It's a joy heading out into the countryside with someone who is in the know. Foraging is as old as the hills and a great learning experience.

On a recent trip out to Gloucestershire a short walk led to a bumper harvest - wild plums, tiny, yellow, red and sweet as anything. Wild damsons with their soft, cloudy deep purple-blue hue and jet black elderberries, shining like tiny jewels. We staggered home laden down with nature's bounty.

Apart from stewing some of the fruit and turning yet more into jams, the name of the game was hedgerow cocktails.

A simple syrup (1 part sugar to 2 parts water, warmed together till the sugar dissolves) was the base for our fruit mixes. These were made with a handful of fruit cooked out in the syrup, blitzed and sieved to produce a richly coloured cordial.

This was poured over ice with vodka and fizzy water to form a fruity, boozy barbecue treat.
So next time you're heading out to the country, keep your eyes peeled or take someone in the know for an out of this world eating experience.