Foraging and Wildcraft
Foraging Walks
Uncover the hidden world of plants, trees and fungi on your doorstep. Learn how to identify and use wild species for food, tasting edibles as we go along. Foraging is an ancient skill which is becoming increasingly popular as a way to incorporate more fresh sustainable food into our diets and reconnect with nature at the same time.
You will be amazed at all the wonderful wild flavours out there! Take a sensory and philosophical journey through time, from the hunter gatherers to the present day to the future of climate resilient food systems. The lost art and knowledge of foraging is an essential life skill which is a joy to share.
We Will Cover
- Forager’s code: essential safety, sustainability and legal rules to follow
- History and uses of a variety of plants, trees & fungi (season dependant)
- Botany or mycology basics: introduction to identification
- Selection of wild flavours to smell and taste
Please Note
- Our walks take place mainly in South London in urban parks, woodlands and riversides.
- Food samples are free from gluten, refined sugar, meat, dairy and caffeine. Majority are vegan but some may contain organic egg or honey. Some products contain nuts. Please contact us in advance if you have any allergies or dietaries.
- Walks vary in length, terrain and accessibility. Please contact us in advance if you have accessibility requirements.
- The course will continue whatever the weather (except in electrical storms or high winds), so please come prepared for outdoor activities!
Add-ons to Foraging Walks
Wild Food Tasters
Explore the many ways in which wild flavours can be used to create unique foods and drinks. Taste a small selection of pre-made treats using ingredients foraged from some of the species of plants, trees and fungi we met on our walk. Harvest your own freshly picked wild salad. Enjoy a cooling or warming seasonally foraged drink.
Riverboat Cruise
Sip a wild cocktail or mocktail on the deck of a private barge (owned by a brilliant river charity) and relax after our riverside foraging walk. Enjoy a buffet of sweet and savoury foods made with foraged ingredients, inspired by the river environment. Our peaceful journey up the Thames passes interesting sights such as Hampton Court Palace and brings excitement as we venture through locks! You might spot some river wildlife and learn more about the boat or the Thames with Gemma, an experienced river educator. A completely unique day out celebrating our wild river plants and environment.
Botanical Gin Workshop
Craft your own bespoke Gin to take home, infusing the aromatic herbs and spices growing wild all around us. Have fun exploring the flavour profiles of your favourite gin and test out flavour combinations of different infusions. Recipes and guidance will be provided; however, you are free to follow your own palate to make a completely new wild gin unique to you! Proudly take your wild gin home to enjoy, or gift to someone special.
Introduction to Fire
Discover which trees, plants and fungi you can use as tinder or firewood. Have a go at friction fire-lighting to ignite our small campfire! Once our fire is ready we might whittle some greenwood skewers, or prepare what we’ve gathered, to cook a small hot snack and drink made with wild ingredients. A lovely way to end the day.
Introduction to Natural Dye & Paint
Learn some simple techniques for extracting colour and pattern from wild plants, trees and fungi. Crush different rocks and soils to find the best substance to absorb colour. Follow your imagination and creativity to have fun decorating cloth using your homemade wild dyes and paints.
Introduction to Wild Cordage & Wooden Beads
Discover ancient survival skills and crafts using basic tools. Learn which plants and trees can be used to make string, and which wood can be turned into a simple bead. Craft your own beaded bracelet made entirely from the woodland around you.
Private Bookings & Events
Book us for a private family session, special occasion or event. We offer foraging walks and interactive workshops, wild food and craft demonstrations, online or in-person talks, event stalls and other bespoke foraging experiences.
Iraqi Wild Food Project
Traditional food with a wild twist. Recreating traditional Iraqi foods using locally foraged ingredients in and around South London. Gemma takes inspiration from middle eastern cuisine to create a new fusion representative of her Iraqi heritage, British upbringing and love of Ethnobotany. Ongoing conflicts prevent visiting Iraq, and health conditions which require cutting out gluten, dairy, meat and sugar meant that traditional foods were out of bounds. It is a way to reconnect to her heritage through food.
