Second childhood?

[Barry]

For years now, at around this time of the year, I go out to look for conkers. I don't play the game, just like the look of horse chestnuts; especially the colour when freshly fallen. I also look for one that is bigger than usual - don't keep a record on size, but these two could be candidates:


42.5mm


44.5mm

[walpurgis]

I like the look of the skins and pondered the idea of drying them flat and veneering cartridge bodies with them. Just thought it would look cool!

[Barry]

I like the look of the skins and pondered the idea of drying them flat and veneering cartridge bodies with them. Just thought it would look cool!

That would look cool, but only if you could maintain the lovely rich, deep sheen of a freshly fallen chestnut. Sell the idea to Koetsu - they could call the model the Koetsu 'Walpurgis'.

[Pigmy Pony]

You big kid! But I am exactly the same - as a child I sought out the biggest ones. Then i used to take my daughters when they were growing up, then my grandson. Not for a couple of years now though, not since he discovered girls.

I'll have a go in the next few days, even though i'll be going on my own. But the place I remember having the biggest ones is now a private school, and they may not want me chucking sticks up at their trees.

Hard to be definitive about conker size, as varying shapes can be misleading. perhaps going by weight (digital kitchen scales that can weigh in grams) would be a better way.

[Barry]

If you don't want to look like a big kid when looking for horse chestnuts, if anyone challenges you tell them some practical uses: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blo...ers-and-facts/

[walpurgis]

You can probably be arrested for collecting them these days, same as you can for walking off with a handful of sand or a stone from a beach

[Pigmy Pony]

You can probably be arrested for collecting them these days, same as you can for walking off with a handful of sand or a stone from a beach

I'd deny it of course, tell em I'm collecting mushrooms

Barry, I've just read that there is no Guinness record for the largest conker. That surprises me.

[Shovel_Knight]

I have always loved horse chestnuts.

[Marco]

As they say: 'Happiness is a nice pair of conkers!'

But yes, Barry, we also do the same! Del loves collecting them, among other things she forages, for making things from, during our walks to the local park. Collecting conkers is one of the best things about autumn, and why we love this season

However, the idea of anyone 'arresting' you for collecting them, other than within the crazy environs of London, is laughable! No way would that happen here, as a) no-one would be the slightest but interested, and b) most of the time the park is empty

Marco.

[Barry]

You can probably be arrested for collecting them these days, same as you can for walking off with a handful of sand or a stone from a beach

Only from the Royal Parks where the removal is discouraged. But horse chestnut trees are in danger of dying out (possibly by 2030), due to a fungal investation:

https://askinglot.com/why-are-the-ho...es-dying-in-uk