Harvest Festival

There’s something rather satisfying about foraging through hedgerows in search of seasonal sloes, rose hips, wild apples, hawthorn and blackberries. Autumn’s ripened berries are bursting with high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants and can be used to create naturally flavoured gins, jellies, chutney and jam – all for free. Forage responsibly, taking no more than you plan to consume, and wear stout boots and protective gloves to guard against vicious thorns and fruit-dyed fingers. Take secateurs to snip a few stems to use in arrangements and table decorations.

SLOES

Sloes are not to be rushed. For best results let them ripen on the bough and linger in the gin jar. Britain’s native blackthorn, , is