Hooks are of universal use in the natural world, toes hook over branches, talons hook prey, burrs hook a ride. To help them catch slippery fish Ospreys have developed some highly specialised hooks on the soles of their feet. These spicules, like the hooky side of Velcro catch between the scales of a fish and together with the more lethal stabbing talon hooks prevent their chosen prey from slipping away like soap in the bathtub.

A plant that utilises the same principal but for very different purposes is Wood Avens. This is a common but often overlooked plant growing and blooming below the nest tree and in many of our woodlands at this time of year. Have a look round for it. At first sight it has inconspicuous foliage and blossom. It 's related to the rose so its small yellow flowers have 5 yellow petals backed by 5 green sepals. The leaves at the base of the plant are single but divide into attractive 3 fingered stem leaves held up on lightly haired stalks. The first time you might notice it is by its seeds. These develop into a orange-red burr-like head, each seed having a tiny hook to catch on to passing fur, feather and trousers. It’s an ideal way of hitching a lift to migrate to new pastures.

Although it is unlikely to travel 3000 miles in this way, like ospreys do, it does have an exotic secret redolent of hot and foreign climes held in its roots, as its other name, Herb Bennet, suggests. The roots collected and dried taste and smell of cloves. Before the advent of trade with the Far East they were widely grown in the herb garden and used as a flavouring in sweet and savoury dishes. (The smell of them is also supposed to be effective against moths.) Certainly a few laid inside BBQed Bassenthwaite trout is a dynamic, if acquired, culinary experience!