Sunny afternoon filled with joy as our young explorers discovered the hidden treasures from nature.

This was a large group as the last family to book in had 6 members so we were a little over our usual numbers – however, this was just fine. Kids were marvelous and engaging in all the activities.

We have started at the carpark with a little fairly tale about a princes who knew about madicinal priperties of roses and we tasted lovely heart shape petals.

Nearby we were lucky to have an opportinity to taste fresh male pinecones which are best to be combined with cucumber or added to salads to boost the vitamin C intake.

We made a stop at a well known tree – silver birch and learnt about its many benefits be learning a short poem and enjoyed a very precious sap.

Silver Birch Tree

Silver birch with bark so white,
Dancing leaves in morning light.
Pick the leaves for a tasty tea,
Sip it warm—it’s good for me!

Tap the trunk when spring is near,
Sap like water, fresh and clear.
A little drink to help me grow,
Strong and healthy—off I go!

Another plant we looked at needs a little care- stinging nettle-actually makes lovely crisps.

Next stop was by a large patch of cow parsley which surprising was immediately identified by one of the little explorers. We have taken a c loser look so we can later find its poisonous look-a-like.

At hawthorn, the kids were encouraged to prepare their very own “bread and cheese” sandwich. Warnign about the thorns of course.

Conveniently, we have found a location where ground elder and elder grow side by side, so we could explore and compare both of these. We have sampled ground elder both fresh and in hashgreen, which is made just like hash brown but adding wild greens such a ground elder into the potatoes, eggs and flour mix. The elderberry cordial made all the little mouses very colourful 🙂

As the sun was shining, we have gathered around a thermal blanket to explore and learn about mushrooms. First we marveled at the Jelly Ear, which has grown since the start of the event – thanks to addition of water. Its ear like rubbery texture giving it its name. We have learnt about key identification features in muchrooms recognition and then continued onto the spy mission.

Children were given a maginfying glass to discover why cleaver alias sticky willy clings to us. This plant makes a lovely spring cleansing tonic.

As we entered into the woods we were on the mission to finding a poisonous plant! Of course we found the deadly hemlock!

To switch onto something sweeter, we had an opportunity to taste cake from dead nettles.

Time flew too fast, so we only managed to have a quick stop by the wild cherry tree and tasted a bit of yammy jam.

We have gathered everyone for a group photo and under the promise of upcoming chocolates, managed to learn about one last plant- magnificent hogweed and its many culinary uses including the seeds as a secret incredient in Charnwood Foraging signature chocolate.

Several families kindly contributed to our colection for LRWT for which, we are much thanksful. Especially the contribution from the children itself. Explorer Billy donated his own pocket money! Now thats really something special. Thank you all.

We hope to see many of the kids growing and protecting the beautiful nature around us.