Found a Wild Service Tree

[bushcraftbob]

Evening everyone

I found my first Wild Service Tree in the Forest of Dean yesterday (found about a dozen actually!).

I was wondering, apart from the edible berries, which are delicious, are there any other bushcraft uses of this tree?

Also, does anyone know if the berries of the Whitebeam are edible? I note they have a similar latin name and look similar to the berries of the Wild Service.

Thanks

 

[Mang]

I've made a whistle from a downed service tree branch to give to bear Grylls at his swearing in as Chief Scout (very clear and loud).

Hopefully this link via Facebook will help although it was down for maintenance http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=htt...QC17cNFAQDTiFXp8YLceriX51sMiNg46O0iGE_edymVKg It's on the Badger Bushcraft site otherwise...

 

[Harvestman]

Whitebeam is edible, treat much in the same way as berries from the service tree. The two species are closely related.

Wild service tree is probably the last native tree species I have yet to find. There are allegedly 2 in a wood near me, but I've never found them.

 

[bushcraftbob]

Nice link there Mang will have to have a look at that Badger bushcraft website it looks pretty good. HARVESTMAN now is the time to spot 'em, it was the vivid colour of some of the leaves which i spotted out of the corner of my eye!

 

[loosehead]

got a couple in bardney limewoods not too far from me - the berries were used to flavour/preserve beer before we used hops according to the local ranger