Sloe Berries at Wallington
The sound of heavy rain as I wake up is not going to dampen my spirits on the day I head out for November’s foraging expedition.
I’m off to meet Rob Caton at Wallington to look among the hedgerows for some sloe berries to make one of my favourite winter drinks … sloe gin.
As it happens, by the time I’m up and ready and have packed the car with waterproofs and my gin-making kit, the rain has stopped and the sun is shining, and for a November morning, it’s quite mild.
We meet at the car park at Wallington before heading out along the nearby country lanes in search of a blackthorn hedge laden with berries. By all accounts it’s a good year for sloes, so I am hopeful for a bumper crop. I’m already wondering whether I could make enough sloe gin to give little bottles for gifts at Christmas. Mind you, I may not want to share it!
By Sadie Parker (National Trust)
Find out more about Wallington House & Gardens in Northumberland.
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Did you manage to get a decent amount? I was always told they are ready to pick just after the first frosts. I am really lucky as I have just moved to a new house and the mile long country lane leading to it has loads of blackthorn. Problem is my neighbors know it too!