Cheshire is one of England’s few north-west countries, with a small coast that faces out to the Irish Sea. Most of it is inland rural heaven, with fantastic walks like the Sandstone Trail.
The Sandstone Trail is a 34-mile walk that begins in the market town of Frodsham and ends in Whitchurch (Shropshire) passing through Rawhead (the highest point), Beeston Castle (a 13th century fortress with panoramic views of 8 counties) and Bickerton Hill (home to rare wildlife and dramastic sandstone escarpments).
The Charm of Chester
The Tudor city of Chester is often (along with Bath) called one of England’s most beautiful cities, with its black-and-white ancient buildings and Roman heritage (the Roman walls still encircle the city, like an ancient guardian). The Chester Rows is a unique two-tiered gallery of olde-world charm and modern shops, standing near the stunning Gothic Chester cathedral.
If you tire of the city, it’s just a short stroll to The Groves, a peaceful riverside walk on the River Dee. Then from there discover ancient woodlands galore. From Delamore Forest to Risley Moss (wetlands) and Marbury Country Park (woodlands and meadows).
Local Preserves and Chutneys (made from food waste)
Fruits of the Forage is a small company that makes delicious artisan preserves and chutneys. What makes this company special is that the ingredients are from food waste, that would otherwise have goen to landfill. These guys take seasonal and surplus ingredients (from people’s gardens, hedgerows or farmers’ fields) where they would otherwise rot. This family firm also has been busy planting 2000 native fruit trees with local farmers, landowners, schools and charities. In just one year, they saved 9.2 tonnes of food waste, planted 200 fruit trees and donated 500kg of chutney, jam and sauces to food poverty charity Fareshare.
Check medication before consuming grapefruit or rhubarb. Before using, read up on food safety for people and pets.
All these products are free from added pectin or preservatives. The range includes:
- Damson and Sloe Chutney is a blend of British hedgerow fruits, blended with traditional pickling spices. Serve with strong vegan cheese or vegan meats.
- Heritage Pear Chutney blends wild apples and tangy heritage cooking pears (an ancient and forgotten British fruit).
- Cider and Onion Chutney is made from Herefordshire cider, blended with sweet onions and Bramley apples. Use with vegan cheese to complete your Ploughman’s lunch.
- Quince Preserve is a luxury preserve that’s lovely with a vegan cheese or on toast. Quince kind of tastes like an apple and pear combined, with a citrusy tang.
- Dandelion Flower Syrup is a vegan honey alternative packed with pollen, but collected by people (not bees). This versatile Honee is runnier and has less sugar, making it perfect for baking, cocktails and dressings.
