Sloes - prunus spinosa

A thorny shrub usually growing in hedgerows and called Blackthorn in the spring when small white flowers cover its black twiggy branches.
The very grimacing sour fruit makes wonderful sloe gin, brandy etc, the used alcohol steeped berries are also good mixed in a slab of chocolate. Apparently its wood is/was traditionally used to make the Irish shillelagh (cudgel).

T and N went off this morning to Mole Valley, the local agricultural suppliers, to buy a new water tank and fixtures for the Herefords' yard. They are still out in the field but can wander in under cover at night. After lunch the agronomist inspected the newly planted fields to check the growth and for disease or slugs etc. Some of the payment came through for our grain - a relief as we still have many bills oustanding!