Guests have multiple opportunities to try something new during their guided Forth and Forage tour.
We start our journey along the Herne Bay Downs, making use of the footpaths which are suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs.
Guests can expect to get up close and personal with plants which have edible uses, along with those which are toxic. I provide easy-to-use resources to identify unfamiliar plants and tips on how to practice safe foraging.
Recipes and preservation methods are on hand and there are ample opportunities to try the wild foods we find. Examples of wild foods in season and found in abundance include alexanders, wild carrot, mugwort and common mallow. I also prepare a taster with foraged ingredients for guests to try. Any allergens are clearly stated and if a guest is unable to take part due to dietary reasons they are still welcome to sample the edible plants we encounter.
Sustainability is always at heart of a Forth and Forage tour. Guests learn the importance of restraint, learning about plants’ uses to wildlife, their growing habits and status of native or invasive. We encourage discussion on ethics and the importance of only foraging where the wild food is in abundance and never taking more than 10% of a plant’s leaves or flowers. We never practice foraging on mass on tours. Guests may take a small amount to experiment with, only where the plant in in abundance in the area. Guests are encouraged to pick small amounts from multiple plants rather than all from one individual plant.
Tours are approximately an hour, suitable for all ages and experience levels and those with disabilities. The amount of walking we do will be dictated by the mobility level of the group. There are a surprising number of plant species within a small area, so those who cannot walk long distances can still enjoy this experience.
Guests should dress for the weather and the tour can still take place if raining. If the rain is heavy and persistent, the walking portion will be a little shorter and we’ll discuss our finds under the shelter of the King’s Hall awning.
This Event is Free
Herne Bay Festival
Beach House
Beach Street
Herne Bay
CT6 5PT
Registered Charity Number: 1186943
Company Number: CE019997
For enquiries about individual events, please contact the organisers directly using the contact details on the event page.