What’s it about?
Running for the past 15 years, our foraging courses are based on the Kent Downs in an area of outstanding natural beauty. These half day foraging courses are for anyone who’d like to get to know the edible delights of the British hedgerows, fields and woodlands.
It’s a wonderful feeling being able to bimble through the great British countryside and know the names of trees and plants that you walk past, which ones you can eat and which ones you can’t. On this foraging course you’ll learn all about the abundant, tasty plants that are there for the picking!.
So if you’ want to know more about the plants, berries and fruits that are abundant in the British countryside and understand which are edible and which you need to avoid, come and join us!
Foraging has seen a surge in popularity over the last few years and plenty of people have jumped on the bandwagon running courses with 20 or more participants. We prefer to keep the numbers low and so for this course we only take 12 people at a time to make sure that everyone gets their moneys worth.
What will I do on a foraging course?
At the start of our half day foraging course we’ll meet at a working farm campsite (with loos!) and have a quick chat about the law around foraging, where to avoid foraging, the best containers to use for foraging and storing your foraged goodies..
Foraging is an age-old practice that connects us with nature, allowing us to explore the great outdoors while discovering edible plants that have been used for centuries. In our foraging course, you will not only learn the basics of foraging but also gain insights into the history and cultural significance of the plants we encounter. For example, did you know that many of the wild herbs commonly found in gardens originated from ancient medicinal practices? Understanding this context can deepen your appreciation for the natural world and the food it provides.
From the meeting point we’ll take a leisurely stroll along a circular route that’ll take us back to the meeting point again at the end of the morning.
Based on the Kent Downs in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the foraging walk will take in a variety of habitats including hedgerows alongside tranquil lanes, fields & meadows and stunning ancient woodland.
We’ll look at edible plants, nuts and berries (depending on the time of year) and we’ll also point out any dangerous plants that we find as well. Take a look at this post on our blog for a heads up on poisonous berries.
We’ll also share practical tips on how to forage sustainably. It’s crucial to respect nature and ensure that we are not over-harvesting. We’ll talk about the ‘rule of thirds’—only taking one-third of what you find, leaving the rest to thrive and reproduce. This practice not only helps preserve the ecosystem but also ensures that foraging remains a viable activity for future generations. Additionally, you’ll learn how to ethically identify and collect edible plants while avoiding those that are harmful.
After our walk, we’ll gather in an indoor workshop for a cuppa and to discuss the various plants we encountered and their uses. This’ll be a great opportunity to ask questions and reinforce your learning.
This engaging experience not only enhances your culinary skills but also fosters a deeper connection with nature, making it a rewarding outing for anyone interested in food, health, and sustainability.
What to Bring
To make the most of your foraging experience, please bring a few essential items. A sturdy pair of walking shoes is crucial, as we will be navigating varied terrain. Additionally, consider bringing a notebook to jot down your observations, along with a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and unique plants you’ll encounter. A water bottle is also advisable to stay hydrated during our exploration.
You can see our complete course schedule here.
More information about our half day foraging course
Location: Westwell, Kent
Duration: 3 hours
Start: 10am
End: 1pm
Course size: Maximum of 12
What happens next?
Once you’ve made your booking you’ll receive an automated booking confirmation from Ecwid, our e-commerce platform provider.
We’ll send you a comprehensive joining pack 6 to 8 weeks prior to the start of your half day foraging course.
This includes the location of the meeting point and what to bring.
Please read the joining pack when you receive it as it contains essential information about attending our half day foraging course!!
FAQs
If you have any questions, take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you still have a question, feel free to email us at info@jackravenbushcraft.co.uk
Please note that as we work predominantly in the woods, it’s not easy for us to be in contact 24/7. We can be contacted by phone at any time, although during teaching sessions it’s kept on silent. Email is checked as soon as we get back from the woods.
Our blog
There are loads of posts on our blog related to our half day foraging course, including wild food recipes and hints & tips on foraging, so feel free to take a look.
Participants in our foraging course often share their personal experiences and discoveries, which enrich the learning process for everyone involved. For instance, one participant fondly recalled finding wild garlic and later using it to create a flavourful pesto. Others have taken their foraging adventures further by incorporating their finds into family meals, sharing their newfound skills with friends and even hosting foraging gatherings. Such stories illustrate the community aspect of foraging, fostering connections not just with nature but also with fellow enthusiasts.
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What Our Customers Say About Our Half Day Foraging Course:
We also have reviews on our Facebook page and our Google Business page so you can check out those as well.
From these first hand accounts, it’s clear that the foraging course is not just about learning to identify plants; it’s about creating memorable experiences and building a community around sustainable practices and healthy living.
