UK: Take a walk on the wild side: food foraging in the city
The natural movement involved in foraging is the opposite to being desk-bound in an office or working from home, and what you pick can bring health benefits, too.
By Becky Blench
Wicked Leeds
Feb 10, 2022
Excerpt:
The benefits of foraging are not just about new flavours or easy, enjoyable exercise. Some days need an antidote to the busyness of the city, an excuse to take time out and gather your thoughts, breathe, slow down. This is a simple, free, activity that puts you in touch with nature and the elements, using all your senses.
You are naturally more mindful as you have to slow down and immerse yourself in the detail to truly observe and identify plants. Focusing on the textures, scents, colours of leaves, flowers and roots is essential to correctly name what’s in your basket. The Seed Sistas also suggest taking home and drawing what you find helps with learning how to tell one plant from another.
In the UK we have the right to forage the aerial parts of plants in public spaces for personal use, but it is so important not to take too much – be respectful and research how to harvest with the least impact.
Make sure you educate yourself well on what to look for, and when you head out carry a breathable canvas bag or a basket for foraging; paper bags can dehydrate delicate leaves, plastic makes things ‘sweaty’.
Start with the easiest plants; have fun making simple herb teas, herb vinegars, or hedgerow drinks like elderflower champagne or blackberry brandy. Why buy expensive health supplements when many free health-giving foods are literally on your doorstep, such as mineral-rich nettle tea?
