In trying not to poison myself or anything...

[Ginja]

Hola ... 'Food For Free' (Mabey) is certainly a winner. I'd also heartily recommend the Colins Gem 'Nature Guide' series - Trees, Mushrooms & Toadstools, Herbs & Healing Plants, etc ... you can pick them up fairly cheap in most bookshops (my local 'The Works' bookshop is selling them off for £3 a pop - bargain!).

And I've also discovered this great company called Tetley, who make these little round bags that work a treat. But keep that one to yourself ...

G

 

[Little Mole]

Raspberry leaves are supposed to make good tea, especially if you're pregnant. I was going to mention not eating elder leaves. Neither should you eat laurel. I'm pretty sure almost everything else you find will be ok. I tend to steer clear of anything dark or waxy. As far as I can remember ivy is a bad choice. Whoever mentioned Food for Free was right. It's an excellent book. along with the yew, there are several dangerous plants you should watch out for. Hemlock, deadly nightshade, can't remember any more.

 

[Moonraker]

Here is a very good list of trees and shrubs hardy in Britain that are edible including leaves where indicated on the page:

PFAF - Edible Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Britain

I have mentioned it before but you should get to know the poisonous ones before foraging; one source is this official government book published by The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Foods

Amazon.co.uk - 'Poisonous Plants & Fungi. An Illustrated Guide'http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...9323/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_11_1/202-7877394-0579836

It has good info, photo guide and anecdotal stories of poisoning cases in both humans and animals for many of the species identified.

Remember to order via bushcraftuk amazon link if you go for it!

 

[Moonraker]

. Now find me cherry bakewell tasting leaves and I will be a happy teddy!! :rolmao:

I'm on the case for you Gary, dressed in full disguise ):