Learn how to make raspberry vinegar to soothe sore throats, enjoy with pancakes or simply make water a little more interesting. The hedgerow is practically groaning with goodies at the moment. So pick your raspberries rather than buying a supermarket punnet. Take a basket with you on your dog walk and see what you can find. But you will have to resist eating all of the raspberries before you get them back to the kitchen.

For more treats picked straight from the hedgerow, The Field has plenty of inspiration. For a soothing bedtime brew, try our recipe for rosehip tea. Or if you are after something a little stronger, try elderberry vodka. It is guaranteed to make any get-together a real knees-up. And if your hedgerows have presented you with a rather random harvest, put it all in the maslin pan and make wild fruit jam. A generous dollop on freshly baked bread fresh out of the oven is a real British treat.

HOW TO MAKE RASPBERRY VINEGAR

Could you supply me with a recipe for raspberry vinegar? It was readily available many years ago and was enjoyed on pancakes, drunk as a cordial and even used as an antiseptic. Nobody seems to remember these recipe gems from yesteryear. Can you help?
MDP, Louth, Lincolnshire

Fruit vinegars are simple to make. Pour 1 litre (13/4 pints) white wine vinegar over 1 litre (13/4 pints) raspberries which have been gently bruised with the back of a spoon. Allow to stand for four days, stirring daily. Strain through a jelly bag, adding 450g (1lb) of caster sugar per litre of liquid. Heat gently till just simmering. Allow to cool, then bottle and cork tightly. Store in a cool, dry place. Drink diluted with water. It is also effective for soothing sore throats, either taken neat or with a little hot water.