Foraging Walk

Max. 8 places.
Let’s go foraging…
Wortley area

IMPORTANT - DUE TO VERY LIMITED NUMBERS, PLEASE ONLY SIGN UP IF YOU DEFINITELY INTEND TO COME TO AVOID SOMEONE HAVING TO MISS OUT.

Spring is springing and the foraging season has begun! Join me again a wee forage where we’ll look for some tasty edibles.

Whilst some will argue that autumn is the best time to forage and I kind of agree, although spring delivers some of my absolute favourites. Spring is also a great time to blow off the cobwebs and see what Mother Nature has been up to whilst we've all be hiding indoors away from all the flipping rain...

Those that joined the autumn walk will remember lots of berries, this time we'll search out some fresh new finds together.

On the day?
Foraging is a nice slow and some might say mindful way to enjoy nature. We’ll take a slow wander (maybe only four-ish miles) as we look for different things to identify. We need to keep the group size small so that we don’t have a negative impact on our environment and won’t be picking anything in great numbers - but hopefully you’ll learn enough to give you the confidence to forage a few things for yourselves separately.

Depending on what we find, I’ll also share some recipe ideas to help you make the most of the things you collect and enjoy them for weeks, even months afterwards. If I have time beforehand, I might even make a few things for you to try at the end (no promises)

What do I need to bring?
Standard day hike stuff (water, brew, snacks, waterproofs/sunscreen etc) plus perhaps some small freezer bags, perhaps a small Tupperware (other brands are available) box. A sense of curiosity, patience and keenness to slow right down is essential. Oh, and good eyeballs, or glasses if that’s not available to you!

Where are we meeting?
We’ll meet at Wortley Wagyu - please use the car park at the back of the stable block and where possible car share (or walk) so we don't take over the whole car park. At the end, we'll come back and enjoy one of their amazing burgers and/or incredible ice cream (think they have a bar too) so bring some spends (they take cards) and we can support this small family fun business too.

Caveat - I’m not an expert; I have no qualifications in this and don’t know all the plants/fungi but have been foraging for a number of years so have picked up a few things along the way and definitely have my favourites. You are responsible for anything you put in your mouth (keep it clean)! And of course, because it’s nature, we share with wildlife, so there are no guarantees. If you have experience of foraging yourself, please do share your knowledge too.

Fee: £2 sent direct to Gerry in advance to secure your place. The £2 keeps us going.

The Countryside Act & Responsible Foraging
The countryside act says that foraging the 4 Fs from common land is acceptable so long as it is for personal consumption only. The 4 Fs are fruit, foliage, flora and fungus. This means moderate amounts for you and your family only, and most obviously not for Commercial Foraging purposes. The rules on common land are basically; ‘take what you want for personal consumption’ but to pick with respect.

The general rule of a responsible foragers code is that you never pick more than half of what you find of anything from anywhere and it should always look like you’ve not been there at all and if it does, you’ve picked too much.

Respect the trees, plants and mushrooms, the surrounding environment, wildlife that may have a dependence on what you are taking, other people and their property. The countryside act also states that you shouldn’t uproot any plant from common land. In addition, there are often localised Bylaws relating to picking in a specified area. To find out the local bylaws you need to look on park or borough websites or check the backs of the big signs when you walk into a park. If you see something that relates to the removal of plants or fungi from the area, then don’t do it. There are plenty of places where you can still forage so find one of those.

On private property you are not bound by the Countryside Act, however it’s still advised that you are sympathetic to the area and pick with respect, common sense and care. It is essential that before picking on private land, you have the landowner’s full permission. If you do see mushrooms on someone’s lawn, or a tree dripping with fruit that seem to be going to waste, then knock on that person’s door and ask if they wouldn’t mind you harvesting their bounty. You will likely be given a surprised look, but we have never had anyone upset by us asking. If they are willing, ensure you only pick what they are happy for you to take. Often people don’t realise what they have and are pleased to be enlightened!