Extreme heat approaching, this morning walk was designed with shade in mind.

We had both adults and children and managed not to loose anyone 🙂

We have started at the side of the carpark under the trees. Started with story of creating man and woman from Ash and Rowan.

We then tasted few leaves from Linden tree.

Next stop was by a large patch of cow parsley, now past its best but we could still see the carrot like leaves and v shape side leaves to be compared to poisonous hemlock later on.

Little pause to appreciate teasel and lady’s mantel.

Continuing on our round, we stopped by magnificent hogweed and learnt its many culinary uses including the seeds as a secret ingredient in Charnwood Foraging signature chocolate.

On the corner, we just managed to taste last few flowers of hawthorn.

Just opposite, we have found a location where ground elder grows side by side young and mature specimen.

Little stop to learn about different willowherbs and how habitat often helps with identification.

We looked at the seeds from cleaver – not so useful for making coffee and another female plant: silverweed.

We made a stop at a well known tree – silver birch and learnt about its many benefits including a tincture made from birch polypore.

Time running out so we made a brief short stop to talk about differences between dead nettle and stinging nettle.

Observant kids spotted poisonous hemlock.

Time to reveal our mushroom growing surprise . Jelly ear has become huge while we walked, we explained how to recognize it and its favourite host tree elder.

Final stop nearly back at the carpark by a lovely rose bush. We just had a chance to taste the lovely petals as we said our farewell.

Several families kindly contributed to our colection for LRWT for which, we are much thanksful.