Family friendly foraging course 3rd & 10th October
Join us for a relaxed, family-friendly woodland session designed to spark curiosity in both children and adults. In this 1–1¼ hour hands-on experience, we’ll gently guide you through the woodland to spot autumn fungi (where conditions allow) and explore edible and medicinal trees and seasonal plants. Even if mushrooms are few, there’s always plenty to discover. The session is full of interactive, fun activities to inspire young minds and grown-ups alike, including growing your own mushroom and creating a traditional Traveller’s Amulet — a beautiful woodland keepsake to remember your day. Have a family photo taken with a big fungi
What to bring:
- A small reusable glass or cup, a spoon for tasting.
- A bottle of water to rinse between tastings.
- Weather-appropriate clothing and footwear for woodland terrain. No umbrellas, just water proof clothing.
Suitable for All Ages
No previous experience is needed. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult.
🌿 During the session we will:
- Learn basic fungi safety and simple identification principles.
- Discover how to recognise common autumn fungi, trees, and plants.
- Understand the important role fungi play in woodland ecosystems.
- Explore edible and medicinal species found in our local landscape.
- Taste a selection of pre-prepared wild food samples.
Booking essential. All participants must provide next-of-kin details and inform us of any allergies or food intolerances. A short safety briefing will be given at the start of the session.
Adult & 15+ Autumn Foraging Course 17th October
A 3–4 hour hands-on woodland experience
Step into the autumn woodland with Charnwood Foraging on this relaxed Foraging Course designed to build confidence in identifying wild fungi, plants, and trees. Whether you’re completely new to foraging or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will guide you every step of the way.
This is a hands-on, interactive experience with plenty of opportunities to taste the season. You’ll explore autumn fungi (where conditions allow), edible plants, and medicinal trees, learning practical identification skills and safety tips along the way. Tasting is a highlight — from wild greens to jams, cordials, and infusions — giving you the true flavours of the season.
- A small reusable glass or cup, a spoon for tasting
- A bottle of water to rinse between tastings
- 1GBP or 50 pence coin (for fungi study, you will keep this)
- Weather-appropriate clothing and footwear for woodland terrain. No umbrellas, just water proof clothing.
What to bring:
During the session you will:
- Learn essential fungi safety and identification principles
- Build confidence recognising edible species and comparing them with common look-alikes
- Understand the important role fungi play in woodland ecosystems
- Explore seasonal edible and medicinal plants and trees
- Taste a selection of seasonal wild foods and drinks, carefully prepared to give a true sense of autumn
Booking essential. All participants must provide next-of-kin details and inform us of any allergies or food intolerances. A short safety briefing will be given at the start of the session.
Talk: Forage and preserve
Step back with us to those childhood kitchens, where the air was sweet with the scent of jam bubbling on the stove, or the cupboard held jars of pickles and preserves made with love. In this talk, we’ll wander down memory lane as we explore the many ways our ancestors and parents used to preserve the wild foods around them – from jams, syrups, cordials, and “povidla” to wines, medicinal tinctures, freezing, and drying. Together, we’ll rediscover the simple joys of “what we used to do” and learn how to keep these traditions alive today. Classic and surprising wild food nourishing body and soul all year round.
Free for seasonal ticket holders, others 5 GBP/person.
Talk: The Witch and Her Broom 10:30-11:30
A journey into the magical and medicinal world of wild plants and fungi
Explore the dual nature of plants and mushrooms rooted in folklore and Druid traditions. We’ll look at species with both healing and mind-altering properties—some poisonous in part, yet edible in others. Expect mentions of psychedelic fungi used by the Incas, plants linked to witches’ spells, and curious names like witch’s butter, witch’s broom, and witch’s hair. Open your mind—we’re stepping into a world of traditional beliefs, spell-craft, and the blurred lines between remedy and poison.
Free for seasonal ticket holders, others 5 GBP/person.
