Foraging – Bangers & Balls

29/09/2021

Juniper 101; Terrific Tipsy Tales and Sozzled Stories.

Researching for this blog I opened a veritable Pandora’s box of folklore. Apparently juniper could be used for anything from Protecting your home from thieves and witches, treating burns and even a vaginal douche. Oh, and making Gin of course.

It is my job to distill the stories to the very spirit of what this seemingly powerful plant meant to our ancestors and indeed still means to many people today. This is no mean feat, as Juniper turns out to be one of the most widespread shrubs in the Northern Hemisphere, being found from the arctic tundra in the North, right to the edge of the tropics in the South, and everywhere in between.

25/08/2021

Blessed be the Fruit? Blackberries and Beelzebub

A berry-laden blackberry bush is an iconic symbol of the end of summertime. It seems to soften the blow of autumn’s ceaseless approach- a sweet treat gifted in commiseration for the return of dark, cold days. A single bush will attract a whole village- suited commuters, sullen teens and sprightly children all stopping a moment […]

05/08/2021

Pop your Cherry with our Forgaing Fairystories.

The cherry tree is perhaps best recognised as an icon of spring- it’s lightly pink or white blossoms arriving around easter, marking the festival of rebirth and new beginnings. It has become a global favourite, with people the world over waiting with bated breath for the jaw-droppingly beautiful explosion of blossom. As many beautiful blossom […]

09/07/2021

Freedom to Forage: Why is Foraging a Race Issue?

On a sunny morning, you might catch me out in the Cornish fields, filling my basket with wild edibles. I feel connected to nature and blissfully happy as I weave my way along the coast paths, stopping to pick rock samphire and sea cabbage. For me, foraging is a hobby, a fun day out. I […]

30/06/2021

Foraging Fairy Tales: Elder – North American Folklore

When I think of Native Americans I am guilty of being influenced more by old cowboy films than real life. In my mind I see feather headdresses, redskins and peace pipes. I also hear the very haunting, smooth montage music as my ‘Indian Brave’ is at one with nature and sending smoke signals across the […]

11/06/2021

Is Foraging harmful for the environment?

Myth: Foraging is harmful to the environment and not sustainable and should be avoided for both personal use and commercial gain. The Wild Food trend continues to grow in the uk, with more and more restaurants and supermarkets offering foraged foods to their customers as the demand for delights like wild garlic, ceps and elderflower […]

26/05/2021

Foraging Fairytales: Nettles – Love or Hate?

Sign up to our mailing list here to receive seasonal recipes and foraging inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Are nettles the marmite of the foraging world? Since the beginning of time, we have had a love-hate relationship with these amazing plants. Rubbing up against them with a bare leg definitely makes me share an […]

19/05/2021

Foraging Fairytales: Wild Garlic

Also known as: Bear’s Garlic, Gypsies Onions or Ramsons/Ramsins. When it comes to wild garlic, I just can’t get enough. Since first scouting it in March, I’ve spent many a walk lining my (now lightly fragranced) pockets with bushels of the stuff. Unfortunately, the season is coming to an end, so I’ll be spending evenings […]

12/05/2021

Foraging Fairytales; The Legendary Birch Tree

The changing of the seasons is the most magical time of the year. As we gently say goodbye to Spring and hello to Summer which starts on the 21st of June we notice little signs that the ‘Hunger Gap’ will soon be over, giving way to the ‘Time of Plenty’. We’ve filled our foraging basket […]

06/05/2021

Wild Violet Foraging: The Secrets to Success

Up until a week ago, I hadn’t the foggiest how to find a violet. I wasn’t even sure what they looked like! But having spent some time scouring the countryside (thankfully my friends don’t mind waiting whilst I examine random leaves and flowers while we walk) I’m seeing them everywhere. What do Violets look like? […]