Robin Harford

Wych elm

With around forty-five species of elm found in forests in the northern hemisphere to the tropical mountains of Asia, we’re spoilt for choice. Here, … Continue

What to forage in December

Discover over thirty wild food plants you can forage and harvest in December. Availability should only be seen as a rough guide. Variations in climate … Continue

Silver birch

Introduction The birch tree is the ‘lady of the forest’ with its silvery bark, elegant white boughs and delicate leaves. The Latin name for … Continue

Strawberry Tree Vinegar

This week I’ve been collecting the ripe fruits of the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo). The fruits look like strawberries, and if eaten directly from … Continue

EP40: Plants and colour

In this episode, I talk with natural plant dye artist, Flora Arbuthnott. We discuss her fascination with using wild plants to create beautiful art … Continue

What to forage in November

Discover over forty wild food plants you can forage and harvest in November. Availability should only be seen as a rough guide. Variations in climate … Continue

Salad Burnet

Salad Burnet is one of the few wild species which supplies edible greenery for most of the year. During the winter and spring months, … Continue

Staghorn Sumac

Scientific name Rhus typhina Family Anacardiaceae Botanical description Habit: Small tree, typically forming a low, spreading dome to 7m in height, often with multiple … Continue

Wild Service (Chequers Tree)

The wild service tree has earned its name from the Latin cervisia, because people used its small fruit in ancient times to make a fermented, … Continue

What to forage in October

Discover over forty wild food plants you can forage and harvest in October. Availability should only be seen as a rough guide. Variations in climate … Continue

Crab apple

Introduction Crab apple is the awkward cousin of the cultivated apple and is often overlooked in food and medicine. However, the tree produces small, … Continue

What to forage in September

Discover over fifty wild food plants you can forage and harvest in September. Availability should only be seen as a rough guide. Variations in climate … Continue

Gorse

Gorse is a pretty, fragrant shrub of the pea family. The native species to the British Isles is considered to be U. gallii, although U. europaeus is … Continue

Dandelion & Burdock Wild Soda

Ingredients 20g dried burdock root 20g dried dandelion root 800ml of spring water 50ml maple syrup 50ml sauerkraut brine starter Instructions Put the dandelion … Continue