FOOD + DRINK
Foraging in Kent cont ...
EDIBLE FLOWERS Edible flowers take centre stage ; from lilac to rose , elderflower to gorse , flowers work fantastically infused into syrups . You can even freeze these in ice cube trays to enjoy a taste of summer in the depths of winter . Here , sustainability and respect are most important . When foraging for flowers they must be in abundance . A great way to give back is to plant for pollinators in your own garden . Small changes like favouring open form roses over closed ones provide far superior food sources for wildlife .
EDIBLE FRUIT Then of course there ’ s the fruit – where Kent truly lives up to its Garden of England identity . When we think about foraging , blackberry-stained hands might spring to mind . The joy of juicy berries – sometimes tart , often sweet , can ’ t be ‘ proper ’ foraging I ’ ve been told . It shocks me that many discount blackberry picking , which for many are our first fond memories out in nature .
EXPERIENCE When I take locals out on a foraging tour , it ’ s simply the continuation of their journey , which may have begun with a blackberry or wild apple . Every new plant identified – whether edible or toxic – is a step towards understanding and respecting our local landscapes . Foraging throughout the year , you become connected to the seasons , come to appreciate the rain which nourishes and sun which in turn ripens . Summer is a parade of fruits including cherries , raspberries and damsons . Pepper and citrus are some of the surprising autumn flavours available from herbs and seeds , while winter sees edible ‘ weeds ’ emerging when little else will . Spring is an explosion of garlic , tender greens and fragrant herbs . Each year is an adventure with more to discover .
AMY ’ S NATURE LOVING TIPS Guiding locals on their foraging journey , experience doesn ’ t matter so much as a respect for nature . Litter picking , spreading ripe seeds and introducing native wild food plants to our own gardens are ways to give back for what we take . With this in mind , I ’ d like to share my top tips for the sustainable forager :
• Only forage a plant where it is truly abundant . Forage small amounts from multiple plants .
• Research the plant and its value to wildlife .
• Leave a wild space in your garden .
• Plant native species in your garden .
• Share your love and knowledge with others ! The more people care about our wild places , the easier it is to protect them .
• Many of us have fond memories of foraging for wild foods , such as picking blackberries , with our families . Traditionally , apples , sloes and elderflowers have also been gathered from the wild to make delicious and nutritious preserves at home . By foraging for wild food , we can rediscover the joys of connecting with nature and enjoy the unique tastes and health benefits of a diverse range of plants and mushrooms .
To join a foraging adventure in Kent , check out the Forth and Forage website at www . forthandforage . co . uk , where you can also book a private or group foraging tour and subscribe Amy ’ s free forager ’ s newsletter .
www . forthandforage . co . uk
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