My Blog focuses upon foraging and learning traditional methods of food preparation and preservation, working towards creating a banquet where everything served comes from the Estate. Rich
Whereas my blog looks at the flora and fauna to be found on the Estate, through the year. Whichever you are interested in, we hope you enjoy them. Em
Harvest time on Jordans Estate
The harvest is finally underway and the barley, oats and oil seed rape are safely in the barn. It is a busy time on the farm getting the crops in while the weather is fine. Then the fields need preparing and planting with next years crops. The summer so far has...
Berrylicious Trio of Desserts
Summer is upon us and our fruit cage is burgeoning with gooseberries, black & redcurrants, loganberries, raspberries and strawberries. I thought it appropriate to celebrate this natural feast by presenting a trio of desserts this month....
Busy Bees Collecting Nectar on the Estate
There seems to have been an explosion of bumble bees this summer. They are seen working hard collecting nectar on all the flowers, as well as literally getting under foot when walking across the field. They seem to particularly like the clover flowers. Although...
Cordially Invited
As Summer begins it is time to enjoy the beautifully refreshing, inexpensive and easy to make drink - Elderflower cordial. Elderflower bushes grow all over and flower between May and July. They are distinctive with their white flowers with fine yellow pollen and...
Hedgehogs and Hedgerows on Jordans Estate
I hadn't realised until recently, how many hedgehogs we have living around us. These incredibly shy animals are rarely seen. Mischief the Labrador has this month, developed a real skill for sniffing them out. She then barks uncontrollably at these moving balls of...
No Smoke without Fire
Smoke has been used to preserve and add flavour to meat, fish, cheese and other foodstuffs for thousands of years. Naturally preserving food in times of plenty was very much a necessity in days gone by, to see us through leaner times and winter hardships. Learnt over...
The Sweet Scent of Jordans Estate
It struck me whilst walking around the estate the other day, that as well as visually changing, the scent on the estate varies through the year. This really adds to the enjoyment of a quiet stroll. In the spring, the delicate scent of the bluebells as you wander...
Bringing home the bacon
Be it as rashers, strips or slices; Bacon is one of the most widely used ingredients in the World. Streaky bacon, back bacon, lardons, pancetta, peameal, plain, smoked, maple glazed and countless more variations besides the word bacon is used all around the world....
The Green, Green Grass of Jordans
The fresh green grass is growing fast. It needs cutting with increasing frequency, keeping us busy. However we are able to enjoy the warmer weather and appreciate the natural beauty of the estate . The trees are now coming out of winter hibernation. The kaleidoscope...
Hedgerow Hamper – Nettle Beer
Much maligned for centuries the common stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) was possibly first introduced to our hedgerows by the Romans. Used medicinally to help rheumatism, nettles were tied into bunches and used to thrash the skin in a practice known as urtification....