Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Connecting with nature in Downhills Park

If last week's Cafe Connect in Downhills Park made my history head happy, then this week's session was purely geared to the treehugger in me.

Angela invited herbalist Victoria Chown of Handmade Apothecary along to take us for a walk around the woodland area for a bit of hedgerow herbalism and plant lore, while Angela pointed out all the beautiful specimen trees planted by the Edwardians when the park was first laid out.

As we walked, it became clear that there is very little in the woods that can't be used from the nuisance to gardeners couch grass to the faithful little plantain leaf (below) that grows everywhere, much better for nettle stings than dock.

Rules about picking where dogs wee meant that we couldn't sample anything that grows at ground level but we all enjoyed the peppery taste of the wild mustard seed pods

As we paused to admire the willow and horse chestnut trees by the pond, Malcolm, chair of the Friends of Downhills, informed us that the wild looking place we were in (pictured) was once the croquet lawn for the big house.

Heading back towards the cafe, we passed the splendid Irish yew tree (pictured), the cedars of Lebanon that once lined the driveway to the big house and a nurturing English oak tree, habitat to so many creatures (although Victoria did say acorn flour was horrible - leave it to the squirrels).

Returning to the cafe, some of our group made willow garlands from the herbs and plants collected while others shared memories of the home remedies of childhood over lunch. The relaxed nature of the group means that people come and go as time permits and the weather being so glorious is was hard to tear myself away to go and do (paid) work.

Join Cafe Connect at Downhills Park Cafe on Tuesdays from 9 to 1 - all welcome, especially if you are on your own and need some company. Programme below - click to view large