Richard's parents were born and raised near the Lancashire village of Hurst Green. This is a picturesque area with lush farm lands and wooden dells, all of which are interwoven with a great sense of history. The Roman fort of Ribchester stands close by on the banks of the mighty River Ribble.

Richard also enjoys spending time in Lancashire’s Forest of Bowland A.O.N.B. This area is characterised by its open heather moorland and picture postcard villages.

Richard was born in Blackburn a northern industrial town famous for its football team and Cotton manufacture. Richard was raised in a rural part of Lancashire called the Ribble Valley in a small village called Billington .

Billington was originally a series of small farmsteads but after the industrial revolution it developed mills and the population increased. Billington sits on the banks of the River Calder opposite the Cistercian monastery of Whalley. The three fishes, symbols of the monks of Whalley represent the three Rivers Calder, Ribble and Hodder all of which meander through the valley.

Map of Lancashire

Pendle in December

The Ribble Valley is largely made up of fertile pasture land, gently rolling hills and tree lined waterways. The valley also has a rather mild climate given its northerly location.

Richard has however recently moved to the Rossendale Valley, also a beautiful part of rural Lancashire. The climate is slightly colder than the Ribble Valley but the hills and farms are more remote and untouched. Richard has only just started to explore the landscape here.