Join us on this adventure, where every step brings you closer to nature and its incredible bounty.
Embark on a captivating exploration of nature with a Foraging Walk at Cowdray, where seasoned Estate forager George, will be your guide on this immersive journey. Tailored to cater to diverse levels of interest, these walks encourage participants to delve into the heart of our wild spaces, gaining profound insights into the incredible species that call these landscapes home.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of different habitats as George unravels the secrets of remarkable seasonal foods and medicinal treasures. Foraging reveals a renewed perspective on our surroundings, nurturing an appreciation for every facet of the natural world.
This particular walk places a spotlight on the identification, history, and uses of a diverse array of wild plants and fungi. Spring unfolds as the perfect time for budding foragers to learn, as wild greens emerge, brimming with stored sugars that propel them into a season of growth. This unique moment allows participants to relish a variety of wild foods exclusive to this early season, providing a delectable sampling experience.
Feel the heartbeat of nature as you get up close and personal, enriching your understanding of the intricate ecosystems that surround us. Anticipate encountering a fascinating array of species, including St George’s Mushrooms, Jack by the Hedge, Wood Ear Mushrooms, Bramble Buds, Scarlet Elf Cup Mushrooms, Cleavers, Sorrel, Hogweed and many more.
This is a circular walk that commences and concludes at the Benbow Pond car park, winding through undulating terrain and lasting approximately 2.5 hours.
Please be sure to 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 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.