We enjoyed a wonderfully sunny afternoon in Borsdane Wood for our latest Autumn Foraging Walk, led once again by the hugely knowledgeable and entertaining David Winnard.

Eighteen people joined us for the two-hour ramble, taking the opportunity to slow down, look more closely at the woodland around us and discover just how much there is to learn about the plants, fruits and fungi growing locally. as we made our way through the Wood — all helped by some rather lovely late-summer sunshine!

There was certainly plenty to discover! Who knew that there are nearly 250 varieties of dandelion and 579 varieties of blackberry? We also heard how hawthorn’s formidable thorns may have developed as a defence against large grazing animals such as woolly mammoths, and learned just how important the humble nettle is to the wider woodland ecosystem. For foragers, young fresh nettles are also a remarkably nutritious wild food, containing around three times as much iron as spinach.

David shared a wealth of fascinating information throughout the walk, helping the group recognise different species, explaining some of their traditional uses and, importantly, highlighting the need for correct identification when considering any wild food.

It was great to see so many people joining us, with plenty of questions, conversation and discoveries as we made our way through the Wood — all helped by some rather lovely late-summer sunshine!

A special thank you goes to our volunteer Chair, David Hanbury, who was on hand to meet and greet everyone, complete the register and steward the walk.

We are also very grateful to Barbara Mugan for opening up the beautifully restored Chapel in Hindley Cemetery, giving the group the opportunity to enjoy some refreshments, have a well-earned rest and make use of the facilities — something that was very much appreciated after our woodland wander!

The walk was offered free of charge, with donations instead being collected in support of Hindley Hedgehog Help. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped us support another fantastic local voluntary organisation.

Huge thanks once again to the erudite and entertaining David Winnard for giving his time, sharing his enthusiasm and passing on so much of his considerable knowledge, and to all 18 people who joined us and helped make the afternoon such an enjoyable one.

Finally, thank you to our volunteer Lauren for taking the photographs featured here and capturing the afternoon for us.

Keep an eye on the Friends of Borsdane Wood & Rayner Park website and Facebook page for details of future guided walks, events and volunteering opportunities. We hope to see you in the Wood again soon!

Photos: Lauren, Friends of Borsdane Wood & Rayner Park volunteer.