Places to forage for wild garlic
Wild garlic grows across the UK from late winter until the end of spring and you can find it in damp, woody areas, including many woodlands in our care. This white-flowered wild allium makes the most of the sunlight that reaches the woodland floor before the trees are in full leaf. Discover where you can find wild garlic and savour its fragrant smell as you stroll.
Check before you forage
Foraging is not permitted at the protected sites in our care, including National Nature Reserves (NNR) and Sites of Special Scientific Importance (SSSI). Please check before you visit.
How to spot wild garlic
The most obvious tell-tale sign that you’ve discovered wild garlic is its smell; if you’re walking through a patch of countryside where wild garlic grows your nose will alert you.
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and taste milder than shop-bought garlic. When foraging it’s important to only pick the leaves and flowers and not uproot the plant. Also avoid taking too much from one area.
Caution
Please note: wild garlic looks quite similar to lily of the valley – which is poisonous. The key difference between the two plants is that wild garlic always smells – yes, you guessed it – of garlic. If you’re in any doubt about which plant you’ve found do not eat it.
Where to find wild garlic
- Downhill Demesne, Northern Ireland
- This cliff-top estate on the north coast of Northern Ireland is packed with things to see and do. In the spring, don't miss the abundant wild garlic flowering.Visit Downhill Demesne
- Erddig, Wrexham
- Erddig’s woodlands are choc-full of walking trails that wind their way between magnificent beech and oak trees. In the spring these pathways are lined with wild garlic – one of the highlights of the season.Visit Erddig
- Fowey Estuary, Cornwall
- Wild garlic can be found throughout the Fowey Estate, particularly in the cool, shady patches of woodland. You’ll probably smell it before you see it, so don’t forget to follow your nose while you’re out walking.Visit Fowey Estuary
- Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
- As the snowdrops and daffodils bid farewell, bluebells and the bright white flowers of the wild garlic make their entrance in these beautiful woodlands. Take a stroll through Lady Spencer’s Wood and breathe in the tangy smell of garlic as it brushes past your boots.Visit Hardwick Hall
- Ilam Park and Dovedale, Derbyshire
- Explore Ilam Park and Dovedale in spring and you'll be greeted with far-reaching views and fragrant spring wildflowers. Head along Paradise Walk and down to the River Manifold to see vast carpets of wild garlic, a truly sensory experience.Visit Ilam Park
- Newark Park, Gloucestershire
- See, smell and taste wild garlic at Newark Park throughout April and May. A walk around the estate will take you past large clumps of white flowers, adding a tang to your springtime stroll. On selected days throughout the season you’ll also be able learn more about these special plants and even taste some delicious wild garlic recipes.Visit Newark Park
- Prior Park, Bath
- Wild garlic is prolific in the gardens here throughout spring. The large, flat leaves start to appear above ground at the end of January, followed by white blooms around April and May. The plant favours damp conditions and is often found in woodlands, so Prior Park is the perfect setting.Visit Prior Park
- Snowshill Manor, Gloucestershire
- At Snowshill, there's a wonderful display of wild garlic along Piper's path. The cafe serves dishes that include this wild garlic in them.Visit Snowshill
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