Elderberry cordial
It’s been a while since I wrote anything – sorry. It’s a busy time of year. I’ve been harvesting hedgerow berries (haws, sloes, elderberries, rosehips, crabapples) and making jams, jellies, syrups and cordials. Will try to post a few recipes for you soon. I’ve also been collecting conkers. Many Horsechestnut trees in the UK and elsewhere are being attacked by the bacterial ‘bleeding canker’ disease, so I’ve decided to plant as many conkers as I can in an enclosed environment for now. The RHS has more information about this disease.
A couple of weeks ago I spent a few days taking part in an archaeological excavation at Boltby Scar on the North York Moors. If you want to know more about this, click here. Luckily the weather was perfect – rarely the case at this time of the year in Yorkshire.
I met James Wong yesterday. What a thoroughly nice chap. He’s just finished filming a second series of ‘Grow Your Own Drugs’, and there’s a Christmas Special in the pipeline too. He was performing the Grand Opening ceremony at Proline Botanicals, a manufacturer of herbal medicines in Lincolnshire.
Hi Christine
Great blog and lovely recipes. I am planning to enrol on a medical herbalist course (live in York). Do you have any suggestions?
Also, I have my own blog (also new): http://hedgehogsonline.blogspot.com/2009/10/tales-from-hedgehog-sanctuary.html
I run a hedgehog sanctuary in my spare time and thought I’d write a few light hearted stories about the inhabitants.
Best Wishes
Toni
Welcome Toni. A hedgehog Sanctuary – how lovely! I adore these wonderful creatures. I have one who visits me from time to time to pinch my moggy’s catfood. He’s called Spike – very original!
The best herbal courses are all listed on the National Institute of Medical Herbalists website – http://www.nimh.org.uk/about-the-nimh/training-and-accreditation/nimh-accredited-under-graduate-and-post-graduate-courses- All of them are fully accredited.
There is also a ‘taster’ correspondence course called Discover Herbal Medicine at http://www.newvitality.org.uk/
Most of the others I’ve seen really aren’t up to the mark and seem to be simple money-making exercises for the providers.
Best wishes,
Christine
Thanks for all the information Christine. Very much appreciated.
Toni