Foraging Fortnight, taking place across the country from September 3-13, celebrates our rich natural pantry and the variety of wild foods available on our doorstep.
From riverside foraging walks and mushroom forays to wild food workshops and themed lectures and demonstrations, Foraging Fortnight will allow people to learn more about wild food and medicinal plants.
Led by NatureScot, Scotland’s nature agency, in partnership with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), the festival program has been designed to encourage people of all ages to participate safely and responsibly in a variety of search for food.
The program includes restaurants with foraging menus, screenings and foraging walks for all ages, in accordance with Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code.
For businesses, SRUC workshops include creating stories around forage flavors and wild food ingredients, edibles from the garden – such as finding food closer to home, increasing forage flavors on your menu , as well as individual surgeries to support the development of new products and services.
Pete Moore, NatureScot’s Head of Wildlife Policy, said: “Responsibly foraging is a great way to spend time outdoors, engage with and notice nature.
“No matter where you live, you won’t be far from tasty food. share their knowledge and skills.
Ceri Ritchie, Head of Food and Business at SAC Consulting (part of SRUC), added: “These events highlight the value that foraging and wild food can bring to businesses, providing the opportunity to create something unique, tell an inspiring story, and showcase products and service links to the natural environment, heritage and sustainability.
The festival aims to leave a legacy of increased public awareness and expertise in sustainable foraging, as well as a better understanding of the health and well-being benefits of foraging in natural environments. The full program is available at www.foragingfortnight.co.uk.
