Embark on a fascinating exploration of nature with a Foraging Walk at Cowdray, guided by our knowledgeable Estate forager, George. Tailored for participants with diverse interests, this walk invites you to journey to discover the intricate world of mycorrhizal fungi within our wild spaces.

Journey through enchanting habitats as George unravels the mysteries of delectable foods, medicinal wonders, and the captivating realm of forest fungi and how they work, live and how to find them. Foraging encourages a reimagining of our surroundings, instilling appreciation for the grandeur of nature, big and small.

On this walk, George will reveal the secrets of the mycorrhizal network – a symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots – showcasing how these intricate connections contribute to the health and vitality of ecosystems. Participants will discover the web of life beneath their feet, gaining insights into the crucial role fungi play in nutrient exchange and ecosystem balance.

Summer is a great time for beginners to kick start their fascination with fungi as some of the best edible mushrooms in the UK can be found during this season.

This circular walk commences and concludes at Benbow Pond car park, winding through undulating terrain and lasting approximately 2.5 hours.

Please wear footwear suitable for varying terrain, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable foraging experience.

Join us on this adventure, where every step brings you closer to the heart of nature’s fungal bounty.

Click here to find out more about Foraging at Cowdray. George will vary walk locations around the Estate to give you the best walk which encapsulates the season. Please see the reminder email sent out before the event to get the exact start location to your walk.

Meet George, Cowdray’s Forager:

George has been foraging and using wild foods for some years, supplying the freshest foraged wild edibles to some of the country’s top restaurants, chefs and food establishments.

After years of being immersed in the ‘wild’ himself, George now focuses on encouraging others to appreciate the significance of our native countryside, and how we can enjoy and protect it for future generations.

Over his years of foraging George has accrued an in-depth knowledge of our countryside, its diverse habitats and the variety of plants and fungi each contains. He has covered the length and breadth of the country from the Scottish Highlands to the moors and coasts of Cornwall, in search of new native edibles as well as sustainable sources to pick them. Working closely with chefs consulting on what, when and how to use each ingredient to best showcase them has led George to be featured on programmes like BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, following the journey from the forests and fields to fork. George now hopes to inspire you on your own adventure of discovery.