Welcome to Wild Picks
Nature has inspired me in more ways than one, researching and discovering benefits of plants, and what they can provide.
Foraged in Autumn
Elderberry, Sambucus nigra.
These berries start developing after the flowering season in late summer, early autumn. The berries are small, round, and a glossy dark purple. They can be used in both sweet and savoury cooking but should not be eaten raw as they contain traces of cyanide which can cause stomach upset and even death.
Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna.
Hawthorn is native to the UK and can be found in hedgerow, woodland and many open spaces. Small red berries cluster together on brown thorny stems. These are edible, but mainly used as an addition in cooking.
Blackberry, Rubus moluccanus.
In early summer months, you will start to notice the bramble vines spreading across hedgerows, and pathways. Little buds of pink and white flowers form before turning into the sweet black fruits. The flowers once dried can be stewed for tea, and the fruits are versatile in the kitchen making a great addition in cooking.
Blackthorn, Prunus spinosa.
Sloe berries can be found growing pretty much everywhere, they are favoured by birds and other wildlife. This shrub or tree has stiff spiny branches with small purple-blue waxy berries.
They are quite astringent if eaten raw. They are used in process making of gin by extracting the flavour with sugar.
Wild Pear, Pyrus communis.
The wild pear is a deciduous tree native to Europe, The branches often have spiny thorns and can be found along woodland edges and in hedgerows. The fruits of this tree are small in comparison to eating pears as these trees are generally used as stock root for the cultivated varieties.
They are quite bitter in taste, but can be used to make jams, chutney and alcohol.
Dog Rose, Rosa canina. Rosehip
The hips of this plant are ripe when they turn a deep red, orange colour. These are high in vitamin C and have a sweet rosey flavour. It is not so wise to eat these raw as they contain tiny hairs inside the hip which can cause stomach upset, although other resources suggest it is safe to consume in it's raw state, I prefer to prepare them by extracting the flavour for syrups. You can find my recipe on here.
Site Content
Plants growing in the wild and in gardens.
Plants growing in the wild and in gardens.
Find out some useful information with plants
I have encountered and grow myself like the common weed 'Dandelion'
Garden Maintenance
Plants growing in the wild and in gardens.
I now offer gardening services. I specialise in wild gardening but I cater to the customers needs.
Wild Picks Autumn 2026
Autumn is here once again, The ground is really parched with the extensive hot weather we have had this summer. Plants have really struggled to survive. The temperature has slowly begun the cool down and some parts of the west country have seen some much needed rain. I have been sowing more seeds and creating new spaces for my plants to combat this ever changing climate.
Recipes
Mini Adventures
Here you will find recipes showcasing plants and fruits that grow all throughout the UK, Have a browse, see something you like, why not give it a try.
Mini Adventures
Mini Adventures
Mini Adventures
As well as searching through the UK for wild plants I am aiming to travel to a few countries of interest to document their wild landscapes so that i can gain knowledge and to be inspired with new recipes and growing techniques.
Click below to see my first mini adventure.
My Blog
Mini Adventures
Mini Adventures
keep up with updates on my progress in creating a sustainable growing habitat in this new section.