Forage & Fire Experience

Forage & Fire Experience

This full day aims to Introduce individuals to the practice of Foraging. Based in the beautiful South Machars coastal area of Galloway, South West Scotland, the day will consist of a walk along the coast and hedgerows of the local area, followed by an afternoon in the forest around an open fire preparing our foraged finds.

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We will cover the following topics:

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Foraging Fundamentals: Learn to forage sustainably and within the law.

Foraging Walk: Learn to identify edible, medicinal, and poisonous plants, identify trees and learn tree uses.

Fire Lighting/Cooking: Learn to light a fire using various different methods and preparing the fire to cook on.

Natural Cordage: Make string from plant fibres

Sustainability: Reducing your impact on the natural environment

TERRAIN

Please note the course involves a leisurely paced 3 hour walk on paths, tracks and roadside and then in private woodland where there are no permanent pathways or trails into the woods and the ground can be rough and uneven underfoot at times.

There is an option to move the cars from the start point to a parking location near the forest, once we have completed the foraging walk.

MINIMUM AGE

10 Years old. (Anyone aged 17 or under must be accompanied by a paying legal guardian)

MINIMUM BOOKING NUMBERS

Please note the minimum booking numbers are for Adult places, not child.

Outdoor clothing should be tough and comfortable. Please wear long sleeved tops and trousers to protect your arms and legs from bites and woodland flora.

*Waterproof jacket and trousers, just in case. Jeans should not be worn, as they are slow to dry, clinging and cold. Natural colours or camouflage will give you a better chance of spotting wildlife.

*Walking boots or other tough footwear, trainers are not suitable.

If you have the following then please do bring your own (items with a star can also be provided)

*Camping Mug

Water bottle

*Pair of gardening gloves or similar (Can provide if needed)

*Sunscreen and insect repellent (Smidge is great)

*Hand sanitiser & Mask

*Small personal first aid kit/ouch pouch to deal with small cuts, there will be a large first aid kit on site.

*Camera + Notebook + pen (optional)

The Course will start with introductions and a safety brief at the meeting point, then we will spend some time around the Coastline, depending on tidal levels, looking at Seaweeds and then walk along the route to the forest, (this walk will be around three hours) looking at Tree ID and plant ID, foraging for some wild plants and also nettles.

After the foraging walk you will need to have your own transport to return to the forest camp.

Once at the camp the following activities will take place:

Preparing our foraged goods, ready to be added to a meal for cooking over an open fire.

Light a fire.

Cook and sample our foraged finds.

Making natural cordage from plant fibres. (Season Dependant)