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| Camping out in Scotland |
I say we, because on my proddings and probings under rocks, I am inevitably accompanied by Ishbel, and Jack The Navigator hound. Over the summer we have travelled north to Scotland, south to The Cotswold Hills, and east to Northumberland. There, we travelled out into the North Sea to visit the wonderful wildlife of The Farne Islands, including some magnificent Grey Seals. It's nice to be able to mention a mammal and not to have to say that it's numbers are declining. There are over 100,000 Grey Seals in UK waters and their numbers are increasing by an estimated 6% per year.
While over in Northumberland, we also visited the beautiful Alnwick Garden which includes a fascinating Poison Garden full of deadly plants. This gave me an idea for the plants in this series of the blog. Foraging has become very popular over the past 18 months and in The Good, The Bad, and The Edible, I'll be looking at specific plants such as this one: Arum maculatum, of the ARACEAE family, and known by a variety of names such as Wild arum; Cows and bulls, Devils and angels, Adder's Root and Cuckoopint (to name but a few). It is good in as much as the roots were a traditional source of starch for stiffening clothes; bad because the berries are extremely poisonous; but the well roasted roots can be ground as a substitute for arrowroot, so it also comes under the edible category (though it is still highly toxic if prepared incorrectly). I'm looking forward to investigating a range of common plants throughout the series and delving into their stories.
Talking of foraging, sloes are in season, so I'll be out and about later on collecting a bagfull from some Blackthorn bushes that I've discovered on my wanderings. It's time to lay down some Sloe Gin for Christmas. I'll continue to put hedgerow recipes up on my other web site, and if you haven't looked at it yet, pop over to Steve's Wild Kitchen and take a gander.
So, what else is new? I have a new book out called Chubby's Crematorium & Burger Bar (see Steve's Books below) which I hope to be reciting from, and generally banging on about, in book shops across Cumbria. Behind the scenes, things are coming to life again in the local theatre with which I am involved so, for my local friends, keep an eye on The Kirkgate Theatre. And over in Lowca, Ishbel's bees which she acquired in June, have settled in well and produced their first 18 jars of delicious coastal honey with the promise of more to come.
That's all for now, but join me next week as we take a trip up the Lancashire canal on a narrowboat. Just off now to book some plane tickets to Crete.
All the best,
Steve
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Chubby's Crematorium & Burger Bar A book of humorous poems to cheer, amuse and entertain your friends with. |
£4.99 paperback |
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The Quick Guide to Creepy-Crawlies All you need to know to identify any type of insect, spider, worm or snail very simply and find out more about it. Yvonne: This was a gift for a family so that the children can understand what they see on days out. The second was for me. Logical and easy to use. If you know anyone who likes nature you can be confident that gifting this book will give years of pleasure. |
 £14.99 paperback |
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The Eggs of Saramova A science fiction novella for those who don't like science fiction. A fast-paced thriller that is, literally, out of this world (and it starts right here in Crete). Too new for reviews yet! |
 £7.50 paperback £1.99 kindle |
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Not Just For Twisted Women by Steve Daniels A light-hearted look at life through the eyes of the fairer sex. Janet: If you are short on time but enjoy reading and are maybe not into long extended novels then Not Just For... Twisted Women provides readers with concise stories that stand alone and most certainly entertain with their ultimate twists. Loved it. Helen: A very good read! Well written and entertaining! Margaret: Each quick tale gives a glimpse into a character's life and has an often humorous twist at the end. I would love to read more. Yvonne: These days many people find it hard to find the time to read a novel, so this book of short stories is ideal to dip into. It is also makes a good gift. |
 £4.99 paperback £1.99 kindle |
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See sample pages of all my books and latest blogs, and keep abreast of latest publications here: |
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Crete Nature Catch-up |
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LINKS:
Share your nature thoughts, photos and comments on Naturalists (the facebook page that accompanies this blog)
Explore the region with the #CreteNature interactive Hiking and Nature Map
Cretan Flora Flowers of Crete BIRDS OF CRETE Crete Birding
Greek Butterflies and Moths Aquaworld Aquarium
Visit Greece (National Government Tourist Office)
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