Getting into Foraging
Foraging is the act of searching for and gathering wild food resources from the natural environment. It can include a variety of edible wild plants, fruits, nuts, seeds, roots, and mushrooms, but also includes sourcing edible insects (such as grasshoppers), as well as small animals and fish. Foraging typically involves identifying and harvesting these resources from a variety of natural environments sustainably, without the use of sophisticated tools and for individual or family use.
Our earliest ancestors foraged for their food with a diet that consisted mainly of wild plants, fruits, and small animals. As we moved into hunter-gatherer societies with a bit more stability and increased communal living, foraged food remained a major part of the diet. These practices of “wild eating” expanded to hunting larger game within groups and foraging as part of feeding smaller communities.
About 12,000 years ago there was an “Agricultural Revolution” across the globe as people lived less nomadically and required a more efficient and consistent supply of food. Through the advent of animal husbandry and greater agricultural skill, foraged food became supplementary, rather than the main dietary staple. This period likely led to the emphasised value of edible plants for healing and spiritual reasons.
The importance of foraging for medicinal reasons persists until today and remains a major component of herbalism. Many cultures around the world have maintained their foraging traditions for health and nutrition, such as the indigenous people of North American and Australia, many Sub-Saharan and Southern African countries, South Asian communities, and many Eastern European cultures.
Yes, it’s natural to forage, but you do have to follow some critical steps:
First, Preparation is Key:
Familiarize yourself with local flora and fauna, as well as any regulations or restrictions (which differ from State to State if you’re reading from the US). In the UK, it’s the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Theft Act 1978, and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 that you need to be mindful of.
Research plants you intend to forage, including identification features, seasonal availability, and habitat preferences. Forage what you can easily identify with no poisonous lookalikes. Also, the neutral lookalikes, that aren’t poisonous but just a bit unpalatable should be researched as well.
Join guided tours and take courses - it is a worthwhile investment.
Learn to identify plants by observing key features such as leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits.
Use all senses to gather information about plants, including smell, taste, and texture.
Exercise caution when foraging for mushrooms and consult trusted resources for identification.
Dress the Part:
Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear with good traction. I forage in grounding shoes.
Dress in layers to regulate body temperature and protect against sun exposure or inclement weather.
Wear long sleeves and pants to shield skin from scratches, insect bites, and allergenic plants. Especially in the beginning. As you become more experienced, you can probably get away with short sleeves. But I never would forage in shorts.
Essential Gear:
Pack a foraging bag or basket for carrying your harvest.
Bring gloves to protect hands from thorns, stinging nettles, and poisonous plants.
Carry a field guide or foraging app for plant identification.
Don't forget water, snacks, and a first aid kit for emergencies.
Mindful Foraging:
Take only what you need and leave enough plants to support wildlife and future generations.
Avoid foraging in protected areas or private property without permission.
Be mindful of the ecosystem and avoid disrupting fragile habitats or endangered species.
Avoid overharvesting or depleting wild populations by taking only what you need.
