So…Where Do You Actually Go Foraging?
If you’re just starting out, knowing what you can pick is one thing, but knowing where to go is another. Maybe you’ve seen tempting hedgerows on a walk or spotted some nettles by a footpath and thought, “Is this allowed?” or “Is this even safe?”
The good news? There are wild ingredients growing all around us, even in the most ordinary places. Here’s how to start spotting them.
Start Close to Home
You don’t need to trek into the wilderness. Some of my best foraging finds have been within a 10-minute walk from my front door. Look out for:
- Hedgerows on public footpaths
- Woodland trails and edges
- Overgrown verges (away from roads)
- Old railway lines or canal paths (these are great ones!)
- Village greens and edges of playing fields
Harriet’s tip: Once you start looking, you’ll be amazed how much you see. Wild garlic in shady corners, blackberries spilling through fences, elderflowers bobbing in the breeze…
Use Maps to Explore
Ordnance Survey (OS) maps are fantastic for finding public access land, footpaths, and woodland.
Look for:
- Green dashed lines = public rights of way
- Woodland symbols = possible mushroom, garlic or berry spots
- Common land = great for exploring, often lightly managed
There are also apps like AllTrails, or Footpath that help you find walks near you (just remember foraging isn’t the main aim on these apps, it’s a bonus!)
Check the Rules First
Not all land that looks wild is fair game. Before you forage:
- Check signage for local rules (especially in parks and reserves)
- Be aware of land ownership. If you’re unsure, stick to public footpaths
- Use local knowledge: community groups, walkers and even dog-walkers often know what’s in season and what’s allowed
Councils and wildlife trusts sometimes post foraging guidelines on their websites. It’s worth a quick look before you head out.
Ask Yourself:
- Is it safe (no spraying, dogs, or pollution)?
- Is it legal (am I allowed to pick here)?
- Is it plentiful (will the plant recover)?
If you can say yes to all three, you’re good to go.
One Last Thing…
Foraging is about more than just gathering ingredients. It’s about slowing down, looking closely and appreciating what nature’s offering right now. Even a short walk can become a treasure hunt when you have a basket in hand and your eyes open.
So find your local hedgerow, take a stroll and see what’s growing. You don’t need to go far. Sometimes the most magical spots are the ones we walk past every day.
Happy foraging! And don’t forget to bring a snack for the way home (especially if your foraged ones mysteriously disappear en route!).
