A HOARD of adults and children trekked around local Woodland Trust site Cefn Ila last Sunday (26th April) where they made some new discoveries. The visitors were guided around the site where they learned about fascinating wild plants and their uses as part of a Heritage Lottery Funded project on the site.

Local naturalist Mike Kilner lead the captivated group around the arboretum, orchard and newly planted woodland, sharing his knowledge of trees and plants including some of the unusual species at Cefn Ila. The group were then taught how to safely and responsibly make use of the wild food available in the Welsh countryside by local forager Kate Jones.

Tasting wild edibles such as hawthorn, bittercress and elder shoots visitors learnt how to identify free food whilst on a ramble. Returning to the site's ancient oak tree to feast, Kate served up creamed hogweed, gremolata and wood avens custard. Visitors said the day was "informative and delicious."

Community development officer Amelia Lake said: "It's great to see children and adults seeing nature in a different way, and scoffing their faces with healthy wild food."

Cefn Ila will be hosting a birds and bats walk on Saturday 16th May from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. To book a place on the walk, email [email protected]">[email protected] or call 07774786514.