Ruby Red Rosehips

Some people decry foraging as dangerous but we have a simple rule that prevents any risk: Only pick or eat things that you recognise and know to be safe. Obvious really and astonishing that any doubters cannot think of that too. However, even taking fundamental precautions cannot save you from getting stung by Nettles, stabbed by thorns or twisting your ankle by stepping down an unseen rabbit hole.

My seasonal collaboration with the Unity brewing Co, helping to create a range of Saison Ales, seems to have led me into dangerous territory, right from the start.

• For the Spring beer - Primtemps we needed to pick Stinging Nettles!
• Next we gathered Elderflowers for the Summer brew - Ete (no fear there).
• For the Autumn we chose Juniper Berries for the Automne Ale and these are always painfully prickly to pick.
• Finally, to complete our first year together, I am fighting my way with frost bitten fingers, through scythe-like thorns, as I harvest Rosehips or Haws for the Winter beer - Hiver.

At this time of year, Rosehips are the jewels of the hedgerows. They are know for being packed with Vitamin C - ideal for fighting off infection and boosting the immune system, which is just as well because my hands been punctured so many times collecting them that I might soon need a transfusion myself.

Rosehips can also be used for creating syrups, cordials, jellies and even tea. In fact the Dog Rose was apparently so named because people believed that its application could help you to recover from rabies, if bitten by a mad dog. Of course, all bad school children know that the inner contents of these ruby red haws, can also create some of the nastiest itching powder on the planet!

Tradition holds that you should gather Rosehips after the first frost, the same advice is often given for Sloes because the structure of the fruit is broken down by the freezing temperature. By coincidence, I started picking Haws during my lunch hour after the coldest night of the year, my fingers were frozen but they picked easily and smelled fruity, so the Hiver Ale should be super tasty.

Tree Climbing

Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree - Sit On It!

In the Urbane Forager’s list of essential skills for young children, tree climbing comes pretty high. Good climbing ability is very useful if you are picking fruit from tall trees and whilst extendable fruit pickers are very useful tools; having a lithe child lobbing fruit down to you is far more entertaining for everyone involved.

High Up With a Hatfull of Walnuts

The sense of achievement gained by scrambling your own way to the top of a tree is difficult to replicate in a playground. Trees are like puzzles, they challenge young minds and allow a level of independence, climbing also encourages personal danger assessment and management.

I Can See Over the Houses

There are potential dangers involved in getting off the ground; weak or dead braches can snap catastrophically and this is especially true in fruit trees so It’s always good to encourage good habits such as always having at least three of your four limbs engaged with the tree at all times.

Build Confidence & Skills Gradually, Train On Easy Trees First

Sometimes children can climb up but fear coming down, so it’s good for them not to overreach their ability too much, especially at first. They should start by working a route just a short way up an easy tree and then work out the best path back down. Knowing that a fall from lower branches can seriously hurt them, will reinforce the importance of safety but generally children seem to be careful by default when up trees.



The Urbane Forager's Early Tree Climbing Exploits
 Under the Watchful Eye of My Brother John



Children often feel very happy clambering amongst the branches, possibly because they can see further, it also promotes athleticism and general confidence. I used to spend ages up in the local trees with my siblings when we were young. We loved to build tree houses and dens, we often took sandwiches along and would probably have happily camped out up there, if only we were allowed.

Have a Dangerous New Year

 It’s a jungle out there kids, danger lurks under every leaf and every single stone...

Beautiful Bees Won't Sting You if You Don't Threaten Them

Unless you wash your hands without touching the soap container the germs might get you (according to TV adverts). Even water can dehydrate your delicate skin (apparently). Nowadays your brittle hair and fragile nails are under constant assault from the sun, rain and wind – the Horror!

Stinging Nettles Can be Made Into Beer

I do occasionally get asked about the potential dangers of foraging and yet, with a couple of common sense precautions, it is no more dangerous than getting out of bed in the morning, going downstairs and eating breakfast…

Beware of Children

Granted, I might get up, dozily step on a stray Lego brick, fall down the stairs and crack my head. Then, in my stunned state, I could accidentally pour bleach on my cornflakes, but I'm pleased to report that this has not happened, yet...

Don't Get Prickly

I have been stung by nettles and insects; brambles, prickles and thorns have drawn blood, but all of this can happen in the garden or park. I am always careful when climbing trees or encouraging my children to. This is because branches of fruit trees are prone to suddenly snapping. Naturally, I need to make sure that the kids are operating in a reasonably safe environment but then, they also need to learn basic risk assessment and management for themselves; these are essential life skills.

The World Is Out To Get You!

There are lots of poisonous things out there and if you go about randomly eating berries of unknown bushes or consuming strange mushrooms, you will pretty soon come a cropper.

Do Not Drink!

These things might look fascinating, but so does Cillit-Bang, and you don’t put that in your mouth! Commonly occurring trees, like the yew, contain some of the most noxious natural poisons found in the UK but we know not to eat them.

Frog's Legs With Rhubarb

One part of a plant might be very good for you but another part of the same thing might kill you. Rhubarb stems are great with custard but the leaves are highly toxic and whilst elderberries and flowers can be made into some lovely drinks, ingesting the leaves and twigs can put you in hospital.

Elder Berries Forming

Castor oil is used for all kinds of useful things (including sore ears), the plant is commonly grown in gardens and yet the seed of this shrub contains the lethal poison ricin. This substance was used with fatal effect during the Japanese subway atrocity in 1995; it is 1500 times more deadly than cyanide and 500 times stronger than cobra venom! For the record, the only poisonous snake in the UK is the adder or viper and they are so rare that they are protected. In any case, they will not strike unless threatened and even then, they are very unlikely to kill you.

Always - Only Eat What You Are Sure About

Fortunately, you can negate all complications by only picking and eating things that you are familiar with. Most people already know what cherries, plums, apples, pears, blackberries, hazelnuts and chestnuts look and taste like (see Urbane Vs Urban). There’s not much that can go wrong here, unless you have some kind of allergy and you should know about this already.

Only Touch If You Are Confident

The scariest moment I have met while out and about, was being attacked by a large dog, which was appalling but this could equally happen outside the supermarket. I now know that the best way to deal with aggressive dogs is to put your hands in your pockets and look away! This seems counter intuitive but dogs see eye contact and waving arms as a threat (I was not aware of this when I was attacked).

Two Wheels Good - Four Wheels Bad!

Some people think that cycling is risky but it is actually less dangerous than walking, it gives great pleasure, is often quicker than driving and it keeps you fit. Remember, being fat can kill you too.

My Safer At Night Retroreflective Bike

So people, throw your Wii through the telly, get a map, a compass, a penknife maybe - just in case and go outside...

Keep It Real in 2012!

(Don’t forget your helmet)…