It’ll soon be time to climb the Rabbit Hill and go looking for conkers again, a truly magnificent autumnal pastime. I really love that time, the bairns get so excited and the satisfaction of finding a good one extends into adulthood if we keep that sense of wonder and excitement. We used to go down to the river where it goes under the oddly named Nelson Mandela Bridge. I’m not sure Mandela ever lived near it or even crossed it, but there are a few trees that dangle into the water and drop their cones into it. Here the best conkers are to be found, or were to be found, because there have been none in the last few years.
There was a time where we could harvest thousands there. Maybe they are all snatched up quicker now with all the new houses at the top of the hill, but that seems unlikely. Maybe the trees are having a few years off. Either way, Rabbit Hill came up tops last year, but not at the place I expected. It’s worth further investigating and I see no reason why our rewards can’t be as good this year. Timing is key. Timing is everything. Can’t seem to get the book the Nature of Autumn by Jim Crumley on Amazon or Ebay. Will need to try an actual shop. Good.