Autumn

The year pays out

Autumn is why people forage. Blackberries on every hedge, mushrooms under the trees, rosehips and sloes turning the lanes red and purple.

What's up now

blackberry     crumble, jam, straight from the cane
chanterelle    the beginner's mushroom
rosehip        syrup, jelly
sloe           gin, if you've got the patience

The feel of it

This is the season to take a basket and lose an afternoon. Leave a quarter — the birds are stocking up too.