Last week we had a swarm of honey bees near the car park, and called up the Stansted beekeeper, John Geden to come and rescue them. A swarm forms when a bee colony grows too large for the hive. The existing queen bee moves out, taking half the colony with … Read More
This is the perfect fresh, green, garlic hit that our bodies are craving at this time of year. Picked from the local woods by our chef, Adam, and full of healthy nutrients, anti-oxidants, and free from pesticides, fungicides and herbicides, this is food as it is meant to be. You … Read More
We have a selection of wild, foraged spring greens available this week, hand-picked by Adam. With the mild winter this year, spring is already underway and many plants are coming through earlier than usual. We have 3 cornered wild garlic (£3.50), Sea Beet and Miner’s Lettuce (£2.50) available in punnets, … Read More
Wild Garlic is popping up in the woods as we speak, and at this early stage of the season, the flavour is mighty, while the leaves are tender – making it ideal for salads or blanched and seasoned as your greens. It’s also great as the base for pesto or … Read More
This year the pannage season has been fairly short, despite huge amounts of acorns in some areas of the New Forest. Richard has had his pigs (rare breed Middle White / Landcross) out on the acorns fattening nicely. They’ve enjoyed the relatively mild weather this autumn and have been hoovering … Read More
Wet Walnuts are a true seasonal specialty – they describe walnuts that have just fallen off the tree – the kernel inside has not yet dried, but is soft, a bit juicy and with a milder, more delicate flavour. They are also local, unlike the dried supermarket varieties that are … Read More
We have a great selection of wild meat available this week, natural, sustainable and delicious. With wild rabbit that has been ferreted from Cobnor, this is a pre-war favourite dish that is gradually coming back into favour. It is lean and healthy white meat, that works best in a stew … Read More
Every hedgerow and wood side seems to be heaving with Elderflower at the moment – and now is the time to pick some blooms and make some wild Elderflower cordial Elderflower fritters, or your own Elderflower wine. While we’re on the subject of drink, elderflower cordial also combines with gin … Read More
The woods and hedgerows are springing to life and you can enjoy the bounty with foraged St George’s Mushrooms and wild garlic. You can also enjoy nettle tips (very healthy and surprisingly tasty stir fried with garlic, chilli and pine nuts!). We will have a small amount of wild garlic … Read More
This year has to be the most spectacular display of Spring flowers that I can remember. Everything is blooming at the same time and if you get the chance, you must get into the countryside and enjoy a walk, whatever the weather. We had a family walk to Racton Tower … Read More
Wood Ear fungus is for the braver of the foragers amongst you – as it looks and feels distinctly like a cold, clammy ear. However it’s prized for its anti-inflammatory properties, eaten to relieve tonsillitis, swelling, but is also regarded as a powerful anti-carcinogen, used to prevent and treat tumours. … Read More
The hedgerows are brimming with blackberries and elderberries at the moment, and with the sunshine, they are firm and delicious. You really can’t get healthier than running around the countryside with kids while picking frree fruit that is packed with vitamin C. Gavin is cooking blackberry and apple turnovers in … Read More