Money for elderflowers - Lincolnshire

Krackingtoast

Hello there,
I've just seen on the Belvoir Cordial website that they get their elderflowers from local people picking and bringing them to them. They are based in Grantham and you have to take them to them the day of picking and they pay you. I don't know how much though, you have to ring up to find out. I am going to ring when I have some credit so will report back, unless someone beats me to it.
I can't imagine they pay loads but may be worth it!

RuthnJasper

Sounds like a good idea - although do make sure that you aren't trespassing on private land to pick the elderflowers (I work in the Countryside Service and landowners can take a VERY dim view of that sort of thing!). Also make sure that, if you're picking them from a hedgerow, they haven't been polluted by vehicle fumes, muckspreading or pesticides.

Good luck - hope all goes well for you! xx

Krackingtoast

Thanks for your advice, there is a public park thing near where I live with lots of them so hopefully I'll be ok getting them from there. just have to wait for a sunny day now!

RuthnJasper

Aha! Top stuff Krackingtoast - hope you get enough to make a few bob. Apologies if you have already considered this - but do take along some scissors or secateurs - that way you'll cut a nice clean head without tearing your fingers to shreds!!

I'd be interested to hear how you get on if you decide to go out 'harvesting'!

x

Zinger549

It says they grow them and you pick these ones.

Krackingtoast

Oh, that's funny, there are 2 information pages about it, one says you pick them from the wild and take to them and the other says they grow them. Didn't see the latter before.
http://www.belvoirfruitfarms.co.uk/blog/2011/05/elderflower-picking
http://www.belvoirfruitfarms.co.uk/elderflower

ex-dmp

That reminds me elderflowers & elderberrys makes really nice wine.
:beer:
:idea: ..mmm, now how can I sell it?

Krackingtoast

ex-dmp wrote: »

That reminds me elderflowers & elderberrys makes really nice wine.
:beer:
:idea: ..mmm, now how can I sell it?

Yes this is how I came across it, was looking for elderflower champagne advice. I'm going to follow Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's recipe.
http://www.channel4.com/4food/recipes/chefs/hugh-fearnley-whittingstall/elderflower-champagne-recipe
Very excited about trying it, especially as you can drink it a week after you brew it!:beer:

rach1989

I live near there and saw this advertised. You get paid about £2 per kg you pick and cannot contain stems. That must take ages!!!!

rach1989

actually, just looked in local paper and its £1.80 per kg.

Krackingtoast

Hmm yes, 1kg of elderflowers must be quite a few bags full!