The field either side of the public footpath Shestone15 (aka 5-Oaks) that takes you from Thornes to Lower Stonnall has been planted with what I thought were Broad Beans. I was wrong. They are in fact Field Beans. Same species as Broad Beans but slightly smaller and the pods have nearly all turned black. First thought was . . . dead. What a waste. But a bit of research tells me that turning black is the sign that they are ripe (definitely not blackfly).
They can be used for human consumption, ploughed in for Nitrogen gain, pulled up for compost, or used for cattle feed.
So, on my walk today I learned something new and thought I’d share it with you in case you were wondering too
