Granny's store cupbard walk report and next event

Fiona pointing out some wildflowers

On a lovely day, 7 people were given a real insight to some of the local plants and trees that can be found on the Local Nature Reserve. This walk was led by the extremely knowledgeable Fiona Ford who gave up her own time to fascinate and educate us.

We learnt how the hawthorn tree is the totem of the old Celtic god Bran while elder leaves are a strong purgative. I'll be trying out Hawthorn flower tea to see if it helps me sleep and that evening I collected up some ground elder and braised it in a little water and some butter and pepper and it was so good, that I'll be collecting some more of it over the next couple of weeks.


Braised Ground elder with my dinner

As ground elder is considered a weed, I'll be doing my bit to control it, by eating it. No after effects today so all's good too.
Remember, you should never pick anything or eat anything if you are not entirely sure what it is.

Everyone really enjoyed it and we are very grateful for Fiona's kindness and knowledge. She indicated she'd like to come back again and do another one later in the year and we'd be more than happy if she did.

We'd like to thank Henllys Community Council, Asda, Morrisons, One Stop Shop and Wilkinsons for all agreeing to display our poster for this walk.

At the end of the walk, we had a little look at our trial wildflower meadow are and it is looking pretty good with plenty of germinations in both halves. Can't tell them apart yet.



Germinating wildflower seeds

NEXT EVENT: Sat 18th May

TIME: 10am

Stream clean up 2!! Please bring wellies and gardening gloves if you have them. All other equipment will be supplied.

Get in touch via friendsofhenllyslnr@gmail.com or 07824504813.