Foraging in Fenland

[sheridand]

We've recently moved to the Fens. Aside from the usual blackberries and a lovely collection of sloe trees, I really don't know what to expect! Is anyone local enough to help? I used to forage sloes, small damsons and berries and wild garlic in South Cambs, but the Fens is different, so many ditch side and water plants that I want to ask advice before going.

[ADG]

well the roadsides are covered in horse radish, wild garlic in the dyke sides, we pick plenty of sloes , damsons, bullace, watercress, blackberries, mushrooms on the headlands, also ask the farmers if you can pick the over sizes, and the onion harvesters ALLWAYS let you pick up the small out grades, and theres plenty of hares and rabbits

[sheridand]

Ooh, ADG, that sounds great! There are onion fields and leek fields all around me. I've never ever seen a mushroom though! I am in Chatteris, where are you? I'd love a good puffball!

[sheridand]

Susie Gee, I've just noticed your tag. The great Mr Cohen ahs a lovely song about how there is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in. You're not a fellow obsessive are you? That would be too lucky!

[ADG]

Ooh, ADG, that sounds great! There are onion fields and leek fields all around me. I've never ever seen a mushroom though! I am in Chatteris, where are you? I'd love a good puffball!

walpole
mushrooms, used to grow on the bank near foxes boats (not far from you) also saw some chicken in the woods on a elderflower down there once, lots of rabbits near you, infact I have a baby ferret you can have if you want a better chance of catching them.
Pot Row common is a good place for a wander and you get to see the wild ponies as well.The banks of the middle level reg have mushrooms also Coldham is a good place

Darren

[sheridand]

I will check these out. I've seen lots of rabbits, but am unsure about how to get them, being ferret-less! I have now found sloes / bilberries, greengages, rosehips, far too many blacberries and elders, and a big patch of fat hen and what may be meadowsweet. Nary a mushroom yet though.