I haven’t updated my Blog for ages and I really should have done to be honest.
What a glorious few weeks I’ve had. I was fortunate enough to be fuloughed straight away, as soon as Britain went in to lockdown. Consequently, I’ve spent five weeks in what has been some exceptionally warm spring sunshine enjoying watching spring unfold in front of my eyes. Moreover, living in a village has afforded me plenty of opportunity to get out and about on my bike and by foot.
Although this morning was the first day of thick cloud cover for weeks, and rain was in the forecast and the air, I managed to get a good walk in through Stapleford Woods before the rain started properly. I sauntered around the outskirts of the woods in a circular five mile route. I was actually looking for anything that I might be able to forage. In particular I was hoping to find the fungus Chicken of the Woods on the trees or even some St Georges Mushrooms in the fields on the wood fringe. I was also on the look out for wild garlic. I managed to find none of them. I think the woods are actually too dry and well drained here.
The only fungus I found was Hoof Fungus, also known as Tinder Fungus for the very good reason that it’s as dry as a bone. In addition to the usual nettles, dandelions and daisies I found plenty of Red Campion in flower, Forgetmenot, Bugle and also a few Stichwort. Fortunately, I also found a good supply of Galic Mustard and was able to make half a jar of pesto out of it. The pesto tastes awesome; however, it is ‘blow your head off’ strong.
