Nose Bear

Crayfishing

The best time to trap crayfish is from late spring to early autumn. It is as relaxing as actual fishing but the licences are free so all you have to shell out for is inexpensive traps and bait. Many people place their traps in the water in the early evening and leave them overnight. While this is a good way to get crayfish I prefer to do it during the day, sat in the sun with a few beers and some mates.  Much more enjoyable.

Now for some background and history on these little guys. There are 2 main species of crayfish in our British waters. The native white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) and the introduced American Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). Unfortunately for the native cray’s the American’s are faster breeders, more vicious and larger. They also carry a disease (the ominously named crayfish plague) to which they remain largely immune but can easily transfer to the native species who are highly suceptable to it. This plague, combined with the more aggressive nature of the Signal crayfish is decimating the numbers of the white-claws in our waters. Therefore, as of 1^st of June 2005, the Environmental Agency decided that the signal crayfish can be legally fished as long as a (free) licence is granted. The purpose of this licence is to check that there are no native crayfish in the areas to be fished, thus protecting any areas that they are still present. This licence can be obtained from the Environmental agency website - http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/fishing/119096.aspx. The hope is that this fishing will help to slow the advance of the invading crayfish into our waters by controlling their population and hopefully resulting in the protection of area’s of native cray’s.

Traps and Rules

You must not catch native crayfish either to eat or sell. They are a protected species and you will face prosecution under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 and this could result in a heavy fine if you are caught. Apart from this they suffer enough problems with the invasive Signal cray’s and we should be proud as Brit’s to save our beautiful native animals.

You can trap non-native crayfish, but only if you have written consent from the environmental agency and follow all of their rules such as;

• Attach the trap identity tags supplied with the licence
• Get permission from the landowner
• Make sure that your traps are the right size. Otherwise there is a risk of catching otters or other protected animals
• In some areas you also need a special licence to keep crayfish alive after trapping

The following link is a very informative pdf guide from the environmental agency about the reasons behind their laws as well as some interesting general information on crayfish.

 http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/PDF/GEHO0310BRVF-E-E.pdf.

I have found that the best area’s to fish are on gently flowing rivers on an outside bend. This is because the detritus that the crays feed on will collect on the near bank and so make for a more likely place for catching them. The best bait to use is usually smelly as this is the crays prime hunting sense. Therefore bacon rind, fish heads, rind of salami and other similar kitchen waste products are perfect for attracting them.

If anyone is interested in the state of the native crayfish this link contains some information about a study in the Upper Thames about the viability of native and non-native crayfish populations as well as potential removal methods for non native species http://www.wildcru.org/research/research-detail/?project_id=23

Little planting ledge

Wild Garlic

With the coming of Spring here in the UK the countryside is beginning to wake up. That means the start of the foraging year has started and what better way to kick it off than with some wild garlic. A prolific plant, you can usually find whole woodlands and parks filled with the stuff. Smelling strongly of garlic the leaves are available from late February till June and the flowers from April onwards. Make sure the plant does smell of garlic before eating as there are some poisonous look-alikes but none of them smell like garlic.

The leaves are the main crop here and can be used as a mix between spinach and garlic, adding a leafy texture with the added benefit of a garlic flavouring. Great where you would use normal garlic, especially with cheeses or stir fries. I will be putting up some additional recipes taken from the amazing River Cottage book series, one I really recommend if you want to know more about foraging, over the next few days; wild garlic pesto and garlic leaf wraps.

Damson Vodka

  Damsons are in season at this time of year and what could be nicer for these slightly acidic fruits than to be made into tasty alcohol.  Now the standard alcohol to use with damsons is gin.  However I feel that gin goes much better with sloes (recipe coming soon) and so with the damsons I will be using vodka.

  The great thing about making liqueur’s such as this is that you get to use the cheapest, nastiest, own brand vodka and turn it into something tasty with little effort.

• 1 bottle of cheap vodka (70cl)
• 450g caster sugar
• 450g damsons

Pour the vodka into a demijohn or other suitable receptacle.  Prick or slice the damsons with a sharp knife (careful now!!) and drop them into the vodka. Then add the sugar.  Simple as that.

Wait at least 3 months before drinking, although some recommend up to and exceeding a year - I however am not that patient.  Make sure you swirl the liquid from time to time to make sure all the sugar dissolves.  Once you think it is ready to drink, sieve off the liquid but retain the damsons (I will show you what to do with them once my damson vodka is ready and I have the alcoholic damsons to use.  Watch this space).  Keep the container out of the light while brewing if you wish to retain the lovely colour of the damsons.

Hopefully mine will be ready for this Christmas and I can show you guys some awesome alcoholic puddings with the leftover damsons (no waste here).