Sloe's in the canterbury area

[ReadAldousHuxley]

Hello all, I was wondering whether anyone knows of a good location for sloe picking around the Canterbury area? I keep meaning to gather some up for sloe gin (Which I'm hoping to give as Christmas pressies ) but haven't been able to find blackthorn anywhere yet. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Kind regards, Nick

 

[Too Much Kit To Carry]

Hi Nick,

Not too sure about sloes - BUT there are loads of wild damsons where I live not too far from Charing, which is about approx. 20 mins from you.

I've made 4 bottles of Wild Damson Gin with various amounts of sugar, some with the damson stones in and some with the stones taken out. Oh yeah and some damson vodka - which is stunning.

We made these bottles up on the 6th of September, we picked 6lbs in about 15 minutes.

We picked a little early, but I did not want to miss getting my fair share of the fruit.

I was out walking the other evening and the tress were still pretty full - if you want any further details pm me.

Best regards,

Phil.

 

[Hellz]

I'm hoping to pick some sloes soon too (don't think I'll try waiting for the first frost this year ) and am not too far from TMKTC.

The advantage is having driven/walked past all the blackthorns whilst in blossom and making a mental note

I'll check, but I remember someone mentioning sloe picking somewhere in Hollow Lane (off Wincheap). That was some time ago though, not sure what's developed up there since then

Hellz

 

[TallMikeM]

no shprtage of sloes around this year, we've picked loads. Damsons as well (got 4 demijohns bubbling away making damson wine). It's the elderberries I can't seem to find this year. Must've been a bad year for them.

 

[ReadAldousHuxley]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I will check out hollow lane at the weekend and let people know what i find! Also Phil, the Damson Gin sounds wicked, may have to give that a go should the sloes fail to appear!

Hellz, I have also been asking people where I work and apparently Greenhill near Hernebay is quite good for sloes and also rosehip bushes so might be worth investigating! Again, I will let you know what I find!

Happy gathering all!

Thanks again, Nick

 

[Too Much Kit To Carry]

Also Phil, the Damson Gin sounds wicked, may have to give that a go should the sloes fail to appear!

Hi Nick,

I'll have a look out for you over the weekend for sloes. Had planned a night in the wilds for tonight and tomorrow but it's all gone pear shaped. Keep me posted as to your sucess.

Phil.

 

[Too Much Kit To Carry]

Just got back from quite a yomp.

There are still loads of Wild Damsons on the trees here - a little off the beaten track but still on footpaths, about 10 minutes walk from the road.

Phil.

 

[ReadAldousHuxley]

Well, had a look for sloes but nothing has turned up yet Greenhill had loads of rosehip but haven't found any sloes yet. will keep looking though! Looks like it will be damson gin instead! Thanks again Phil for the Damson info

Nick

 

[Too Much Kit To Carry]

There are still loads of damsons on the trees where I live Nick if you're interested.

I went out last evening and picked enough to make a further two bottles. I made my last batch on the 6th September and since then the fruit on the trees has really much softer and juicier - and a hell of a lot sweeter!

The fruit looks like it won't be on the trees much longer So if you would like details let me know.

The windfall fruit is certainly being relished by the local badger population - their dropping are full of the damson stones!

Phil.