Lush Life Learns: Responsible Foraging

Written for, and owned by, Lush Digital

The term ‘foraging’ may stir up images of a famished wanderer lost in the wilderness, but sourcing wild food for free is becoming an increasingly popular way for a growing number to source their own nutrient-rich food.  

Alongside its nutritional benefits, foraging can also serve to re-establish a tangible connection to the landscape. As our collective appetite for gathering grows it’s important that we follow a few, sustainability-focused, guidelines:

Permissions for picking 

If you found someone rifling through the ‘wild goods’ in your yard, without asking, you’d probably be less-than-pleased. It’s common courtesy to ask whoever owns the land for permission to forage there.   

Lawful picking

“All wild plants are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). It is illegal to dig up or remove a plant (including algae, lichens and fungi) from the land on which it is growing without permission from the landowner or occupier. Some species are specially protected against picking, uprooting, damage and sale. A list of these can be found on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).” - Woodland Trust 

Caution around poisonous species

Some wild foods, especially mushrooms, require a high level of confidence and knowledge when identifying them. Misjudge that something is edible, when it is in fact poisonous, could land you in the hospital, or worse. Happily, there is a plethora of fantastic foraging guidebooks available that you can use to educate yourself with, to help prevent this unfortunate scenario from ever happening. When it comes to fungi, if you are not absolutely certain you have made a safe identification, then do not risk eating it.

Gather only from thriving populations 

By only gathering from bountiful populations you can help to maintain a source of wild food that can be harvested from, year after year. If you’re not sure whether what you’re planning to pick is plentiful or not, try asking a foraging expert.

Leave rare species alone

Between foraging books, internet research and asking the experts you can identify which plants are currently considered rare, or in danger of disappearing altogether. This should arm you with enough knowledge to set a good example and leave them to quietly repopulate. It’s important that rare plant species are given the time and space to rebuild their dwindling populations.

Forage a 'fair' share

Endeavour to work in symbiosis with each other, and with wildlife. If we start unnecessarily over-harvesting it could encourage similar behaviour from other foragers, thus depleting important wild food sources for animals that truly rely on them. Take only what you need.

Create a 'wanted' list

In order to get the best from what you pick, do some research before you set off. Aim to arrive at the site with some firm ideas of what you’re looking for. If you know what you’re seeking, how to identify it and what wonderful concoctions you’d like to cook up, you’ll minimise any over-picking.

Harvest sustainably

Sustainable foraging is key. When harvesting perennials carefully remove the edible top section with scissors, leaving the roots. If you do want to gather the root, time it so that you do so when the plant is in seed. This way you can replant seeds in the hole that you leave behind.

Leave no trace

Aim to minimise the evidence of you having been in the area. Avoid trampling on plants, where possible, and bring any rubbish home with you. Bring an extra bag so that if you come across anyone else’s waste you can take it home and dispose of it responsibly.

Safety first

Check the weather wherever you’re going, and plan accordingly. If coastal foraging, check the tide as well. It’s important you tell someone where you’re going and what time you plan on returning. Bring a fully-charged mobile phone and wear supportive shoes, with good grip. Wash everything you pick to avoid ingesting any troublesome parasites.

Finally, have fun! 

Revisiting our foraging roots, for most, is wonderfully rewarding. Combining these excursions with respect for the earth, and curiousity makes for a truly fulfilling experience.  

Useful Resources

Six Sustainable Foraging Techniques

Introduction to Seaweed Foraging by Galloway Wild Foods

Urban Foraging Guide by The Wild Food School

Lee Burrows of Wildfood Harvest

Alice Vesty provides a host of foraging, herbalism and mycology inspiration

FabulousFabs is an experienced mushroom forager