Booked my experience via a third party using an ‘eco experience’ voucher I’d received as a gift. All very easy to arrange using a code etc. Totally Wild were in touch via email to keep me updated on the arrangements. Prior to the day we were also given a contact number for our event leader, just in case we were delayed etc. This was really helpful. The event was led by Hazel, at Delamere Forest. There were 12 of us, plus Hazel. A mixture of ages, gender, localities and past experiences regarding foraging. Hazel was very knowledgeable and put this across in a very accessible way, she also made a point of including everyone and valuing their contributions. We were given plenty of opportunity to make decisions about the type of terrain/likely finds throughout the day. As with any activity of this nature nothing can be guaranteed, especially in light of the changeable weather we’ve had of late. With each find Hazel got us to use our observational skills, particularly our senses. She expanded on this with her knowledge and experience, linking in to any relevant science and research. The format she used was really helpful for comparing varieties with edible/deadible in mind. She also gave info on the possible food and medicinal properties of the finds and we were given frequent opportunities to look for items ourselves based on what we had learned. I also liked how she acknowledged the cultural associations and significance of a number of the items.This helped to give a more rounded knowledge, reminding us of the historical nature of foraging. On the day we discovered; a range of fungi (though ironically the edible one was found after the cooking/eating session), a number of edible leaves, and elderberry, all in just one or two areas of this huge (and very beautiful) location. When it came to preparing the meal - a risotto, mixed salad and fruit based dessert - we were all included in the various tasks. This reinforced the friendly, sociable element of the day, and it was a real bonus. Hazel provided reference material so that we could have a go at identifying the fungi we had found. Additional foods had been brought along by Hazel, some of which had been made using foraged items. I found these particularly useful and will definitely have a go at making the cordial and fruit vinegars. All in all an excellent day and I’d thoroughly recommend it. In fact I’ve already passed detail on to a couple of friends.
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