Be Nice to Nettles Week

19 - 30 May 2010

Almost everyone is familiar with the nettle having experienced its formidable sting. To many it is a troublesome weed that should be eradicated wherever it is found. This point of view has only recently developed. Indeed the humble nettle has played, and continues to play, an important role in the natural world...

	The Nettle Where does the name come from? How does it sting? Find out here.
	Nettles and Wildlife Take a look at the wildlife of the nettle patch.
	Nettles and People Discover how we have utilised the nettle for food, clothing and medicine.
	Nettles today... What are we doing with the nettle today? - and what might we do tomorrow?
	Nettles in the news Take a look at some of nettley stories that appear in our newspapers and on our television screens.
	Get involved in Nettle Week Find out what you could do during Nettle Week - and the rest of the year for that matter.
	Nettle Week Events See what's happening near you or register your own activity.
	Nettle Week Supporters A listing of the organisations and individuals that support Nettle Week.
	Nettle Week Links Take a look at the web sites of our supporters and other nettle related sites.
	Nettle Fun and Games Try your luck at True or False? or enter our nettle art competition.

Why not try Lady Ridley's nettle soup recipe? Let us know what you think or tell us your own favourite nettle recipe.
Ingredients:

1 lb potatoes
½ lb young nettles
2 oz butter
1½ pts chicken or vegetable stock
sea salt & black pepper
4 tablespoons sour cream

Method:

Cook the peeled, chopped potatoes for 10 mins in salted water. Drain.
Wash & chop coarsely the nettles (Only pick the new, young tops,using gloves!)
Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the nettles and stew gently for a few minutes. Add the potatoes and heated stock, bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes or until tender.
When all is soft, cool slightly & purée in a blender, adding seasoning and the sour cream.