Spindle / Summer / Autumn / Toxic Spindle is a fairly common shrub or small tree in the South of the UK, and one of the indictors of an ancient woodland. In the North it is rarer and usually only occurs where it has been planted by humans. It looks…
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Deadly Nightshade / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Toxic Deadly Nightshade – As the name suggests it can be deadly poisonous. It’s a member of the same family as Tomatoes, Potatoes and Aubergines and it’s fairly common in the UK. Common Names Deadly Nightshade, Belladonna Botanical Name Atropa belladonna…
Black Bryony / Summer / Toxic A toxic member of the Yam family, it’s quite a common sight in summer and autumn, all parts are poisonous. It’s a climber and can grow up to 4m each year. Common Names Black Bryony, Lady’s-seal or Black bindweed Botanical Name Dioscorea communis or…
Guelder Rose / Summer / Autumn / Edible Common Names Cramp bark tree, Crampbush Botantical Name Viburnum opulus Scientific Classification Kingdom – Plantae Order –Dipsacales Family – Adoxaceae Physical Characteristics of Guelder Rose A woody perennial shrub that can grow to 4m in height. Leaves The leaves, 5–10cm long, grow…
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,…
Wild Thyme / All Year Round / Edible It’s a low lying and fragrant member of the Mint family, it often grows in dense mats and can be used in place of cultivated Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Common Names Wild Thyme, Creeping Thyme Botanical Name Thymus polytrichus Scientific Classification Kingdom –…
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…
This Three-Cornered Leek & wilted Hogweed Stem with peas is a super fresh spring recipe, we’re keeping it simple with just two wild ingredients here, this recipe works really well as a side dish to loads of different meals you’re creating. Or use it as the star of the show…
foraging and herbal medicine go hand in glove. Herbal remedies are easily produced at home because they involve extracting and/or preserving plant material using age-old processes like macerating in vinegar, oil or alcohol, preserved by drying or using a potent source of sugar or salt, or fermenting into a condiment…
Spruce / All year round / Edible Spruce is a family of naturalised, fast-growing, evergreen trees. They are a common choice of tree in 20th century plantations, but can also self seed and spread their seeds on the wind. Common Names Norway spruce Botanical Name Picea abies Scientific Classification Kingdom…