A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY
PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO, IDEAS TO TRY
The Months by Sara Coleridge, daughter of Samuel Taylor Coleridge
EAT THE SEASONS… GIROLLES
Take an autumnal morning walk to pick the last of these foraging favourites, also known as chanterelles. Succulent and delicate, the yellow and orange funnel-shaped fungi grow in coniferous and broadleaved forests in mossy areas and under birch and pine in Scotland. Wipe your haul, then sauté them in butter to give them a little colour. Stir in crème fraîche and lemon juice and pile on toast for a breakfast feast.
KENDAL MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL
Celebrate the great outdoors at the Kendal Mountain Festival, held at the gateway to the Lake District from 16-19 November. Expect dance, music, film and speakers from volcanologists to mountaineers. Energetic festivalgoers can also join a 10K race. Can’t make it? Stream highlights through the website. kendalmountainfestival.com
SENSE OF THE SEASON... The crunch of a leaf pile
Leaf fall is usually all but over by the third week in November, covering the ground with the golds and reds of nature’s confetti. By now, the swish of wellies through the covering stirs up the autumn perfume of petrichor. The perennial joy of the leaf pile is at its peak. Spot one that has been raked and you’ll be hard pressed not to want to jump on it (check for hedgehogs first).
