Folklore Frolic

On these glorious, blue-skied mornings, why not take yourself down to Balloch Park for the Folklore Frolic, one of many events celebrated during the Heritage Festival this May.

It’s the perfect time of year for learning about growing things, as Beltane has just passed.

Beltane, one of the traditional Celtic fire festivals, marks the beginning of summer, where the Pagan goddess Brigid triumphs over Cailleach, the Queen of Winter, and brings longer, warmer days and new life to our forests and woodlands, with spring plant life being a key focus of the Folklore Frolic.

As it turns out, many of the common woodland plants we pass by on our walks have uses that might surprise you – the white latex that bleeds from Scottish bluebell plants works as an adhesive, while the sap that oozes from the stems of dock leaves rivals any aloe vera gel.

But the most eclectic use for wild plants is in culinary pursuits.

Many of our favourite wildflowers are actually relatives of the onion and cabbage families and perfectly suited for eating.

Beech leaves, still young and tender on the branch, have a pleasant zingy flavour reminiscent of apple peels, while peppery ribwort (as well as being a miracle cure for tonsillitis) can be boiled down exactly like spinach.

But it’s not just practical applications that should entice you to come along. There’s magic in these woods too.

On the road up to Whinny Hill, there is a hawthorn tree, and while it maybe ill luck to take hawthorn blossoms into your home, they are also known as “wishing trees” in Scottish folklore. Who knows? Maybe your heart’s desire will be granted.

For those intrigued, similar walks will take place come autumn, when the fungi is ripe on the ground, and your guides will be enthusiastic, knowledgeable and welcoming.

Come on down to the woods and give nature a taste.