The sun was shining on our August 16th foraging walk near Carlisle, and it was a truly incredible day. My goal with these urban-accessible walks is to show people that the wild is everywhere, not just in the remote countryside. There’s a real joy in helping people realise that the plants they walk past every day—the ones they might see as “weeds”—are actually abundant, useful, and right on their doorstep. It’s a total perspective shift!
The energy of the group was fantastic, and it was a treat to see so many people light up with each new discovery. The city’s hedgerows and green spaces were bursting with so many valuable plants. We talked about how to identify them, what they can be used for, and how to do it all sustainably, no matter where you are. I truly believe that learning to forage is a way to build confidence and a deeper connection to the place we call home.
It was almost a disaster… I realised I had left the chocolate in the fridge. Luckily, I managed to send a quick message to my husband, Neil, before the meeting started, and as if we had planned it, we had a smooth, secret handover at the end of the walk so everyone could try a nice cold piece of my homemade dark chocolate, packed with foraged goodness. A little bit of chocolate can definitely feel like medicine, don’t you think? 😉
If you’re looking for a way to slow down, connect with nature, and find a little magic in your everyday surroundings, join us on an upcoming walk. I can’t wait to share the next adventure with you.
