Sweet Violet / Spring / Summer / Edible Sweet Violet is a sweet-scented woodland plant, the roots and seeds are toxic but the flowers are delicious. Common Names Sweet violet, Wood violet, Sweet violet, English violet, Common violet, Florist’s violet or Garden violet. Botanical Name Viola odorata Scientific Classification Kingdom…
Journal
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…
The Salty Agaric / Summer / Autumn / Edible Scientific Name Agaricus Bernardii Common Names The Salty Agaric, The Salt-loving mushroom. Family Agaricaceae Habitat As their common name suggests they love salty environments so are most often found near to the coast, although they are becoming more common on inland…
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…
False Morel / Spring / Toxic Enter a realm of danger as we unveil the sinister truth about the False Morel (Gyromitra esculenta), a mushroom that demands utmost caution. Join us on a journey where deception and toxicity intertwine. With its intricate brain-like appearance and earthy allure, the False Morel…
Today we’re taking a look at transforming autumns abundance of chestnuts into this salted caramel & sweet chestnut vodka, trust me it’s loooooovely! Sweet Chestnuts trees are common throughout the UK and they produce their delicious and nutritious nuts in Autumn, this a really simple recipe and a great way…
Wild Strawberry / Spring / Summer / Edible A common sight in woodlands and parks. It’s a native perennial plant that’s really easy to identify. Common Names Wild Strawberry, Woodland Strawberry, Alpine strawberry, Carpathian strawberry, European strawberry. Botanical Name Fragaria vesca Scientific Classification Kingdom – Plantae Order – Rosales Family…
Giant Hogweed / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Toxic Giant Hogweed is a non-native invasive member of the Carrot family. It’s classed as scarce in the UK but it can be very common in some areas. When fully grown they can reach up to 4.5 metres tall. Common Names…
Japanese Quince/ All Year Round / Edible Japanese Quince is a non-native, thorny deciduous shrub. Up to 2 metres tall. Common Names Japanese Quince, Maule’s Quince, Northern Lemon, Flowering Quince Botanical Name Chaenomeles Japonica Scientific Classification Kingdom – Plantae Order – Rosales Family – Rosaceae Physical Characteristics for Japanese Quince…