My walks run for 2.5 hours and are an introduction to foraging for wild flavour or intermediate sessions for those a little more experienced. The purpose is to teach, the rules, identification techniques, folklore and the history associated with wild ingredients. Throughout the walk we will identify seasonal ingredients and compare and contrast with their dangerous counterparts. During this I will be regularly visiting certain techniques of preservation and ways in which to create tasty wild ingredients to use at home along with a few tasters. The intermediate sessions will take a deeper dive into the most interesting seasonal items I’m excited about and my 3 best uses of each you can apply at home.
VENUES
I run these sessions in a number of locations including as listed below but can also be booked privately for up to 18 people. Any questions please send me an email george@flavourfred.com
Public Events with Bookable Tickets
Hampstead Heath, London, NW3
Hackney Marshes, London, E9
Brede High Woods, Nr Rye, East Sussex (Woodland Trust Walks)
Woodoaks Farm, Maple Cross, Hertfordshire, WD3 9XQ
Stanmer Park, near Brighton, BN1 9SE (c/o Urban Forage)
The Grange Hampshire (Hampshire Downs), SO24 9TF
Alternative Sites Also Available for Private Bookings
Horsenden Hill, Greenford, Ealing, London, UB6 7PQ
Tillingham Winery, Peasmarsh, East Sussex, TN31 6XD
St. Helen’s Wood, Hastings, TN34 2QR
New Ground Cafe, Harlow, Essex, CM179FG
SEE WALK EVENTS & BOOK NOW
THE WALKS
As humans, our senses were developed first to assist us in hunting and gathering. Our perception of colour helped us pick the ripest fruit and tell the poisonous from the tastiest berries. The powerful link between smell and memory helped us remember those plants we had eaten safely before, and those we had been taught to fear. Your body hasn’t forgotten this: wild plants still provide a vivid and delicious feast for the senses.
I also provide in-depth follow up with of what we have seen, links to resources online, book recommendations and more. This will allow you to leave with a safe starting point for identifying your own wild ingredients. This is NOT a gathering course but purely identification where many rules exist in public places about foraging. All of these legalities will be explained on the course itself.
I also provide you with some of my techniques of preservation along with tasters of my wild booze infusions.
Tickets £40 per person, limited to 18 people
Private Group Booking £350, limited to 10 people
Private Group Booking £500, limited to 18 people
Vouchers can be applied with coupon code at the checkout!
FAQs
Will we be gathering?
No, I prepare everything in advance from private sites. Many locations have rules surrounding foraging which will be discussed. Purely identification and my favourite information about them is what will be discussed.
Where is my confirmation and details of the walk?
On booking you will receive an automated new order confirmation email which sadly hits junk on occasions. The details of the walk will be sent 3 days prior to the session so I can check weather and best meeting point for the chosen route on the site.
What can I expect to learn and is there follow up?
I will teach the basics of foraging and to discover a range of wild edibles lying all around us. During the event I will introduce you to a number of edible species; giving you tips on responsible & respectful harvesting, identification and possible dangerous lookalikes. I will provide a follow up email with what we have seen, links to resources online, book recommendations and more.
What to bring?
Bring along anything you feel necessary for a few hours outside in all elements. Please check the weather before attending the event, bring water for the day and should you feel the need for snacks please feel free to bring them. I do provide bread, a wild condiment or two and some drinks tasters throughout the session. It is not a full meal.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes but need to be kept on a lead
Are children allowed?
I speak a lot about poison and also make many infusions that contain alcohol (but not all). If you are ok with these being discussed in front of your child then I have no problem.
