Wood and Food

[marian farrell]

We had a beautiful afternoon yesterday, 7th February in Prehen. The sky was blue; the sun was shining; the children raced and climbed and threw snowballs. George Mc Laughlin led a large group of adults and children around Prehen Woods, sharing his enthusiasm for and knowledge of these remaining Ancient Woodlands. George also talked about the self-sufficiency of the people who lived in this area - eating salmon from the River Foyle, growing their own vegetables, picking nuts and berries from the woods. Looking after our natural environments benefits animals and humans. Colin Peck took us on a mushroom hunt around the grounds of Prehen House. Golden Shank and Scarlet Elf Cap were among the delicacies found and tasted. I want to learn more. We were hosted in Prehen House for the film The Power Of Community - How Cuba survived Peak Oil. And then with our appetites whetted for good food we produce ourselves, Gemma Harkin distributed vegetable seed magazines to get us started.
Transition Derry's Vegetable Grower's support group will be meeting in the next couple of weeks - a chance to meet up with other new and experienced vegetable growers, to swap ideas, seeds, plants and slug control methods.

[marian farrell]

And the snowdrops around Prehen House were gorgeous.

[Claire]

oh wow, sounds brill, i was sorry to miss it.
Would love to learn more about 'food for free' especially mushrooms!

Looking forward to meeting up with others soon

Claire