Spend a day exploring the woodland in spring, learning to identify, harvest, and cook wild plants. Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll discover edible and medicinal species, hear their history and folklore, and finish the day by preparing and enjoying a communal meal made from your foraged ingredients. This hands-on course blends practical skills with a relaxed, educational walk through varied habitats.
The morning begins with a gentle guided walk across hedges, woodland edges, grassy clearings, and other habitats. Instructors will demonstrate plant identification, distinguishing edible, poisonous, and medicinal species, while sharing folklore and practical uses in bushcraft. You’ll have plenty of time to take notes, ask questions, and photograph the plants for later reference.
You’ll also learn how to sustainably harvest plants, including techniques for collecting, preparing, and tasting raw ingredients. The afternoon is spent back at the woodland base camp, where you will prepare a two-course meal using your foraged ingredients. Optional instruction on cooking small game or birds is available, and dietary requirements are accommodated when notified in advance.
The day concludes with a communal meal, allowing you to enjoy the flavours you’ve helped create while reflecting on the skills and knowledge gained. The course is relaxed in pace but provides a comprehensive introduction to spring foraging, leaving you more confident in identifying and using wild plants in everyday life.
South London Woods, on the Surrey–Croydon boundary, offers a safe and accessible environment for foraging. The woodland features a mix of habitats including edges, hedgerows, and open clearings, giving you the chance to see a wide variety of spring plants in their natural context.
Private courses can also be arranged at the South Wales woodland in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. This location provides a more remote setting with diverse terrain, perfect for families or groups wanting an immersive foraging experience.
No previous experience in foraging or bushcraft is needed. Participants should be able to walk moderate distances over woodland paths and public footpaths, and enjoy spending time outdoors in variable spring conditions.
General outdoor clothing and footwear suitable for walking and standing are required. You may wish to bring a light snack or lunch, though a two-course meal will be provided in the afternoon.
The instructors bring years of practical experience and extensive knowledge of edible and medicinal plants. Their teaching combines hands-on guidance, storytelling, and historical context to create a rich, engaging learning experience for all participants.
Small group sizes allow personalised instruction and plenty of opportunity for questions. The focus on sustainable foraging and woodland cooking ensures you gain practical skills, confidence, and an appreciation for the natural world you can carry into everyday life.
Yes, private courses are available at the South Wales woodland site in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
These private sessions offer a tailored experience where you can set your own pace and focus on the skills most interesting to your group. The setting in the national park also adds a special sense of adventure. You can book these by using the 'Can't find dates or have a large group?' button above the booking form and sending us an enquiry.
No experience is required. The course is suitable for beginners, with step-by-step guidance on plant identification, harvesting techniques, and cooking with wild ingredients.
Those with some prior knowledge will also benefit by refining their techniques and learning additional uses for plants they may already recognise. Small group sizes ensure personalised support.
Participants should wear weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, including waterproof layers and sturdy walking boots. A notebook and pencil are useful for recording plant details, folklore, and culinary tips.
Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated and any personal medication. While the course provides a main meal, you may wish to carry a light snack for energy during the morning walk.
A two-course meal is provided using the plants you forage throughout the day. Meals may include soups, salads, or simple cooked dishes, depending on seasonal availability.
Optional guidance is available for preparing small game or birds, although this is entirely optional. Dietary requirements can be accommodated if notified at the time of booking.
The course runs from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, providing a full day of practical foraging, preparation, and cooking.
This timing allows for a leisurely morning walk to gather ingredients and an afternoon session to cook and enjoy a communal meal, ensuring participants have ample opportunity to learn and ask questions.
The course explores hedges, woodland edges, grassy openings, and other diverse habitats within South London Woods.
Private bookings can also use the South Wales woodland, offering a more remote setting with varied terrain and additional plant diversity for foraging.
The course requires walking over woodland paths and public footpaths at a gentle pace. Participants should be comfortable with moderate walking and standing for short periods.
Instructors can adapt activities to support individuals with mobility limitations, providing guidance to ensure everyone can participate safely in foraging and cooking exercises.
Instructors provide hands-on demonstrations and explanations of each plant’s features, uses, and potential hazards. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and make notes throughout the walk.
You will also learn to identify edible versus poisonous species, medicinal uses, and folklore associated with plants, enhancing both practical skills and understanding of cultural history.
Participants may use basic foraging tools provided by the instructors, such as baskets, knives, or scissors, to collect and process plants safely.
All tools are supervised and explained in detail to ensure safety, and instructors will demonstrate proper handling and care for each item.
All practical activities, including plant handling and optional cooking of small game, are fully supervised by qualified instructors.
Safety briefings are provided at the start of the day, and instructors maintain close supervision throughout. Participants are guided in identifying safe edible plants, handling tools correctly, and practising sustainable foraging techniques.
About the centre
South London
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
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Operated by Pippin & Gile Bushcraft & Foraging Courses, a partner of adventuro.
