relocated to Holmes Mill. This award-winning brewery also flexes the longest bar in Britain with its Bowland Brewery Beer Hall.  Longitude Gallery The perfect place for an art enthusiast, the Longitude Gallery is situated right in the heart of Clitheroe. The displays include exhibits of artists from all over the Northern UK and selective work from all over the UK. From photography exhibits to paintings and sculptures, hold your breath as you delve deep into the world of art at this avant-garde gallery.  Pendle Hill Pendle Hill is situated in the east of Lancashire, in the detached part of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, near the town of Oldham. Abundant in natural beauty and rich in folklore, this place is a must visit for history buffs and folklore lovers. Pendle Hill, an area that is enchanting and bewitching by all means has ties to the infamous witch trials of 1612. Pendle has been enchanted by legend and history. The area was once home to wolves and wild boars. Today, Pendle Hill still has hamlets and farms dotted on it. It remains an untamed place rich in mystery. You can opt for long distance walks like parts of the Bronte Way and 43mile Pendle Way. These trails provide a stunning view of historic and natural beauty along with some delightful country inns and farmhouses for rest and refreshment.  The Grand Catch your favourite artist, movie or band in town at this state-of-the-art multi-million dollar auditorium. As already known, Clitheroe is famous for its nightlife and cultural scenes. So make sure to book your tickets soon as you keep an eye on the line-up of the event list at the all encompassing ambiance at The Grand.

 Clitheroe Country Market

Clitheroe is quite famous as a market town so it is a given that one ought to check out what the town has to offer when it comes to shopping. The Clitheroe Country Market is held every Tuesday and has a wide variety of stalls. From local produce like eggs, the freshest of vegetables and meat, to locally baked goodies, hand-crafted pieces of jewellery, and crafts, home-grown plants, clothes, and priceless antiques, one can never run out of options to carry back home as souvenirs. The vibrant atmosphere of the market along with the unique finds here certainly makes it to the list.  The Time Train If you are a hobbyist who is into collectibles, be it timeless antique pieces, vinyl records, lava lamps, old toys, so on and so forth, then you must drop by at The Time Train at Clitheroe. A family-run business that has been around for years, one can buy and sell all sorts of collectibles at this very interesting shop. The in-house cafe with freshly baked items and freshly ground coffee is the cherry on the cake. PLACES TO STAY IN CLITHEROE Discover places to stay in Clitheroe for the best experience.  Milton Hall is an avant-garde four star country house hotel providing the best Clitheroe experience. This 15th-century manor house was revamped and brought back to life to attract tourists wanting to indulge in luxury and exclusivity in this vibrant town. With spacious and gorgeous rooms to stunning interior designs, the hotel is effortlessly beautiful and romantic.  Best Western Burnley West Higher Trapp Hotel is situated 4 miles away from Clitheroe but is a quick 12 minutes drive. This quaint country house hotel is a great deal for its budget and provides a wonderful accommodation experience. With a lounge area, beautiful and spacious rooms, their list of amenities makes it all the more welcoming. LOCAL CUISINE The best way to explore a place is through the various local cuisines that they have to offer, apart from the usual go-to cuisine that you love feasting on.  The White Hart is a gastropub and restaurant known for its superb food and the course tasting menu at really affordable rates. With a range of drinks, look out for their roasted beef, black pudding, and panna cotta. The place has various vegetarian and vegan options to choose from as well.  Coach & Horses Restaurant has bagged the Traveller’s Choice Award in 2021 and rightfully so. Rated as the #1 bar and restaurant in the vicinity, this place takes away the jackpot with its beautiful ambiance, its location, and diverse food and drinks menu.  Blueberries Cafe is a little gem in Clitheroe. With its freshly home baked items like cakes, bread, cookies and tea, lattes, cappuccinos, and a great breakfast and light food menu to choose from, the food here will literally remind you of home away from home. Clitheroe is a destination where fun and adventure fuses together to give you a memorable experience. This quirky town is blessed with striking natural beauty while also offering you an urban experience as you take in its historic charm during your escapade here.