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Pocket Nature Wild Flowers, Neil Fletcher (isbn:0-7513-3873-7)
Of the many pocket sized books there are this is the one I tend to stick in a bag or a pocket if im travelling light. All the true field guides are somewhat heavier and as well as weighing more take up space in your bag that could be better put to use filled with sandwiches and foraged goodies.
Field Guide to the wild flowers of Britain, Readers Digest (isbn: 0-276-42506-5)
Like most field guides this is certainly not a book that will easily fit in your pocket, however it has a decent overall coverage of all but the rarest of British Flora. Descriptions are backed up with quality illustration and a little photo that helps both with the identification but also indicates its preferred habitat. Along with the occasional anecdote this is my first recommendation for those who are starting to get interested in edible wild plants.
The Wild Flower Key, Francise Rose / Clare O'Reilly (isbn: 0-7232-5175-4)
This is the daddy (or mother) of them all a comprehensive key ( asking a series of questions that will lead to the eventual ID. of a plant.) If you need something more comprehensive than this then chances are you won't be coming to me for advice on all things botanical.Although a little more academic than the other books this is still my favourite book when I need to be absolutely sure of a plant intended for the pot.
With those 3 books there really shouldn't be any need for more however there are plenty of other books and resources available. turning to the other great resource of the interweb a few good sites to check on are:
Wild About Britain - http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ - some great forums where its probable that someone else has already asked the question that you are thinking of. I have helped people identify plants from photos they have posted here.
Herbs 2000 - http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/1menu.htm - Some useful information on our commonest herbs and plants.
Plants for a future - http://www.pfaf.org/index.php - An extensive database of British flora and its uses.
Once you have been bitten by the joys of foraging for your own wild food I would highly recommend a course with one of the countries most respected and knowledgeable experts Marcus Harrison who runs the Wild Food School in Cornwall. He has also published online a few free wild food related books.
The fast wild food cookbook - which has plenty of information, ideas and recipes to get you started.
Cornwall Foraging guide - Not exclusively for use in Cornwall it identifies all the commonest edible plants you are likely to find.
As well as self publishing a number of good wild food recipe books that are all worthwhile additions to your shelf.
