The healthy forager

Whenever something catastrophic (human-inflicted) happens to the world, I find myself turning to nature for a sense of order, and reassurance.

Most mornings we are visited by Pidge, a handsome woodpigeon whose trust I somehow have earned. He lands on my outstretched hand – to eat seeds, to be gently talked to and to have his belly stroked. At the moment, more than ever, he symbolises Peace.

The past couple of weeks of watching the news also has triggered a strong counter response in me to spread love to other humans. I’ve foraged crab apples with the sole purpose to turn them into jam for my colleagues. I’ve invited them all round to our house to share in the bounty of food and fire.

It makes my soul sing to see that other people are sharing their food, too. While out cycling on the Deeside Way we came across a wheelbarrow full of cooking apples and a note to ‘help yourself’.

We gratefully filled a pannier and have been making crumbles and compote. I will most definitely return to this house with something to show my appreciation!

As we’re nearing November, a certain mushroom that I’ve been having my eyes on for two years, has made its appearance again. The infamous Clouded Funnel. It has a reputation for not agreeing with one fifth of the population. For the other four fifth, it is a delicious snack. I’ve been wanting to find out which group I belong to, but the possible side effects had thus far put me off. Two days ago, however, I took the plunge and ate half a cap. No bad effects. Yesterday I ate the other half. Same result. Fantastic!! The good thing is that they tend to grow in huge rings and that most foragers tend to leave them alone. So I’ve unlocked a great new food resource. Look at this beauty of a ring! It may not show up very well in the video, but each individual funnel is about 15 cm in diameter:

We feel blessed to live in a country of abundance, in freedom, in peace. In our own small way we can help by giving out as much love as we can to all living beings around us. ❤️