Author: Laura P
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June Herb Walk
The recent fantastically sunny weather means plants are growing at pace, responding to the lengthier days, high sun and their own desire to flourish and reproduce. The lack of rain, however, has parched many places meaning gardens and roadsides look more like their washed-out, desiccated August versions of themselves, instead of the typical vibrant green…
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Gloucestershire Biodiversity Week
A Herb Walk for Stroud District Council As part of the week long programme of events for Gloucestershire Biodiversity Week, Cotswold Herb Centre were invited to lead a Herb Walk at Ebley Mill, for Stroud District Council Employees. The Mill has an historic setting between the canal and the River Frome which would once have…
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Elderflower Recipes
From guest blogger, Cllr Toby Stride Elderflowers are one of the culinary delights of the year. For a number of years I made elderflower champagne but there are lots of recipes for it. And it involves preparations months before the elderflowers come into season, making sure you have a supply of lemonade bottles. I came…
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May Herb Walk
We have been blessed with a fabulous start to May. While days of glorious sunshine are becoming a concern for water supplies, potentially stunting growth and yields from hay meadows, they have brought out the best in our hedgerow flowers. Many have commented on it being the most prolific mayflowers of a decade. Our May…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…