Dewberry Picking

Wild Dewberries

I'M ALL SET for the blackberry picking season next month, but I like to be one step ahead of those eagerly waiting to get first pickings. I've reported earlier in my blog the 'doorstep edibles' available to us locals here in Llandudno, to add to the list is 'Dewberries' which crop a little earlier than Blackberries and are presently available in small quantities on the West Shore. Not so far away is 'Sea Buckthorn' which produce yellow/orange berries with a distinctive orangey/peach cirtrus like aroma. Again I could divulge the locations, but the fun is really getting out and about, enjoying the flora and fauna around you, instead of being couch potatoes and watching it all on TV. Anyway, i've had my pickings so feel free to pick what remains :D either that or the birds will have them!

Doorstep Edibles in Llandudno

Wild Fennel found in sandy silty soil

Ever since I watched Channel 4's series of River Cottage hosted by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall i've constantly been on the lookout for natural ingredients in the surrounding area. I've purchased several gardening books which have aided my studies and was pleasantly surprised as to how much there actually is on our doorstep. Whilst foraging local woodland i've come across Wild Garlic which is much milder than our supermarket cousin but has a fantastic taste, more recently whilst on one of our beaches I came across some Wild Fennel, distinct for it's aniseed like aroma and taste. It would be easy for me to tell you where to locate my finds, but the enjoyment is in finding it yourself, and exploring the wonderful surrounds of our town. 

Wild Garlic found in Local Woodland

When picking, pick in moderation, and research your find well before consuming, always follow rules to make sure the any fauna isn't protected or find out permissions with the landowner first. Besides herbs there are many other things to find such as fruit and some vegetables. Let us know if you find anything exciting.