1. The Bullaces I found this year are small - but still distinct from sloes in size (see below for comparison - sloes on the right, Bullaces on the left)

2. Synonyms for Blackthorns include sloes, cudgels, bludgeons, clubs, truncheons, batons, shillelaghs, stick, bats and billies

3. Today and yesterday me and Mrs H picked 6kg of Bullaces and sloes and have made 8 litres of Bullace …

4. Without a doubt the sweetest of all the temperate fruits, the European plums include gages, prunes, mirabelles and tart fruits used only for cooking: damsons, Bullaces and sloes