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I have taken to running the parks of London with my nose in the air at this time of year to spot the trees ripe for foraging. And I've just returned from a sweat around Wandsworth common and have found two trees. One with a red plum-like fruit and reddish leaves - this one is dropping fruit, but they feel quite hard. And one with a little green fruit and leaf, not yet dropping, which I think might be a bullace. Attached is a photo of both - any ideas anyone? I've managed to keep myself in foraged fruit for the last month now, so hoping these and the goose-gogs I found last week might see me through 'til September when the apples are ready!

I'd say they were both Mirabelles (Prunus domestica var. syriaca), or myrobalan/cherry plums (Prunus cerasifera). Completely edible when ripe, or pick a little under ripe for cooking/preserving. Ideal for Jams, jellies, sauces, cakes or pies. Pickle them, spice them or steep the fruits in brandy (very nice for Christmas) or use them to make wine. Basically use them as you would any other plum! Oh, and I personally find that the green ones are especially tasty when just on ripe. Hope that helps! :O)