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Hazel

“Hazel was one of the first trees to colonise the land after the end of the last Ice Age,” writes Gabrielle Hatfield, “and for a great period of time it would have been one of the most abundant tree species.” Little wonder the hazel tree has become deeply entrenched in …

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Himalayan balsam

The transportation of seeds or whole plants is an offence under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 in England and Wales and Section 14AA of the Wildlife and Countryside Act in Scotland. This means that no seeds or plants should be removed from the site where they …

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Hawthorn Flower Syrup

One of the things I love about researching plants is having a damn good rummage through ancient manuscripts and cookery books scouting out long forgotten recipes. Two days ago I visited the Bodleian library in Oxford. Confined to the outside only, so not really a visit more a pinning for …

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Hawthorn

Common hawthorn in blossom is a familiar sight along hedgerows, woodlands and scrubs in spring. It was famously known as the May-Tree or may-blossom for it was said to flower in May, and it once played a large part in May Day festivities. Today it is no longer a fairy …

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Dragon’s Breath Hawthorn Relish

There is an old Scottish proverb “Mony haws, Mony snows” meaning that an abundance of haws (hawthorn berries) will bring a severe winter. It will be interesting to see if this old folk belief pans out this year. I have a suspicion it will. While on a train to London …

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Why does that plant taste disgusting?

A week or so ago I mentioned that I was pondering what to do with hawthorn berries. Something a little different to the usual sweet dishes that they are used in usually. At the weekend while out with the grand-urchins I gathered a small bag of hawthorn berries. I was …

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Hawthorn Jelly Recipe

This is a lovely, simple hawthorn jelly recipe that you can have with cheese or meats. Make it now and you’ll be in time for giving it away as Christmas presents. If your celebrating is more earth-centric, then you’ll be in time for the return of the sun on December …

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