Walkers taught to find herbs in nature reserve

Conservationists have taken a walk on the wild side to learn moreabout the natural herbs growing on their doorstep.

Walkers were invited by environmental group Friends of KensingtonMeadows for a journey through the nature reserve to unearth hiddensecrets of the plant life around them.

Medical herbalist Sue Hawkey was on hand to explain the healthbenefits of herbs and flowers growing in the meadows, includingelderflowers.

She said: "You can make an infusion from the flowers which willhelp clear catarrh and the flowers smell so sweet.

"You can also make elderflower fritters, light and delicatetasting, as well as elderflower champagne, wine and cordial."

Walkers also learnt about meadowsweet, which can be used as ananti-inflammatory.

Miriam Woolnough, Bath and North East Somerset Council'scountryside management officer, who supports the friends' work, said:"The council is keen to promote better understanding that our wildspaces are not just full of useless weeds.

"They have many beneficial uses and they also tell a story of ourpast."

For more inform- ation on the benefits of herbs and herbalmedicine, contact Sue Hawkey at Larkhall's Herbs for Health on427999.