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We've put together this simple guide to show just one of the plants or fungi which are available to forage each month here in the UK.
January:
- Forage: Winter Chanterelle Mushrooms
- Description: Look for these golden mushrooms in mossy areas of coniferous forests.
February:
- Forage: Wild Garlic
- Description: Abundant in woodlands, the pungent aroma of wild garlic leaves is unmistakable.
March:
- Forage: Nettles
- Description: Harvest young nettles for their nutritious leaves, best used in soups or teas.
April:
- Forage: Ramsons (Wild Leeks)
- Description: Similar in taste to garlic, these can be found in damp, shaded woodlands.
May:
- Forage: Elderflowers
- Description: Fragrant clusters of elderflowers are perfect for making refreshing cordials and desserts.
June:
- Forage: Strawberries
- Description: Wild strawberries can be found in hedgerows, meadows, and woodland edges.
July:
- Forage: Bilberries (Wild Blueberries)
- Description: These tiny, sweet berries thrive in acidic soils, often on heathland.
August:
- Forage: Blackberries
- Description: Abundant in hedgerows, blackberries are perfect for jams, pies, and crumbles.
September:
- Forage: Sloes
- Description: Harvest these small, bitter plums from blackthorn bushes, commonly used in making sloe gin.
October:
- Forage: Chestnuts
- Description: Look for sweet chestnuts in woodlands; they can be roasted or used in various dishes.
November:
- Forage: Rosehips
- Description: The fruit of wild roses, rosehips are high in vitamin C and can be used in teas and jams.
December:
- Forage: Winter Purslane
- Description: This cold-hardy succulent is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can be found in open areas, including gardens and waste ground.
Please remember to forage responsibly, following ethical guidelines, and ensuring you have the landowner's permission when necessary. Always correctly identify plants before consumption, and be mindful of the environment by not overharvesting.
This information is supplier by an experienced forager. If you are ever in doubt about the identification of any plant or mushroom, do NOT eat it.
"I took my mum, sister and my partner and had an absolutely fantastic time at the Winter Foraging and Fungi Workshop yesterday. Freya was a super host, really knowledgeable, fun and engaging. We were all newbies to foraging and despite the rain had the best time! It was so nice for the four of us to spend some quality time together doing something different and learning something new. We can’t wait to find our next activity with Experience Hampshire!"
"I had an absolutely fantastic time at the Foraging Workshop led by Freya! Her expertise in mushroom gathering was truly impressive, and she made the entire experience both educational and enjoyable.
Freya's knowledge of the local flora and fauna, particularly when it came to mushrooms, was outstanding. She took the time to explain not only how to identify different species but also their culinary uses and potential medicinal benefits. It was clear that she had a deep passion for the subject, and her enthusiasm was infectious.
What really set this workshop apart was Freya's friendly and fun personality. She created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone in the group. Her patience in answering questions and offering guidance to beginners like myself was greatly appreciated. It felt like spending the day with a knowledgeable friend rather than an instructor.
I would highly recommend Freya's Foraging Workshop to anyone interested in learning more about the incredible world of mushroom gathering and foraging. It's an educational, fun, and enriching experience that you won't want to miss. Thank you, Freya, for an unforgettable day!"
All of our countryside workshops are run on private land with the permission of the landowner:
Laverstoke Park Farm, Basingstoke
Is foraging illegal in the UK?
Foraging in the UK is generally legal, but there are important restrictions and considerations that individuals should be aware of. The laws around foraging depend on various factors, including the location, the type of land, and the specific plants or fungi being collected.
Public parks and nature reserves often have rules and regulations in place regarding foraging to protect the environment and biodiversity. For example, some areas may prohibit the removal of any plants or fungi to preserve the natural ecosystem. It's essential to check and adhere to local regulations in each specific location.
On private land, you must obtain permission from the landowner before foraging. Trespassing without permission is not allowed, even if you are only collecting wild plants or fungi. All Experience Hampshire inland foraging workshops are hosted on private land with the express permission of the land owner.
You should be aware that certain plant species are protected by law, and it is illegal to uproot or pick them. For example, some orchids and rare wildflowers are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Foraging for mushrooms and fungi can also have specific rules, and some areas may have restrictions or bans on collecting certain species due to concerns about conservation or potential toxicity.
In summary, while foraging is generally legal in the UK, it is crucial to be informed about and respect local regulations, obtain permission on private land, and avoid picking protected or rare species. Always check for specific guidelines in the area where you plan to forage.
