CLIFTON WALKING GROUP

Please contact for info: Suzanne I’ons -07933709006

ionssuzanne@gmail.com

At this time of year, when out with the Clifton Walking Group I start examining the hedgerows really carefully for new growth and blossom. March offers an opportunity to identify the best foraging spots for later in the year.

Blackthorn, one of the earliest shrubs to blossom, gets its white five petal flowers even before its leaves. It really stands out in the spring hedgerow, the frothy white blossom a reminder of pleasures to come. It is the Blackthorn that provides us with sloes in the autumn. Dark purple sloe berries serve to make sloe gin, sloe port, sloe wine, sloe jam and jelly. There are so many ways to preserve this wonderful fruit but watch out for the thorns! Cherry Plum blossoms early too, often at the beginning of March. Its fruit makes a fabulous jam and works a treat in crumble. Hawthorn blossoms in May and June but, unlike Blackthorn, the Hawthorn sprouts its leaves before it’s pink and white blossoms. You can eat the fresh leaves in a green salad and the haws (berries) make a good jelly when combined with crab apples. Country walking in early spring provides lots of opportunities to seek out ‘sweet spots’ for foraging later in the year. If you’d like to get started with foraging, try www.eatweeds.co.uk. Happy hunting!