The medicinal properties of the elder and its flowers (above) will be explored at the Natural History Museum this half-term. Picture courtesy NHM
Event: Elder Flower Day, The Natural History Museum, London, May 27 2009
Here's a great science and nature day out for kids and it's free. This Wednesday (May 27 2009), in the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Garden, families can discover more about the elder tree and the properties of its flowers and berries, including its medicinal uses.
Did you know, for example, that elders can also be used to produce soup, lemonade, tea and muffins? Well, all of these delectations will be on offer in the Wildlife Garden at the Natural History Museum for the Elder Flower Day celebrations, as well as displays, talks, sampling and identification workshops for all ages.
Of the trees filling the forests of the UK, the elder is one of the most highly revered.
Shamanic artist, Glennie Kindred, spoke of feeling the "presence of its spirit in a tangible way" in between saluting the "abundant herbal, magical and culinary gifts" of the specimen and its "wise old energy".
According to folk tales recounted by The Herb Society, Judas hanged himself on an elder tree, blossoming varieties planted near Celtic graves symbolised contented afterlives for the departed, and you are guaranteed a glimpse of the King of the Fairies if you stand under one on Midsummer Eve.
The truth of such claims may be open to debate, but the medicinal value of the Elder definitely isn't.
Runs 1pm – 5.50pm. Admission free, call 020 7942 5011.
You might also be interested in having a look at Woodgate Valley Country Park's website, which has some lovely images of the Elder for kids to look at.
