Autumn has arrived and we're making preparations for our first ever Damson Day, entitled "Discovering the Damson", which will be held in rural Shropshire on Sunday, 25th September, 2011.

For more detail about the day, and how to buy a ticket, have a look below at the press release we sent out today. No joking, tickets are very limited so don't delay getting one if you'd like to come along. We'd love to see you there!

Damsons at Dusk; taken on 31 August, 2011. The damsons will be ripe two weeks earlier than last year.

Discovering the Damson — Press Release

Come and discover the damson on Sunday 25^th September for a day of celebrating and rediscovering the Shropshire Prune, a variety of damson with distinctive qualities.

Join us and our hosts Colin and Lyn Fletcher at "Woodfield" their picturesque smallholding in Clungunford, in the heart of the Shropshire Hills, for a day of talks, tastings and cookery demonstrations that will help you fall back in love with this quintessentially English hedgerow crop.

Tish Dockerty, Slow Food Ludlow member, explains:

“The Shropshire Prune is a wonderful Autumn fruit that has slowly faded from many people’s consciousnesses. It is remembered in Shropshire as a cash-crop for cottagers and more recently, its culinary versatility has been championed by a group of local chefs and food producers associated with Slow Food Ludlow.”

Jodie Griffith, who is also organising the event, continues:

“We will be joined by two local chefs, who will demonstrate some innovative and exciting recipes using the Shropshire Prune damson. There will be lots of tasters! Information and displays of local producers and Shropshire Prune damson retail outlets will also be available.”

Tickets are available from Jodie Griffith, Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership on 01588 674090 or jodie.griffith@shropshire.gov.uk

The price is £25, or £20 for Friends of the Shropshire Hills and Slow Food members. Lunch and a free gift are included.

The day has been brought to you through cooperation between the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership’s "Discover Local" project and the Slow Food Ludlow Marches Group.

Notes on the AONB

For further information contact Jodie Griffith, Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership, The Old Post Office, Shrewsbury Road, Craven Arms, SY7 9NZ.  Tel: 01588 674090

Email:  jodie.griffith@shropshire.gov.uk 

Website: www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk

The Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of 40 AONBs in England & Wales.  This designation is recognition of the national value of the area's landscape, and brings duties on local authorities to conserve and  enhance its natural beauty.  Covering 23% of the county, the Shropshire Hills AONB extends from the Wrekin to the Clun Forest and from the Stiperstones to the Clee Hills.  It is a diverse and tranquil area, with rugged hills, rolling pastoral fields, woods and meadows, picturesque villages and historic buildings, hillforts and ancient monuments.

The management of the AONB is guided by a statutory Management Plan produced by the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership which comprises two local authorities, 31 other organisations and independent community members. The AONB staff team are funded by Defra and the local authorities, and work with others to implement the AONB Management Plan.  Shropshire Council acts as host authority for the AONB Partnership.  The Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership plays three main roles:

·   To develop policy and strategy for the area especially through the AONB Management Plan, and influence the policies and strategies of others

·   To take and co-ordinate action to conserve and enhance natural beauty, promote enjoyment and understanding, and further sustainable development

·   To support the involvement of the community in the management of the AONB