This May I ran a foraging course for Maulden Women’s Institute. We met at a little known countryside idyll and found Pineapple May weed, Ground Ivy and Nettle, all delicious as tea, before we had even left the car park.

We also found Hemlock, a lethally poisonous plant used as an execution poison by the ancient Greeks. Not one to confuse with Carrot family edibles!!

By the trickling brook we sampled Ground Elder, an ancient cure for gout since Roman times. I showed everyone the safest way to eat a raw nettle (yes, there is a way!). We learnt about another 20 or so plants along the route.

Experienced Scout leader Belinda had brought along some Thermos so we could try out the teas. I brought along some Jack By The Hedge Pesto and bread wraps for a seasonal bite to eat in the fragrant woodland, right next to the aforesaid Jack (Allaria petiolata).

We then ended our morning at the George Inn where we cheated and ate non Foraged pub lunch. Thanks very much to Maulden W.I. for a great day out.

xx Hedgewitch Kat xx