[tippben]

Do you forage? If you don't, you should. The year has been kind to us, and there is a bumper crop of fruit in every hedge. There are plenty of mushrooms about: the "field" mushrooms, chanterelles, porcini, parasols, I even found some hedgehog mushrooms. Don't go picking any without an experienced guide, or Roger Phillips "Mushrooms and other fungi of Great Britain and Europe".

We made damson jam the other day. There are LOADS of elderberries. We don't drink anymore, so we'll make some cordial and chutney. Blackberries are abundant, and we all know what to do with them... A lesser known use is Blackberry Whiskey, which we give as xmas presents. A bottle of the cheapest, nastiest whiskey you can find. Pour it into a big jar. Dissolve sugar in it to taste and add a cinnamon stick and a few cloves, then plop blackberries in until they just break the surface. Shake regularly, then strain and bottle just before xmas.

Sloes make a lovely tart jelly, good with mackerel, or fatty meats, and rose hips, once the seeds are removed, make a great syrup to put on ice cream, or for use in drinks.

Get yer wellies on, and the bucket out!

[Greengage]

mmmmmmmmmm what about all the sprays used by farmers and heavy metals in road run off. all is not a rosy as you paint it,

[Sive]

aaaah Greengage, I was in another world, reading tippben's lovely post and then you brought me down to earth again with a bang......sprays and heavy metals.....back to reality.......

[Greengage]

you do have to be careful and I'am only pointing out the dangers.
back in the days it was ok but not so today thats progress??????????

[Sive]

You're absolutely right.......oh dear, what are we doing to this beautiful planet....? Progress indeed.

[tippben]

I live in the countryside, so anything noxious is on all the veggies I grow too, and certainly on all the food I buy. Not condoning it by any means, but I'm not dead yet!