Welcome to Nature’s Pantry!

Join us for the first of our monthly Home Ed Foraging Sessions – a hands-on exploration of wild foods right on the outskirts of Carlisle. Whether you’re a seasoned forager or completely new to the idea, all ages are warmly welcome!

Each month we’ll focus on different wild foods depending on what’s in season, and we may visit different locations to find the best specimens. This first session takes place at Rickerby Park.

What to Expect

🕐 Duration: 2 hours of foraging exploration
📍 Location: Rickerby Park, Carlisle
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who: Young people of all ages accompanied by an adult

During our time together, you’ll:

• Learn how to safely forage
• Learn to identify edible wild plants and fungi
• Discover where to find them and how to harvest sustainably
• Taste wild-inspired treats
• Try wild drinks, inspired by what is seasonally available
• Get ideas for incorporating wild flavours into your home cooking

Taste & Try: I’ll prepare either a wild spiced hot chocolate, infusion, tea, or wild soda, plus a wild-inspired snack for everyone to sample. It’s a great way to experience the flavours of nature and spark ideas for your own kitchen adventures!

Pricing – Early bird (ends Wed 8th April 26)

£10 for 1 child, £7 per additional child – 4’s and under FREE

Important Safety Information

⚠️ River Awareness: There is a river at Rickerby Park. Adults must supervise children at all times and keep a safe distance from the water’s edge.

⚠️ Terrain: Paths are generally flat but can be gravelly or muddy depending on weather conditions. Please wear sturdy footwear suitable for outdoor walking.

⚠️ Supervision Required: All young people and children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult throughout the session.

What’s Included

✅ Wild snack and drink for all participants
✅ Expert guidance on plant identification and sustainable harvesting
✅ Ideas and inspiration for using wild foods at home
✅ Optional follow-up project for curious explorers

Dietary Requirements: Please let us know of any dietary needs when booking so we can accommodate everyone safely.

For the Curious Explorers 🌱

If your child enjoys diving deeper into topics, I can provide small take-home projects at the end of the session. These are designed to be worked on over the following month, keeping the learning going between our monthly meetings!

Booking Information

Booking is essential to secure your spot. Spaces are limited to ensure a quality experience for all participants.

Getting There

Meet at Rickerby Park
📍 View on Google Maps

Please arrive 10 minutes early so we can start promptly and make the most of our 2-hour session.

Why Join Our Foraging Club?

• Connect with nature – Develop a deeper relationship with the local landscape
• Learn practical skills – Gain confidence in identifying and using wild foods
• Family-friendly – A shared activity that brings generations together
• Seasonal discovery – Each month offers something new to find and learn
• Community – Meet other families interested in home education and natural living

We look forward to exploring the wild pantry with you!