Here is your guide, to some of the most frequently asked foraging questions that we receive here at Forage London and Beyond about our wild food walks and foraging courses.
Is it safe to eat foraged wild plants?
Forage London comprises a small group of extremely experienced and knowledgeable foraging teachers. They will equip you with what you need to know in order to be able to forage safely for edible wild plants, and at the same time, identify any poisonous wild plants that you might come across on your wild food walk.
What is the size of the groups on your events?
We offer intimate foraging walks for small groups, usually 12 or at most 16 participants. It makes for a more enjoyable experience with better communication within the group.
Why do you offer small groups?
Smaller groups minimise the impact on the environment, reduce over-harvesting and ensure sustainability is pivotal in what we teach and practice. Additionally, we find that smaller group sizes allow for more personalised learning, as members can more easily share their stories and any tips on identifying edible plants and mushrooms.
Is foraging safe? Is it safe to pick wild plants in the city?
Foraging presents numerous safety concerns. If it’s done sensibly and sustainably it is a completely safe and extremely rewarding past time. Please take a look at our sensible foraging page which will cover many of your concerns.
How can I ensure that I’m foraging safely?
If you intend to go foraging on your own and you are a novice, it’s strongly advised that you attend at least one of our half day sessions with an experienced forager and foraging teacher. This will equip you with some of the basic safety procedures that you need to observe if foraging for wild food. Please take a look at our sensible foraging advice. Join some foraging groups on social media where are you are able to ask questions (always be sure that the person answering them is reliable and trustworthy) and buy two or three books about foraging from reliable and experienced authors. Here is my own to get you started… The Edible City.
Is foraging legal in the UK and London Parks?
Yes it is, you can read more information here.
Do you follow sustainable foraging practices?
Yes we follow the Association of Foraging Principles of Practice, of which Forage Londons John Rensten was a founding member.
What are the basic requirements for growing mushrooms at home?
Growing mushrooms at home requires a few essential elements: a suitable substrate (such as straw, wood chips, or a mushroom growing kit), mushroom spawn (the mushroom equivalent of seeds), a dark and humid environment, and proper temperature and ventilation. Depending on the mushroom species, temperature and humidity levels will vary, but generally, mushrooms thrive in moist, cool, and dark conditions.
How long does it take for mushrooms to grow from spores to harvest?
The time it takes for mushrooms to grow from spores to harvest varies by species and growing conditions. On average, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. For example, oyster mushrooms can be ready for harvest within three to four weeks, while shiitake mushrooms might take several months to mature. Regular monitoring and maintaining optimal conditions can help speed up the process.
Can I use shop-bought mushrooms to start growing my own?
Yes, you can use shop-bought mushrooms to start growing your own, but it requires a bit of effort. You can clone the shop-bought mushrooms by taking a tissue sample and placing it in a sterile medium, such as agar. Once the mycelium (the vegetative part of the fungus) begins to grow, you can transfer it to a suitable substrate. This method can be tricky and is generally more successful with fresh, organic mushrooms.
Can mushrooms be grown indoors year-round?
Yes, mushrooms can be grown indoors year-round. Growing mushrooms indoors allows you to control the environmental conditions more precisely, such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure. You can use spaces like cupboards, or specially designed grow tents. Using mushroom grow kits is an easy way to start, as they come with pre-inoculated substrates and require minimal setup and maintenance.
Can I buy a gift voucher for one of your foraging walks?
We sell foraging gift vouchers for all of our wild food walks and foraging courses. These can be used on our London foraging courses, Dorset seashore foraging days and Dorset and New Forest mushroom hunting courses. If you are booking for a specific event you also have the option of selecting this as a gift voucher.
Can I move my dates if I have booked onto a specific event?
You can move between any of our foraging courses and wild food walks providing you give us a minimum of two full weeks notice. This so we have an opportunity to fill any places.
Can I cancel my booking and get a refund?
Providing you give us two full weeks notice, you can cancel and receive a full refund, minus any admin fees charged by PayPal, Apple etc
Can I reschedule or get a refund if I’m ill?
We understand unexpected circumstances do occur, but unfortunately, tickets cannot be rescheduled or refunded due to illness if less than two full weeks’ notice. We appreciate your understanding and suggest transferring your ticket to another attendee where possible.
I have bought a foraging gift voucher, when will I receive it?
We will email you the gift voucher at the time of purchase, we do not post a physical voucher but the version we send is set up to be printed, should you want to do so. If you are booking for a specific event you have the option of also selecting a gift voucher, so you have something to give the recipient.
I have bought a foraging gift voucher, how long is it valid for?
Gift vouchers for all our wild food walks, seashore foraging days and wild mushroom hunting walks are valid for exactly one year from the date of purchase. We strongly advise that the recipient uses the voucher much sooner than later in the year.
I have booked onto one of your foraging courses, when will I receive more information?
At the time of booking you will have already seen the time, date and approximate location of the event. Approximately 10 days before your foraging course, we will send out all the further information that you require, what you need to bring with you, and the specific location and directions.
I have booked when will I receive the location information for the foraging walk?
Having booked onto one of our foraging events, you would’ve chosen a location, such as a London postcode or a meeting point in The New Forest. Because foraging seasonally and successfully requires visiting and utilising various locations, from time to time we can switch an event from one place to another, always keeping it very close by. As a result, we send out the specific location meeting point about 10 days before the foraging event.
Do you offer wild food and foraging walks and courses in London?
We run all year round foraging courses in London in numerous areas, including Highbury, Stoke Newington, Finsbury Park, Hampstead, Ravenscourt Park, Crystal Palace, Burgess Park and many other locations. As well as wild food walks, we also offer an introduction to herbal medicine and a combination of wild food, foraging and wild plant first-aid.
What type of foraging and wild food walks do you offer?
At Forage London and Beyond we offer a variety of foraging courses, such as mushroom hunting in Hampshires New Forest, coastal seaweed and seashore foraging on Dorsets Jurassic Coast, and wild food, foraging and wild plant first-aid across numerous areas in London, including Highbury, Stoke Newington, Finsbury Park, Hampstead, Ravenscourt Park, Crystal Palace, Burgess Park and many other locations.
Are children allowed on your walks? What age do they have to be?
We love children on foraging walks and kids love foraging. They are great at hunting for wild plants and mushrooms. They have great eyesight and enthusiasm, and they are closer to the ground than the rest of us! We are happy with one child under 13 to attend free of charge for every paying adult, but we will still need the details so we can book your child onto a foraging walk. Anyone 13 or over will need to be booked and paid for as an adult place.
Are dogs allowed on your walks?
As much as we love Rex, Fido and Max. Even the most well-behaved dogs find the idea of a group of 12-15 people examining smelly things on the ground just too much to cope with. Dogs can be really disruptive on foraging walks. And although it’s hard to believe it, there are also a few people who don’t really like dogs. So the answer is I’m afraid is no.
How can I incorporate wild plants and botanicals commercially in a food or drink business?
Yes, John Rensten has advised many businesses on how to do this. You can find out more information on our botanical consultation page.
Do you offer advice and ingredients to bars and restaurants wishing to use wild plants and wild mushrooms?
Forage London founder, John Rensten, owned and ran two successful London pub-restaurants. He managed to combine this with his passion for picking and using wild foods. We do not supply wild ingredients commercially. However we can help you source them as well as work with you to get a greater understanding of what wild ingredients you might include on your food, bar and cocktail menu…
How do I get in touch?
Please email us at [email protected]
