Spruce / All year round / Edible Spruce is a naturalised, fast-growing, evergreen tree. Common Names UK spruce, Norway spruce Botanical Name Picea abies Scientific Classification Kingdom – Plantae Order – Pinales Family – Pinaceae Physical Characteristics for Spruce Leaves The needles are stiff and sharp and grow individually, around…
Journal
Hedge Bedstraw / Spring / Summer / Edible Hedge Bedstraw is a fairly common, hedgerow plant, it’s related to cleavers and coffee. Common Names Hedge bedstraw, False baby’s breath, Botanical Name Galium mollugo Scientific Classification Kingdom – Plantae Order – Gentianales Family – Rubiaceae Physical Characteristics for Hedge Bedstraw…
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, English violet, Common violet, Florist’s violet or Garden violet. Botanical Name Viola odorata Scientific Classification Kingdom – Plantae…
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…