What to do

Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time, be like a boy scout, and always be prepared. This means packing your bag with a few necessities, like plenty of water, snacks, a first aid kit and gloves. Arm yourself with knowledge about the area you will be exploring – if you’re by the sea, find out the tide timetable for the day, and if you’re on land, make sure you’re aware of who owns the area.

When trying something new for the first time, taste just the tiniest amount on the tip of your tongue and wait a few minutes to make sure there are no adverse effects. Foraged foods are a new experience for many, and you may find that what you can tolerate differs from those around you.

As much as you might love your puppy pals, try to avoid anything at dog height, as their muck can cause health problems for humans. If picking from ground level, make sure it’s in a dog-free area, and make sure you thoroughly wash any plant you forage from the earth.

What not to do

Wherever you are foraging, whether it be countryside or coast, it’s a rookie mistake to be a little too enthusiastic. Remember, there are wild animals and a delicate ecosystem to consider when you’re collecting your chicory. The general rule of thumb? Take just a little, and spread your foraging across several plants if possible, so they can easily replenish themselves.

Avoid foraging near busy roads or industrial zones, and built up areas that may use pesticides for plant control. While urban foraging is definitely possible, it pays to know the history of the area and go with someone who knows where to look.

A word of warning

As fun and fancy-free as foraging may seem, there’s a very serious side to it. The world is full of delicious treasures, but as many things as there are in the wild for you to eat, there’s a large number of things that can cause serious illness, or even death (we’re looking at you, death cap mushrooms). Never eat anything that you are not at least 110% sure of what it is. Even with a trusty online search by your side, there are several plants in nature that look disarmingly similar to a less than expert.

The solution? Head out into the wild with a clued-up guide by your side. Not only will they keep you from ingesting anything you shouldn’t, but they have a wealth of knowledge and expertise you can tap into. Search in your area for local foraging guides, and make sure they have plenty of experience and glowing reviews before hitting the trails with them.