BRIGHT red hawthorn berries are filling the hedgerows this month. There seems to be an abundance of them this year and the birds and squirrels will be sure to take advantage of this to stock up before the winter months. However, one old saying predicts harsh winters after heavy crops of the berries so perhaps they are not such a welcome sight.

Hawthorns can be used to make wine and jelly, and medicinally are said to be good for breaking up kidney stones. Locally, names for the berries include cuckoo's beads, Hippertythaw, Hogail, May Wurt and Pig Berry, suggesting perhaps they were used in various ways, the thorns for tacking cloth, whole twigs for drying mushrooms, possibly for fish hooks and, of course, dried, the branches would make good kindling. I only hope the old saying about the severe winters is untrue, but I have a lot of faith in past folklore, after all our ancestors were more one with nature and noticed seasonal events that we have all but lost.

Another red berry, rosehips are just ready for picking. They can be used to make jellies, wines, syrups and even a sweet soup. Rosehips are rich in vitamin C and contain far more than just about any other fruit. During the war years, people were encouraged to make use of them, to supplement their rationed diet. Rosehips are said to be good for mouth and chest infections, and when powdered will cure the gravel (whatever that is)!

Hedgerow Harvest

By Jennifer Green

October

Next Month: Chestnuts, beech nuts, hazelnuts.

Hazelnuts are not quite ready at the moment but if picking is left too late squirrels will take most of them. The rest will be blown from the trees and lost amongst the undergrowth surrounding them. Besides, I think they taste sweeter, having a lovely milky taste when picked earlier. We never keep the nuts until Christmas as was done in the past, although I always start out with good intentions. Very often my pickings don't reach home. My sons can't resist them and take a nut cracker with them on the outing. Look beneath hazel trees and you will find shell cases that squirrels have cracked. Any nuts not opened amongst these empty cases are almost bound to be fruitless, (unless they are a recent fall), squirrels can tell instantly which nuts are barren and which contains fruit.

Hazelnuts can be used in various ways, to make a sweet, hazelnut nougat, or grated they make a tasty addition to cakes. Nowadays one can boast of making muesli with handpicked wild hazelnuts (I know I do).

Vegetarians know what a useful source of food all nuts are and how nutritious, yet one very old medicinal herbal book I have, states that hazelnuts are undeniably bad for you, being hard to digest, having little nourishment and causing flatulence! The book does allow, however, that when processed, the nuts can cure coughs and mixed with lard are good for scalds, (powdered I presume!).

Remember the health of the hedgerow is in our hands. Only take what is in abundance and never over pick plants. Only eat what you are absolutely sure about, a good reference book will come in handy. Never dig up plants to transfer to your own garden, not only is it against the law, it is morally wrong. Do not pick plants which are endangered or are rare, again a reference book will point these out. And lastly, if you pick to eat, watch where you collect from. Remember someone may have passed that way earlier with their dear little pooch.

©Jennifer Green.