Douglas Fir / All year round / Edible Douglas fir is a large, naturalised, fast growing, evergreen tree. It was bought to the UK in 1827 by the botanist David Douglas, whom it’s named after. It’s considered the best tasting edible conifer. They typically look like a Christmas tree…
Category: autumn

Walnut / All year round / Edible A deciduous, broadleaf tree, it was introduced to the UK by the Romans. Common Names      Walnut, English Walnut, Persian Walnut, Common Walnut Botanical Name Juglans regia Scientific Classification Kingdom – Plantae Order – Fagales Family – Juglandaceae Physical Characteristics for Walnut Leaves The…

Pheasant berry / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Edible A non-native member of the Honeysuckle family, it’s originally from China and the Himalaya’s and was introduced to the UK by the Victorians. The berries have a strong toffee like flavour. It’s a deciduous shrub-like plant. Common Names Pheasant berry,…

Dyers Mazegill / Summer/ Autumn / Inedible Prepare to enter the realm of nature’s artistic marvels as we delve into the world of the Dyers Mazegill (Phaeolus schweinitzii), an inedible mushroom that captivates with its intricate beauty. Join us on a journey of discovery as we explore the fascinating characteristics…

Golden Scalycap / Spring / Autumn / Inedible Welcome to an exploration of nature’s intricate beauty as we uncover the distinctive characteristics and identification features of the inedible Golden Scalycap (Pholiota adiposa). Join us on a journey where observation and knowledge intersect. With its striking golden-brown caps and intricate scales,…

Horse Chestnut / All year round / Toxic The ‘nuts’ or ‘conkers’ of Horse Chestnut are a common and familiar sight in autumn, the tree was introduced to the UK from Turkey in the 16th century. Common Names      Horse Chestnut, Conker tree, Buckeye. Botanical Name Aesculus hippocastanum Scientific Classification Kingdom…
As an avid forager, I am always on the lookout for ways to utilize the natural resources around me. One of my favorite finds during the autumn season is horse chestnuts, also known as conkers. These shiny nuts may not be edible, but they have a hidden secret – they…