No. 21 Forage for wild food

Visitors looking at fungi in the garden at Quarry Bank Mill, Wilmslow, Cheshire — Visitors looking at fungi in the garden at Quarry Bank | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Foraging is a hobby that involves searching for and eating plants, herbs and fruit. It’s time for you to dip your hand into the hedgerows, trees and bushes to see what yummy treats you can discover. Delicious snacks await you with adventure no. 21 on our list of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.

Foraging

You can find wild food almost anywhere in nature. When you’re out in the countryside, keep your eyes peeled for snacks in the trees, in the hedgerows and on the ground. What can you see? Bushes might be full of blackberries. Are there any fruit trees with apples, plums or pears waiting to be picked? Maybe there’s sweet-smelling wild garlic underfoot? See what you can find.

You may also spot other hungry mouths looking for treats. Are the birds feasting on berries in the bushes? Maybe insects are enjoying a meal of fallen apples. See what other creatures you spot nibbling while you forage. And be sure to share your spoils with them.

Seasonal treats

You can forage for wild food at any time of the year; you just need to be aware that some seasons will have less on offer, while others are abundant (such as autumn). Many wild plants, including weeds, are deliciously edible.

In May and June, there will mainly be herbs and plants on offer. Did you know you can eat the leaves of a lime tree? Clover is also yummy, but leave plenty for the bees, they love it. Dandelion, sweet violet and wild garlic can be found in abundance too.

July, August and September bring tasty treats such as blueberries, garlic mustard, blackberries, apples, raspberries and of course, the all-round favourite: strawberries.

Come October, November and December, you’ll find tasty nuts abound. Munch on beech nuts, hazelnuts, chestnuts (these need to be cooked first) and walnuts.

Children at a foraging workshop at Top of the Gorge Festival 2019, Cheddar Gorge, Somerset — Children at a foraging workshop at Cheddar Gorge | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Cooking your collection

Many things that you forage for can be eaten straight from the tree or bush. Some taste even better when they’re thrown into a salad or steeped to make a fruity tea, or perhaps added to a recipe and baked in the oven.

Be aware

Only eat what you recognise. If you don’t know what it is, don’t eat it.
Toadstools are definitely poisonous, but so are some mushrooms. It’s best to steer clear of both unless you’re with an adult who can safely identify what's edible.
Watch out for prickles and brambles when you’re scouring the hedgerows.
Bees and wasps also love the sweet fruit and berries that can be found in the wild. Be mindful that you don’t disturb or scare them - you could also be stung.
Eat sustainably. That means, just taking some of what you find and leaving enough for animals, insects and for the plant to seed. It also means only collecting what is plentiful.