Leicestershire Foraging Courses

Beginner foraging courses in Loughborough

An Introduction to Foraging
Beginners Course

I invite everyone from the complete beginner to blackberry picker extraordinaire to come and join me on one of my guided foraging walks around the Leicestershire countryside. My aim is to not only give you knowledge of the edible and toxic plants and mushrooms that grow within the UK, but also to instil confidence and curiosity to grow as a forager. Above all, I hope some of my passion and love for the natural world rubs off on you.

I run regular foraging courses in the Charnwood/Loughborough area, and also offer courses to private individuals and groups.

To book, simply choose your date from the list below. For private foraging courses for groups and individuals, just drop me a message with your requirements.

£25.00

What to expect from our time foraging together

Hi folks! I’ll be your guide for the duration of our walk (you can read more about me here). 

During this beginners foraging course, we’ll be taking a stroll through some of my favourite wild food foraging spots in Charnwood. I’ll show you how to safely identify the edible plants around us, how and when to harvest them and also some useful recipes so you can start using these plants right away.

Whilst the focus of this course is primarily on edible wild food, we may also touch on other uses for the plants and fungi we find along the way.

Of course, we cannot cover every edible plant or fungi we find during our time together, but I try very hard to pick out the species that are worthwhile, tasty and easy for the beginner or intermediate to identify. I want to give you the best possible start to your foraging journey.

The course includes:

  • A brief introduction about myself and why I love what I do.
  • I will cover safety and the things to consider when foraging.
  • I cover UK law and some important considerations.
  • We will look at environmental considerations when foraging.
  • A 2 1/2 hour gentle walk, stopping often as I show you the wild food on offer. There will be plenty of opportunity to gather some plants of your own and of course to try the things we find.

 

Foraging is one of the most engaging, rewarding, healthy and beneficial activities open to everyone and I strive to equip you with the knowledge and tools to get out there foraging safely and sustainably.

Location

Our walk will take us through some of the most beautiful countryside in Leicestershire and Charnwood.

We will be meeting within Garendon Park, Loughborough.

The location start point in various formats (including Google Maps and What 3 Words), a map and photo will be automagically sent to you when you book. This will also include parking details and other options.

Please note – Because of the nature of public outdoor spaces, there may be times when this location is inaccessible or unsuitable for our course. When this is the case, we will use a different location close-by, and you will be contacted with the change and details in advance.

Foraging Course FAQ's

No matter the time of year, I recommend good sturdy walking boots or wellies and trousers. We’ll be walking through fields and footpaths that may have nettles, brambles and biting insects, so these items are essential.

Long sleeves and gloves are suggested but no a necessity.

The rest is totally up to you, but please dress for the weather.

To get the most from your foraging walk, consider the following:

  • Drink and snack
  • Camera/phone for photographing things we discuss.
  • Notebook and pen for any note-taking you may want to do.
  • Insect repellant if, like me, you’re a mecca for little biting critters.
  • Some basic foraging equipment – read my recommendations here.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome. Please bear in mind the following when considering bringing your dog:

  • Other participants may also have their dog.
  • Areas we visit may hold livestock.

The route can prove tricky for pushchairs. There may be stiles, overgrown paths and muddy areas, so a carrier is recommended.

Alternatively, consider booking a 1-2-1 or couple’s foraging course where I can better tailor a route to your accessibility needs.

The course route may include:

  • Stiles.
  • Uneven ground.
  • Muddy or overgrown paths.
  • Footpaths that have been ploughed.
  • Footpaths that have short steep irregular assents or descents.

This course’s routes are not suitable for wheelchairs.

However, I want foraging to be an accessible activity for everyone, so I offer 1-2-1 and private group foraging courses where I can tailor a route to your accessibility needs. Please contact me here with your requirements.

I run these foraging courses come rain or shine. The plants don’t mind. Only in exceptional weather conditions will the course be postponed where safety, accessibility or the ability for me to teach are affected. I will do my best to contact everyone as soon as possible.

If for any reason you can’t make it, please contact me as soon as possible.

  • For cancellations 14 days before the course date, I can offer an alternative available date or a full refund.
  • For cancellations within 14–7 days before the course date, I can offer an alternative available date but no refund.
  • For no shows or cancellations within 7 days before the course date, no refunds can be given.

Other FAQ's

A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential customers, or help the visitor with a problem they may be encountering

The course route may include:

  • Stiles.
  • Uneven ground.
  • Muddy or overgrown paths.
  • Footpaths that have been ploughed.
  • Footpaths that have short steep irregular assents or descents.

This course’s routes are not suitable for wheelchairs.

However, I want foraging to be an accessible activity for everyone, so I offer 1-2-1 and private group foraging courses where I can tailor a route to your accessibility needs. Please contact me here with your requirements.

I offer 1-2-1 guided foraging walks for individuals or couples, which provides you with a more focused and tailored experience. Please contact me here.

I offer private foraging courses in the Leicestershire and Midlands area for clubs, groups, organisations and private parties. Please contact me here with your requirements and we’ll get the ball rolling.