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.

COVID 19

COVID-19 is still a public health risk. You can catch it even if you’ve been vaccinated or had it before.

By continuing to care for ourselves and others, we can help slow down the spread of the virus, enable workplaces to operate safely and reduce pressure on health services.

As of 21 March 2022 most of the remaining legal requirements in the Coronavirus regulations were removed, specifically the:

-requirement to collect and share visitor information

-requirement to have regard to Scottish Government guidance about minimising risk of exposure to coronavirus on its premises

-requirement to take reasonably practicable measures, as set out in the guidance, to minimise incidence and spread of coronavirus

By law, you must continue to wear a face covering in most indoor public spaces, unless you are exempt from doing so because of specific circumstances. This legal requirement is due to be converted into guidance on 18 April 2022.

As a result of the removal of most Coronavirus regulations, sportscotland’s return to sport and physical guidance has been withdrawn.

For general advice on helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19, sportscotland recommend following:

Use 'Covid sense' to help protect yourself and others:

-stay at home if you’re unwell with symptoms or have a fever

open windows when socialising indoors

-wear a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport

-wash your hands to protect yourself

-Care for yourself and others to help slow down the spread of the virus and reduce pressure on our health services.

Please note that different individuals have different comfort levels regarding the lifting of restrictions, please respect others who may feel less comfortable than you.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding COVID 19 and the course please do contact Way of the Wild.

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.

Once in the woods 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 fibers.