By Kate Hodges
19th September 2019
The Seeds of Time
The Tree Council’s Seed Gathering Season starts on Monday and runs for a month. It aims to encourage as many people as possible to collect seeds, fruits and nuts to grow trees for the future. Seeds collected from local trees are adapted to local circumstances – this is called local provenance – and are more likely to thrive. Both rural and urban spaces benefit from new trees; bringing energy, life and beauty to any area. Plus it’s fun to get out into the woods for a walk with a purpose – check out somewhere new to wander here. Find events near you here as well as recipes for any spare apples, berries and nuts you find . There’s more information about growing trees from seed here.
Green Capital
It’s London’s Urban Food Fortnight – the annual celebration of the delicious produce being grown within the M25. There are lots of eco-conscious, delicious events sprouting up. Community gardens throw their gates open to the public; find tiny farms crammed into unexpected places across London. Many venues have special events happening; celebrate the Autumn equinox through nature-based craft activities at Trowbridge Gardens in Hackney Wick, join a cooking class at the Garden Museum and learn how to cook with herbs you can grow at home or discover the vegan magic of aquafaba in Hackney. Alternatively, learn more about gardening, the healing powers of plants and outdoor cooking at venues across London
Outdoor Munching
The unexpected burst of sun is putting us in the mood for our first round of Autumn picnics. It’s a little cooler, so lounging next to the sea is fading out (although it’s at its warmest right now) and rugs and blankets, flasks and soups and pasties are starting to come in. Diana Henry’s gorgeous Jerusalem artichoke and roast garlic soup is seasonal and warming, while her toffee apple cake makes sweet use of the fruit hanging from our trees right now. Or try these cosy recipes; zingy carrot ginger dip, broccoli and mushroom salad, pumpkin swirl cheesecake bars and spiced apple cider (non-alcoholic)
EVENT, RECIPE Apples Tart
Like pulling funny faces? The Egremont Crab Fair (named after the tiny apples) in Cumbria hosts the annual World Gurning Championships this Friday and Saturday – competitors poke their heads through a horse collar and pull the ugliest expression they can. There’s plenty else to do at the fair, which celebrates apples; watch or take part in sports, laugh at street entertainers, and try and catch an apple as they’re thrown into the air during the parade of the cart. Can’t make it? Why not pick some crab apples and make jelly, toffee crab apples or crab apple liqueur (perfect for winter). Find out more about the health and botanical benefits of the tiny, tart fruit here
EVENT Come In!
Open House London is perfect nosy parker fodder, as buildings usually shut to the general public throw open their doors and let the rabble in – some with architect-led tours. Go up the Gherkin, peep into The Freemasons Hall, or wander around the Lloyds Building. Highlights this year include a walk along the Camden Highline, a Hackney house with a slide in place of a staircase, and, um, ‘big fat poo bergers’ (a celebration of the 200th birthday of Joseph Bazalgette at Make Architects. Search the Open House Junior website for details of the programme of family friendly activities at venues that include the Royal Astronomical Society, Tooting Bec Lido and The Royal Courts of Justice.
BONUS! It’s Autumn Equinox next Monday. If you are looking for ways to mark this transition here are some juicy ideas.
