Author: Laura P
-
Herbal Takeover
One day only: Saturday July 19th 2025 Where? At ‘The Engine’, Silver Street, Dursley, GL11 4ND (opposite Wykes House) When? Open from 10am all day for drop in experiences, browsing and shopping. Workshops hourly, 11am, 12 noon, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Evening talks from 6 til 8pm Who for? Everyone welcome, something for all to…
-
VE80
On May 8th we mark the anniversary of the day in 1945 when we celebrated the end of World War II. Eighty years on we cling to the peace this brought, hoping our homelands will not again come under threat. In recognition of the countryside we hold dear, here’s a reminder of some of the…
-
Mayflower
‘Cast not a clout, ‘til may is out’ is one of the best known country weather lore phrases, and one of the most contentious. A ‘clout’ is an item of clothing, so the recommendation is to stay wrapped up in your winter layers for a while longer, until ‘may is out’. Please notice the small…
-
April Herb Walk
It’s a while since we’ve had such a lovely start to April, the sun shone brightly on the old stone stile as we gathered to begin our monthly herb walk. This was to be a walk of two halves. First, a stroll around the carpark behind Slimbridge Village Hall. Then up the hill to seek…
-
Wild Garlic
It’s *that* season, our wake-up call from nature. Wind down the windows and take in the scent. Better still, put on your wellies and head out foraging. Here’s everything you need to know about Allium ursinum, familiarly called, wild garlic. Names say it all The latin name for wild garlic is associated with Ursa, the…
-
Springing Nettle
“…it would be well if people knew how to make use of them. When the nettle is young, its leaf forms an excellent vegetable; when it matures, it has filaments and fibres like hemp and flax. Nettle fabric is as good as canvas. Chopped, the nettle is good for poultry; pounded it is good for cattle. The seed of…
-
Spice up your life
Words by Dr Viv from Curiosity Research Spice up your life – research shows it is good for us. There is more and more research coming out showing that having herbs and spices in the diet is good for our health. I always have a few staples in the kitchen cupboard like ginger, turmeric, cinnamon,…
-
Wave of interest
In our little corner of the world we can be very in tune with the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes through watching the River Severn. The great swathe of water has a very ancient presence, it’s been bringing tides way inland since prehistoric times in the unusual ‘backwash’ known as the Bore. The Severn Bore Tides…
-
March Herb Walk
Our March herb walk took place on the first day of Meteorological Spring. Though the day started frosty, the sun soon made its presence known, so by the time we were sat having a post-walk coffee in the Chantry Centre garden it was pleasantly too warm for coats. Our welcome transition into Spring had begun.…
-
Herb growing beginners guide
It seems a simple question: ‘What herbs should I grow?’ But, as with many things, the answer is ‘it depends’. A little more helpfully, we can give you a few pointers to decide which herbs could be right for you, a little guidance as to which herbs are likely not to disappoint, and a little…