Walking, Foraging and the Joy of Discovery
Patience Gray, author of the wonderful book Honey from a Weed, once wrote that foraging on a walk allows us to “experience the human–plant relation”. It’s a beautiful thought — that as we wander, gathering what nature offers, we’re connecting not just with the landscape, but with our deep human roots.
Foraging gives our walks a new rhythm. We can amble for hours with friends and family, chatting, exploring and collecting as we go. Children, in particular, make excellent foragers — their sharp eyes and natural curiosity make them brilliant at spotting berries, mushrooms, leaves and even hidden treasures like nuts or roots. Anthropologists studying hunter-gatherers in Tanzania found that children over the age of five are already very skilled at identifying edible plants, fruits, and small game. It seems that our instinct to forage might be something we carry in our DNA — an ancient urge to seek and share food from the wild.
The Health Benefits of Foraging
What you find will depend on where you live, but there’s nothing quite like returning home with a basket (or apron pockets!) full of fresh, free produce. Many wild foods are classed as “superfoods”, packed with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
The American National Institutes of Health lists eleven top superfoods — and seven of them can be found in the wild: berries, seafood, garlic, mushrooms, leafy greens, nuts and seeds.
- Blackberries are full of antioxidants and vitamins C, K and A. In one study, rats fed with blackberries showed improved balance, coordination and short-term memory.
- Mushrooms have long been valued for their medicinal properties. The study of mycotherapy — the use of mushrooms in medicine — is exploring their potential in treating conditions like breast cancer.
- Dandelion leaves are a powerhouse of iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamins A, C, K, E and B.
- Nettle tops can help reduce inflammation and may lower blood sugar and blood pressure.
- Ransoms (wild garlic leaves) are not only delicious but also antibacterial, antifungal and rich in beneficial phytochemicals.
- Nuts and seeds provide protein, antioxidants and fibre. Research suggests that just a handful a day may help lower cholesterol.
Foraging Wisely
Foraging can be one of the most rewarding ways to enrich your walks — but it’s important to do it safely and respectfully.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Never eat anything you’re unsure of. Try to go with an experienced guide the first time.
- Forage sustainably — only take what you need, leaving plenty for wildlife and others.
- Check local laws about what can be foraged, and avoid protected plants or private land.
- Avoid foraging in areas of pollution, sewage, dogs and pesticides. Always wash your weeds thoroughly.
- Take a few containers or an apron with pockets to separate your finds — perhaps one for bitter greens, one for sweet greens and one for roots and fungi.
It’s worth finding a local foraging guide. For example, in Madrid, Guía de Alimentos Silvestres de Madrid by Rocío Marugán Ruiz is a fantastic resource.
Bringing It All Together
Whether you’re strolling through a hedgerow, wandering a woodland path, or exploring a coastal trail, foraging can deepen your connection to nature and to those walking beside you. Each leaf, berry or mushroom tells a story — of the seasons, the soil and our shared human past.
So next time you lace up your walking boots, take a basket or apron along. You might come home not just with something tasty, but with a renewed sense of wonder for the world around you.
Source: 52 Ways to Walk: Annabel Streets – Bloomsbury Publishing