Island Seasons

September 2007

Typical, the kids go back to school and the sun comes out!  It may not last, but it’s ripening the late summer crops and making the hedgerows into a larder for birds and blackberry fans.

September is the Cycling Festival (www.sunseaandcycling.com) and there is loads to do for cyclists of all abilities.  It’s a great way to get out into the countryside and get close to nature and agriculture.  Working up a healthy glow on two wheels is also a great excuse for refreshments, whether a cup or tea or a pint!

Our favourite ‘rest stops’ near cycle routes or bridleways are

• The Pointer Inn, Newchurch (just off the Newport-Sandown cycle track)
• Three Gates Farm tea shop, Shalfleet (home of Calbourne Classics and on the bridleway between Swainston and Porchfield, off the A3054)
• The Red Lion, Freshwater and the Kings Head, Yarmouth (just off the Freshwater-Yarmouth cycleway)
• Mottistone Manor tea room, Mottistone (after whizzing down Strawberry Lane)
• The Watersedge café, Gurnard (on the round-the-island cycle route)

Meet us

We’ll be at Arreton Manor Ladies Day on 15th September and at the Sweetcorn Fayre at Arreton Barns on 30th September.  Please come along and say ‘hello’ and chat about what you’d like to buy from the Island.  We’ll be doing tastings of Island food and drinks

In the fields

Squashes are just coming into season – we have acorn and spaghetti squashes from Ben Brown, and butternuts are coming soon.  These store cupboard staples last well, and can be used in a huge variety of ways; in soups; casseroles; risotto; baked; roast; stuffed – you name it.  See ‘lovely food ideas’ for some hints on squashes.  Sweetcorn is still going strong as are tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines, chillies and the last of the late runner beans.

In the hedgerows 

Hawthorn is a traditional hedging plant, and there are miles of bright red-berried hedges across the Island.  The haws are great food for blackbirds and thrushes, and while they can be used in jam, they don’t taste of much.  Also in abundance in the hedges are ripe elderberries, which make great cordial, wine and liqueur.   You can make them into pies and crumbles with apples, or add them to blackberry jam.  Only pick the berries that hang downwards – these are the ripe ones!  If you don’t fancy home wine making, Rosemary Vineyard has an award-winning elderberry liqueur.
While out for a (very slow) run last night, Rachel and Matt saw a glowworm!  Its been years since we saw one of these wonders, and really exciting to see one so close to Cowes.  Just goes to show that it’s better to run slowly!

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