Discover the healing joys of nature’s kitchen and wild walks through Maes Mynan Park
Foraging isn’t just about finding food — it’s about slowing down, tuning into the landscape, and noticing the small seasonal miracles that nature gifts us. At Maes Mynan Park, the rolling hills, lakes and hidden woodland pathways offer a treasure trove of wild edibles — from jewel-like berries to fragrant flowers and earthy fruits.
One of our holiday homeowners, affectionately known as Mrs P, has turned these natural riches into a creative and wholesome ritual. Her shelves brim with Hawthorn Ketchup, Pickled Crab Apples, Rowan Jelly, Rose Hip Syrup, Elderberry Elixir, Blackberry Jam, Sloe Gin, and Damson Whisky — all crafted from ingredients gathered on gentle walks around Maes Mynan Park.
Every jar, bottle, and spoonful tells a story — one of patience, gratitude, and connection to place.
From Poison to Edible Deliciousness
Many of nature’s fruits come with a warning — raw they may be bitter or even harmful, but with knowledge and care, they transform into something both safe and sensational.
The rowan berry, for example, needs simmering to soften its tartness and remove toxins, while elderberries are only beneficial once cooked. Yet in Mrs P’s kitchen, these once-feared fruits become gleaming jars of jelly and syrup — a symbol of nature’s generosity and transformation.
“Nature gives freely,” says Mrs P, “but she expects us to respect her power — and to use it wisely.”
Maes Mynan Park’s Foraging Pathways
Step out from your lodge or caravan and you’re never far from an edible adventure. The woodland paths that weave through Maes Mynan Park’s sequoia grove are lined with seasonal surprises — clusters of blackberries, pockets of wild raspberries, and, if you know where to look, the hidden gleam of hawthorn berries and rose hips among the hedgerows.
In late summer and autumn, the air is rich with the scent of pine and ripening fruit, the perfect backdrop for mindful foraging. Even a short walk becomes an invitation to observe, taste, and gather — a reminder that wellness starts with connection to the land beneath your feet.
Mrs P’s 8 Foraging Tips for Beginners (Plus a Raspberry Bonus!)
| Tip | Forager’s Wisdom |
|---|---|
| 1. Learn Before You Pick | Always identify plants confidently. Many berries look alike — some are healing, others harmful. |
| 2. Forage Responsibly | Take only what you’ll use, leaving plenty for birds, bees, and fellow wanderers. |
| 3. Pick Away from Roadsides | Stay deep within Maes Mynan’s woodland paths and meadows to avoid pollutants. |
| 4. Follow the Seasons | Each month brings new treasures — hawthorn in autumn, elderflowers in summer, sloes after the first frost. |
| 5. Cook with Care | Some wild foods (like elderberries and rowan) need heat to release their benefits. |
| 6. Preserve the Season | Capture nature’s flavours in syrups, jams, chutneys, and gins to enjoy all year. |
| 7. Walk Mindfully | The act of foraging is its own form of meditation — a way to reset, breathe, and notice the details. |
| 8. Share the Bounty | Swap jars and recipes with friends and neighbours. It’s how community grows. |
| Bonus Tip – Wild Raspberries! | Found along shaded woodland trails near the Sequoias, these sweet, soft berries are best enjoyed just as they are — a reward for a wanderer’s eye. |
Seasonal Creations from Mrs P’s Nature Kitchen at Maes Mynan Park
Blackberry Jam – The Taste of Late Summer
The bramble paths winding through Maes Mynan’s woodlands are heavy with blackberries from late August into September — a true abundance that invites preserving.
You’ll need:
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1kg fresh blackberries
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1kg granulated sugar
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Juice of 1 lemon
Method:
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Wash berries and remove any stalks.
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Simmer gently with lemon juice until soft.
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Add sugar, stir until dissolved, and bring to a rolling boil for 5–10 minutes.
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Test for setting by placing a drop on a cold plate.
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Pour into sterilised jars and seal.
A spoonful on warm toast brings a taste of Maes Mynan’s hedgerows to your breakfast table.
Damson Whisky – A Toast to Autumn Evenings
Rich, smooth, and slightly tart — this warming creation celebrates the deeper, slower rhythm of the cooler months.
You’ll need:
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500g ripe damsons
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250g sugar
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1 litre whisky
Method:
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Prick the damsons and place them in a large jar.
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Add sugar and whisky.
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Seal, shake gently, and store in a cool, dark place for at least 3 months.
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Strain and enjoy — ideally by a log fire on a crisp winter night.
Nature’s Generosity and the Wellbeing it Offers Us All
Foraging at Maes Mynan Park is an invitation to live seasonally — to wander without hurry, to breathe deeply, and to reconnect with the natural world.
Each walk through the park’s woodland trails, open meadows, and lakeside edges offers both movement and mindfulness. The act of gathering — whether it’s a handful of blackberries or a sprig of wild mint — nourishes more than just the body.
“When I’m walking with my basket,” says Mrs P, “the world feels quiet and kind. That’s the real gift of foraging.”
Closing Thought
At Maes Mynan Park, every path has a story and every season a flavour. From wild berries in the woods to rose hips by the lakes, nature’s pantry reminds us to slow down and savour life’s simple, soulful pleasures.
“There’s magic in the hedgerows,” smiles Mrs P. “You just have to step outside and find it.”
Discover the Magic of Maes Mynan Park For Yourself
For those who find joy in birdsong, peace in woodland walks, and comfort in the changing rhythm of the seasons — Maes Mynan Park is waiting. Nestled within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, this hidden gem is more than a holiday retreat; it’s a place to reconnect with nature, breathe deeply, and feel at home among the hills and trees.
If the great outdoors stirs your heart and the idea of life framed by nature’s beauty speaks to you, we’d love to welcome you for a visit. Step into the landscape, explore the woodland paths, and experience the calm and connection that make Maes Mynan Park so special.
To arrange a viewing or find out more about our holiday homes for sale, please get in touch — we’d be delighted to show you around.
info@nullacornleisure.com | 01352 720808.
