Autumn is definitely my favourite season. I ask myself why and the first thing that passes through my mind is a sensation or memory. It is dusk, on a Saturday I think. It’s a crisp but not yet chilly day. In this feeling/memory there are a few components that are reflecting on the past and enjoying the expectation of the future. I feel like I’ve spent the day out either walking or working in the small-holding I grew up on and I feel a sense of satisfaction that I must have used the day fruitfully. What I’m looking forward to is an evening of needs being met, of food, warmth, company and joy. Saturday night was always sausages, mash, fresh peas and thick gravy; the sausages cooked in the rayburn in cider and the gravy cooked in the same pan. The warmth comes from the first open fire of the coming winter and the laughter has something to do with the memory of being there as the grownups laughed at the Two Ronnies on an old black and white TV – with me and my sister laughing along but, with hindsight, not understanding more than 20% of the references.

Anyway, I still love Autumn. The feeling I’ve unpacked has some of the above as a foundation but so many more new ingredients. Myself and my wife found a shared enjoyment in forageing around November last year – well into the tail end of Autumn 07. Now we’re well ahead of the game and can spot a lot more to. So here are my Autumn rituals – that I look forward to and will make time and space to enjoy.

1. The first open fire.
2. A long walk amongst trees on the turn.
3. A cosy Saturday evening in front of something funny.
4. Foraging for fungi (we’re determined to succeed a little better than last year)
5. Eating a dinner with the first fruits from our garden.

What are you’re Autumn rituals?