Discover the magic and utility of the natural world through our engaging talks. From identifying wild edibles to exploring ancient folklore, our sessions are informative, inspiring, and entertaining. We can tailor talks to your needs, offering insights into edible species, traditional uses, and culinary possibilities. Samples may be provided where applicable, bringing these stories to life with a sensory experience.
Please note: Where relevant, we address poisonous lookalikes—particularly for mushrooms—and provide essential medical warnings to ensure safe foraging and consumption practices.
We strongly emphasize legal compliance and sustainable foraging practice at all times.
All current talk topics below or you can download a full list here.
Email Address: jo@charnwoodforaging.co.uk
Phone Number: 07713 567548
Talk Topics:
Forage for Health
Wild remedies from garden to woodland
Explore edible and medicinal plants growing in gardens, meadows, and woodlands that have long been used to ease common ailments. This talk offers an introduction to the history of herbalism, highlighting natural remedies for everyday issues like colds, flu, and joint pain. While we can’t cover everything in under an hour, we’ve selected some of the most useful conditions—and matched them with both familiar and unexpected plant allies. We’ll finish with a glimpse into the healing potential of wild fungi—the forest’s own pharmacy.
Forage for Colours
Wild remedies from garden to woodland
A colourful journey through East Midlands’ edible wild plants and fungi
Discover the vibrant spectrum of edible and medicinal plants, trees, and mushrooms found in the East Midlands. We’ll explore nature’s colours one by one—highlighting a unique wild species in each hue, from brilliant berries to vivid fungi. Along the way, we’ll share folklore, traditions, and fascinating uses that bring each colour to life.
Forage for Food
Wild ingredients, delicious creations — with a few surprises
Celebrate the best of wild food—from jams, syrups, cordials and wines to cakes, soups, and more. This talk showcases standout edible plants for each category, complete with recipes and tips to bring these seasonal treasures to your table.
But not all is as it seems…
We’ll also explore some of the most unexpected tastes, scents, and textures in the wild: from cleavers that taste like cucumber, to Chicken of the Woods—a mushroom that’s not a chicken! Alongside practical uses, we’ll delve into medicinal properties, traditions, and the curious folklore behind these flavourful finds.
The Witch and Her Broom
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.
Forage in Your Garden
Incredible Edibles in Your Garden: Surprising Plants You Can Eat
Think your garden is just for show? Think again! This eye-opening talk reveals the unexpected edible delights hiding in plain sight—from so-called “weeds” to ornamental plants you’d never guess are tasty (and safe) to eat. Discover how your garden might be full of culinary surprises, even if you never planted it with food in mind.
Ideal for gardening clubs, foragers, and curious food lovers, this fun and informative talk will change how you see your garden—and what you put on your plate.
Foraging & History
Discover the Hidden Histories of Plants & Fungi: From Monks to Monarchs
Step into the fascinating world of botanical history in this engaging talk that explores the ancient and surprising uses of plants and fungi throughout the centuries. Uncover how medieval monks helped introduce edible species—some of which now grow wild across the landscape. Learn about plants named after famous kings and queens, and the curious stories behind them. We’ll explore the rich tapestry of historical facts, folklore, and traditional uses of these remarkable species—and how many of them are still valued for their edible and medicinal properties today.
Perfect for nature lovers, foragers, historians, and anyone curious about the legacy of plants in human culture.
Forage for Life
From love charms to wise remedies
Follow the journey of life through the plants that have supported us at every stage—from spells and herbs to inspire love and fertility, to remedies that boost focus in youth and ease the aches of age. This talk explores the folklore, traditions, and magical uses of plants connected to birth, growth, love, ageing, and beyond.
Fungi for Beginners: Myths, Magic & Identification
Learning to recognise the UK’s fascinating fungi safely
Whether you’re curious about edible mushrooms or simply fascinated by the hidden world of fungi, this introductory talk is the perfect place to start. Learn the key mushroom families, the identification features used by experienced foragers and mycologists, and how to recognise common lookalikes. We’ll also separate fact from fiction by exploring some of the biggest myths surrounding wild fungi. Along the way, you’ll discover why fungi are so important to our ecosystems and how anyone can help record and protect these remarkable organisms.
Forage and Preserve Wild Food
Berries, greens or mushrooms – for a pot or a jar?
This talk is a on demand variation from Forage for food with more focus on different methods of preserving. We explore the best way to make our wild foraged goods last all year round – pickling, salting, making jams, syrups, cordials and wines, infusing, freezing, drying even making “povidla” Enjoy your harvest of wild food. Make medicinal tinctures to heal your illnesses all years round
Forage on Holiday
Costal treasures for inland based inhabitants
This talk focuses on coastal plants. All records collected durign a short spring stay on the island of Jersey. Originally planned to follow famous Bergerac hot spots and ended up tracking far more exciting “hot spots” with plants an inland forager can only dream about. The island is covered with edible treasures. And yet we visit the war museum and learn about the difficulty getting food during the war time. I wish people knew. The island is a wild food larder. lets come on holiday together, lets dream and learn.
I can prepare other on demand talks if of interest. Please feel free to contact me with suggestions.