Blackthorn. This small tree, also known as Sloe, will be familiar to many as it is seen in hedgerows across Sussex. The flowers appear in early spring, before the leaves, turning hedgerows into fluffy clouds of blossom. Blackthorn is brilliant for wildlife, providing an early source of pollen for bees and other insects, it is a food plant for moths and Brown Hairstreak Butterflies and the dense thorns provide protection for numerous nesting birds. Film by Barry Yates | Sussex Wildlife Trust

💙 Sloe Berries – The Wild Fruit of Autumn 🌿🍂 Those dark purple jewels tucked into the blackthorn hedges are sloe berries – tart, wild cousins of the plum. They’re not much to snack on raw (unless you love your sour treats!) but give them a little patience and magic happens. From sloe gin to jams, jellies, chutneys, and even sauces, these berries transform into rich, warming flavours perfect for the colder months. 🍷✨ And sloe berries aren’t just modern hedgerow treats – they go way back. Arch