Hello wild ones, how are you all holding up?
It is unusually wet here in the UK this July, and as someone who struggles with SAD (seasonal affective disorder) during the colder, darker months of the year, I can say I have really been feeling the weather’s effects. A few years ago I turned more and more to Nature to help me through Winter’s bouts of depression and I’m finding myself reaching for those techniques this month too. At a time of the year where I would usually be spending evenings at the beach with my kids, the weekends in the woods with a campfire, and short walks out at all times to forage, I now look longingly out of the window, wishing for sun. When I am outside I pass by the last Elderflowers, Wild Roses, Red Clover and Meadowsweet flowers without picking them - they’re too wet. Their pollen has been washed away, their scent is faded and they would take such a long time to dry that they might spoil in my kitchen. Dry days are for picking (and lying in the grass), and we haven’t had many of those!
But, while the disappointingly wet and overcast summer continues, there is so much scope for us to find comfort and hope outdoors. The flowers might be wet, but they are still blooming. There are still dry moments where the sun comes out, and still opportunities for lovely walks and foraging, connecting to the landscape and noticing the plants as they move through the season’s cycle.
Last Monday evening I led a foraging walk, where we picked our own herbal tea and crafted smudge sticks. We learned all about aromatic herbs, and delved into the energetics of plants. Here are a few photos from the walk:
So, what is in my foraging basket?
Not a lot to take home to dry or process, because of the weather and my other work and parenting commitments, but plenty of things are in season and I have been nibbling on them in-situ, or bringing home small handfuls to garnish my plate or go in the teapot. And this is a great way to forage, especially if you are new! Why not choose one of these to look out for on your next walk or in the garden and have a taste?
Sea Plantain - the coastal variety of Plantain that grows on rock faces, cliffs and dunes near the sea. All the types of Plantain (Ribwort, Broadleaf, Sea) have strange-looking but edible flower buds that taste of mushrooms. Ribwort Plantain has gone over to seed now so the heads are dry and crumbly and not good for snacking, but if you find the coastal or broadleaf kinds with tight green buds on, now is the time to pick and nibble.
Wild Cherries and Wild Strawberries - 2 berries that are ripening now, but must be hunted for! I usually only get a handful of either, because the birds love cherries and small ground-dwellers eat the strawberries, so I don’t try to take them home, I just eat them right away and feel the gratitude of the fleeting season. If you are on moorland or at a coniferous woodland you might also find Bilberries, or Wild Blueberries now.
Red Clover - I love a cup of Red Clover tea, it tastes refreshing and has a natural sweetness. It has loads of health benefits including being a supportive ally for menopause, menstruation and hormones. I mix up a herbal tea blend for moon time with Red Clover, Raspberry leaf, and Mugwort.
Nettle Seeds - one of my favourite points of the foraging calendar is the ripening of Nettle seeds. They have so many health benefits from their nutrient-dense content; they contain Vitamins A and C, magnesium, silicon, iron and calcium. They are adaptogenic, meaning they help our bodies deal with stress (in any form!). I find them indispensable in my larder now as they assist with balancing energy levels. I used to be hit hard by the afternoon ‘slump’, where energy levels dip and plummet and adding Nettle seeds into my diet (about a teaspoon a day) has helped combat this! My next paid subscriber post will be all about Nettle seeds, so if you’d like to learn more about them, upgrade to my monthly paid membership.
Wild Hygge
The next Wild Hygge gathering is next Sunday 21st July, 2-4pm at Palace Green Pavilion in Berwick. Each month at Wild Hygge I lead us in seasonal activities that connect us to the land, the plants, and ourselves, our innate natures. 2 hours spent completely switched off from the external world and in community with like-minded folks. Always herbal foraged teas, always something to learn, always friendly and welcoming! Firepit will be weather-dependant! Send me a message to book your spot.
See you outside (even in the rain)
Jo xx
Thanks Jo. I did not know the info about nettle seeds. I could definitely do with their help these days so I will have to collect some this year.