Foraging Code
Basic common sense code can be applied to foraging and the collecting of wild food. The following foraging code has been kindly provided by Mary White of Blackstairs Eco Trails
- Only pick where specimens are abundant – If you can only find one or two specimens, leave them where they are.
- Do not strip a site bare – Even where there is an abundance, make sure you only pick enough for your needs and leave more than you take.
- Use a knife – Using a knife to cut specimens avoids excess damage to plants and inadvertent uprooting, increasing the likelihood that the plant will continue to grow and thrive after a little judicious pruning.
- Grow it yourself – Most wild food plants, and even some fungi, are actually very easy to grow at home – in the allotment, garden or window box.
- If you find a particular wild food that you like, learn how to cultivate it on your own bit of ‘land’ and leave the wild ones for the birds and bees.
- Leave 1/3 for sustainability. 1/3 for wild life. 1/3 for foraging.
- Warning ! Always make sure that you can identify the plant, mushroom, leaves etc., accurately. When in doubt Leave it out!
- Seek expert advice if you are unsure.
- Buy a good Field Guide to Wild Plants and Fungi.
