Foraging the Rewards of Nature’s Harvest Experience around the UK, and now At Home
Despite its many challenges, this past year has been one in which we’ve learned to truly appreciate nature. Social distancing and a growing focus on maintaining our health and wellbeing has led us to rediscover our relationship with the land around us by exploring the meadows, woodlands, hills and coasts of Britain’s countryside. As we adapt to the changes the year has brought, there’s also a deep need to go back to our roots, simplify our lives, develop our survival instincts and become more self-sufficient. The British countryside offers us a bountiful harvest in every season, every weather and every region, and a growing number of people are looking for ways to reap these rewards by learning how to safely forage for ingredients. 26
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These are the skills taught up and down the country by renowned wild food forager and author of The Foragers’ Cookbook, James Wood (pictured above). James runs Totally Wild UK, an organisation that hosts foraging and cookery courses nationwide. “Most people tend to get a bit glum as Summer comes to an end, but although we all love the sun, Autumn
is the season that really gets us going,” says James. “We especially look forward to rainy days at the beginning of September, because that’s when we forage for the tastiest mushrooms, which grow in abundance with the help of a few good showers. “But winter has lots to offer us, too. Most plants have become dormant, pulling their energy into their roots to
