Report:  Nine enthusiastic people joined the leader.  After an introduction to the Institute by its Director, Elyssa Livergant, people introduced themselves and explained what they hoped to get from the day.  Each person was then given a sample of a common plant and asked to talk about it, leading to wide-ranging discussion on the plants’ folklore and uses.  Elder, Sambucus nigra, a common tree which has attracted much folklore and has many uses, was discussed in detail, before people moved to the Institute’s garden where   lungwort, Pulmonaria officinalis, and other species were discussed, and lunches were enjoyed in the sun.

In the afternoon we walked to Peabody Hill Wood, stopping to discuss plants on the way.  At the Wood we discussed bramble, Rubus fruticosus, blackthorn, Prunus spinosa, and other woodland species.  On returning to the Institute people were given the opportunity to comment on the success or otherwise of the day.  It seems that most people found it useful and enjoyed it.